Moving Tips from Aruba

  Moving to Aruba for retirement can be an exciting adventure. Here are some tips and advice to help you with the process:   Research and Visit: Before deciding to move, do thorough research on Aruba. Learn about its culture, climate, cost of living, healthcare system, and other important factors. Visit the island beforehand to get a feel for the place and determine if it suits your retirement goals.   Understand Residency Requirements: Familiarize yourself with Aruba's residency requirements. Aruba offers different types of residency permits, such as the Pensionado (retiree) permit, which allows retirees to live in Aruba as long as they meet certain financial criteria. Consult with the Aruban Department of Immigration to understand the specific requirements and application process. Check this link for more info DIMAS: https://www.dimasaruba.aw/en/   Financial Considerations: Review your finances and

If you like gardening and growing your vegetables, Aruba is a great place for that! Because we are located on the equatorial line, Aruba doesn't have seasons, but endless summer, making it perfect to grow vegetables, herbs, and fruits, all year long. Just keep in mind that between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm the temperature rises and it is not the best time to work in your garden. Aruba doesn't have any industrial farming, for that reason, you will see more insects, than in other places. It is a relief to know the island is not using pesticides in large quantities! You will also notice the iguanas and lizards looking for new leaves and flowers, so not all the fruits and vegetables will grow, you will be sharing your garden with them. We don't mind though! Our garden produces enough to share and we prefer to have an organic garden and not hurting the fauna around us. You cannot buy live worms on Aruba, but if you buy the worm cast and keep it long enough in a dark place, you will be

If you are moving to Aruba or just settled in on the One Happy Island, this information about grocery shopping is very handy. On Aruba, there’s always a small grocery store around the corner. Nevertheless, you can also find international well-known products at our major supermarkets in Aruba.  Even though Aruba is a small island in the Caribbean; you will be surprised by how many options and variety you will find in the supermarkets! From vegan products to exotic delicacies from all over the world. Many products from the Netherlands, Latin America, North America, and also from Asia.  Aruba has to import almost everything, but lately, the local production of fruits and vegetables has gained popularity. Although these products are not produced in large quantities on the island Same with seafood, the possibilities are endless, in the supermarkets, you can find frozen seafood from all over the world as well as fresh seafood caught by the locals.   #SupportYourLocals Did you know that the

Import duties on Aruba are calculated on CIF:  Cost + Insurance + Freight. The average value of import duties is 12% for basic goods/products which are categorized as primary necessities of life. Luxury and other goods are subjected to higher import duties. An exemption on household goods may apply if the following conditions are met: • The household goods must have been used in the previous primary place of residence. • The household goods have been used outside of Aruba following the prevailing norms in that country. • Exemption is only granted to persons who were not yet considered residents of Aruba. • Household goods imported using a duty exemption must be imported within 12 months after the normal place of residence has been transferred; this can be achieved in one or more shipments.  • Fill out a petition for duty-free import to Aruba, it is in Dutch • If a request for exemption of import duties on the household goods shipment is rejected in whole or in part, the own

Welcome to my island! This is where the container with your cargo or vehicle will arrive. The port of Oranjestad It is being used only for cruise ships and car carriers, it is the main commercial harbor of Aruba, is situated on the south-western end of the island.  Open for day and night navigation, allowing vessels to enter and leave at any hour. It is located along the water’s edge of the capital, Oranjestad, which makes a colorful sight upon entering the harbor.  The ships dock within walking distance from the shopping centers, a short drive from the beaches, and about 3 miles from the Airport. The Barcadera Harbor  It is located 3 miles South East of the Oranjestad Port and has 1148 feet of docking space.  Planned for more than 20 years, the container Port in Barcadera is in business since February 15, 2016. With the reopening of the Barcadera port for containerized cargo, the Government of Aruba is promoting Aruba regionally and internationally as a potential small hub for Free-Zo

 If you live on Aruba or a country with tropical weather, avoid plastic/bubble wrap as much as possible!