Ultimate Packing List for Aruba: 39 Things You Need to Take

Looking for the ultimate packing list for Aruba? If you’re worrying about what to pack for Aruba, the hunt is over! Let me take you through everything you need to take on your Aruba trip.

What to take to Aruba

The Aruba dress code for tourists is: everything goes! Super short-shorts, midriffs out, and very low-cut tops are all fine. Dressed up to the nines, all fine! Hoodies and trackies, all fine!

If you’re wondering what to pack for Aruba, the answer in short is, whatever you like.

Absolute essentials for Aruba

1. – Your passport. And check your passport is valid for at least six months before your arrival date in Aruba. 

2. – A valid visa. Depending on your nationality you can either get one before you go or apply on arrival. Make sure you check with your local embassy to check the Aruba visa laws for your country. 

3. – Travel insurance. I actually have travel insurance with my bank, Nationwide. I pay £10 a month and get it included along with phone insurance and breakdown cover. Before I had this I used World Nomads for my travel insurance and would recommend them to anyone. 

4. – Working debit and credit cards. Check with your bank that your cards will work in Aruba, and have $50/$100 stashed in your suitcase just in case. 

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Toiletries for Aruba

All the essentials for your packing list for Aruba.

5. Bug protection

Depending on when you visit, Aruba can be quite buggy, especially if you’re by water in the south. You need to make sure you take a good bug spray. Mosquitos are most active at dusk and around bare flesh. Spray yourself liberally and cover up as much as possible in peak times.

6. Sun cream 

If you decide not to go with the mozzie and sun cream combo then make sure to pack a few different levels of sun cream coverage for your Aruba trip.

I like to start off with a strong SPF and work my way down. UltraSun sun cream is my go to, or whatever spray SPF I can get my hands on. It’s definitely better for coverage when you’re travelling solo. 

7. First aid kit for Aruba

Make sure you include a first aid kit in your packing for Aruba. Get some paracetamol, some diarrhoea stuff, and bad stomach medicine too. If you do get ill it’s so much nicer to have this stuff on you. Any dodgy tummies are usually caused by a change in your normal diet, and should be ok. But always best to be on the safe side.

Stick some plasters in too. If you haven’t walked as far as you’re going to in Aruba, your feet might rub.  

Also, throat lozenges and hand sanitiser are a good idea to put in too. 

8. Hair care in Aruba 

The humidity in Aruba can get pretty crazy, meaning your hair might be frazzled. Make sure you take a good conditioner, and some moisturising serum too.

It will help to add protein into your hair. Otherwise, do a hair mask before you go and when you come back, just for some extra moisture and strength. 

More cosmetics for your Aruba packing list 

9. Toothbrush and toothpaste 

10. Shampoo and conditioner 

11. Tweezers 

12. Micellar water and cotton wool 

13. Moisturiser 

14. Cotton buds 

15. Shower gel 

16. Contact lenses

17. Deodorant 

18. Razor

19. Toiletry bag 

I love the hanging see-through toiletries bags so you can see exactly what you have when you’re packing for Aruba. 

What to wear in Aruba

As I said, Aruba culture is super chill – here’s a few ideas for what to bring to Aruba in your suitcase. 

20. If you’re staying somewhere fancy in Aruba you should pack some sort of fancy wear for evenings too, so you can feel dressed up to go out. Check out my list of the best places to stay in Aruba here.

21. Breathable cotton shorts, tshirts, skirts and dresses.

22. Vest tops to go with shorts.

23. Comfortable trainers. Seeing as you’re on holiday in ArubaI’m sure you’ll want to walk around a bit. Make sure you’re not moaning all the way and opt for comfort. Good for any hikes you plan on doing!

24. Flip flops. It’s hot in Aruba, especially in the south and especially in the summer! You’ll definitely want your flip flops for all those Aruba beaches too.

25. Headwear. Pack either a hat or scarf to wear on your head under the hot sun. If you’re going out on boats at all you’ll want some sort of protection against the elements.  

26. Swimming stuff. You can wear bikinis or swimsuits at the beach areas of Aruba, and in the shops and cafes around.

27. Beach cover ups. Kaftans and flowy dresses are a great idea for the beach, especially if you want to be a bit more comfortable when you’re in bars and restaurants in Aruba too.

28. Scarf / sarong. Scarves are the best when you’re travelling, and an absolute essential IMHO. I used my scarf / sarong as a pillowcase, a head cover when I wanted to sleep, a skirt, a shawl, and more. You definitely need to add a sarong to your Aruba packing list. Trust me. 

29. Light jumper. It’s always nice to know you have a warmer jumper if the temperature should drop, or you’re somewhere where the air conditioning has been turned up just that bit too high. 

30. Trousers. If you feel ready for them, those trousers where you can unzip the leg will be useful. I’m not quite there yet so I just like to pack yoga / sports trousers. And of course leggings are always a good shout to go from hot to cold.

31. Underwear. Bras and knickers to see you through to the end. If you’re going in summer you might want more pairs than you actually need so you can change for the evening.  

32. Socks. Take a few pairs just to wear with your trainers, I like the trainer sock size best. Add these to your checklist for Aruba.

Aruba travel tips clothing

When you’re packing for Aruba you could think about getting a hotel or local laundromat to wash your clothes, but if you’re just going for a week or two you’re better off just taking enough clothes instead.

33. Pack a laundry bag – I have a cotton bag I got years ago from a hotel and just put my dirties in there. I really don’t like my dirty clothes touching my new, especially when I’ve been in such a hot and dirty environment, so I make sure to have some kind of system. You could just use a canvas bag or plastic bag to keep it easy. 

Electronics for Aruba

34. Take a universal power adapter to Aruba. Arubauses different 2 and 3 pin plug sockets depending on where you are. One with built in surge protection is also a good idea. In the United States of America the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. 

35. Your camera and charger. So you can photo yourself doing all the cool things to do in Aruba.

36. Phone and phone charger. You can pick up SIM cards anywhere in Aruba, but seriously, their public WiFi is so good I don’t think you need to.

37. Portable charger. A portable charger is so useful, especially if you’re using the camera or Google Maps a lot and they’re draining your battery. 

More things to take to Aruba on holiday

Don’t forget these in your packing list for Aruba.

38. Umbrella. Not only for the rain up north when you’re hiking, but also the sun. An umbrella can be a great idea on the beach to protect you from the harsh midday sun. 

39. Sunglasses. Makes sure to take some with you, especially if they’re prescription!

FAQs on Aruba things to bring

1. What bag to take to Aruba? 

When I was in Aruba I took my trusty Osprey bag,which I’ve used for years. I’d definitely recommend a flat wheelie like this. It can also be adapted to be a backpack, if I need.

I love it. 

I also like to use different shaped and coloured bags to keep things ordered inside. Ones I’ve picked up on my travels. If you don’t have quite the collection I do, then buy some travel cubes to help you to keep everything in order. Make sure you leave plenty of space for some Aruba souvenirs in your bag!

I’ve never actually felt the need to use luggage locks, but if you’re worried, then there’s no harm in investing. I just feel like it makes it look like you have something worth taking. 

You’ll also want a day rucksack for Aruba, for when you’re sightseeing. I just use a basic rucksack from Vans, but here are a few day pack options for you. 

Aruba packing checklist 

What to pack for Aruba – in a nutshell.

• Passport
• Visa
• Travel insurance
• Vaccinations
• Working debit and credit cards
• Some US dollars
• Bug protection
• Sun cream
• First aid kit
• Hair care stuff
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Tweezers
• Micellar water and cotton wool
• Moisturiser
• Cotton buds
• Shower gel
• Contact lenses
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Toiletries bag
• Breathable cotton shorts, tshirts, skirts and dresses
• Vest tops
• Comfy trainers
• Flip flops
• Headwear
• Swimming stuff
• Beach cover ups
• Light rain coat
• Scarf / sarong
• Light jumper
• Trousers
• Underwear
• Socks
• Laundry bag
• Universal power adaptor
• Camera and charger
• Phone and charger
• Portable charger
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Osprey bag
• Travel cubes
• Luggage locks
• Day rucksack

What to pack for Aruba

So, does that help you get your packing list for Aruba sorted?

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