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Time difference and plugs in Aruba
Two practical things you'll immediately encounter on Aruba: the clock and the electrical outlet. Both work a little differently than you're used to at home. Aruba is five hours behind the Netherlands in the winter and six hours behind in the summer. The island does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference changes twice a year with our clocks.
And the electrical outlet is not a given. In many places, there's an American model with a lower voltage than in the Netherlands, and also a different frequency. In this guide, we'll cover both, plus what that means for your phone, your camera, and devices that generate heat.
| Item | On Aruba | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Time zone | Atlantic Standard Time, UTC minus 4 hours | No daylight saving time on the island |
| Winter difference | Five hours earlier than in the Netherlands | 12:00 PM here is 7:00 AM in Aruba |
| Summer difference | Six hours earlier than in the Netherlands | 12:00 PM here is 6:00 AM in Aruba |
| Outlet | Type A and B, sometimes the European Type F | Bring a universal adapter. |
| Voltage | 127 volt at 60 hertz | The Netherlands has 230 volts at 50 hertz. |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
What is the exact time difference?
Aruba is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, four hours behind world time. Because the island does not observe daylight saving time, the clock there remains the same all year round. During our winter time, the difference is five hours. If it's 12:00 PM in the Netherlands, it's 7:00 AM in Aruba.
During our summer time, the difference becomes six hours. At 12:00 PM for us, it's 6:00 AM on the island. This means the time difference changes twice a year without anything happening on Aruba.
What do you notice when you call or message?
If you want to speak to someone at home, keep the time difference in mind. If you call at the beginning of your day, it will already be afternoon or early evening in the Netherlands. This often works out favorably for work. A meeting that starts at 3:00 PM in the Netherlands will be in the morning in Aruba.
Video calls work well if your connection is good. Hotels have Wi-Fi, and a local eSIM gives you coverage on the go. More on this can be found in our guide to Internet, SIM card, and eSIM in Aruba.
Jet lag: is it better or worse than expected?
Flying west is easier for most people than flying east. Your day becomes longer and you simply go to bed at a normal bedtime. On the day of arrival, stay awake until a normal bedtime and go out in the daylight. This helps your body adjust more quickly.
The return journey is often more difficult because you lose hours. Don't plan a heavy first workday at home. Set your watch to Aruba time on the plane, so you're thinking in the right hours from the moment you land.
Sunrise and sunset
Aruba is located close to the equator, which means the days are roughly the same length throughout the year. There are no significant differences between summer and winter. The sun rises early and sets around the beginning of the evening, and this happens quickly. There is hardly any twilight, so keep that in mind if you are out in nature.
For excursions, this means that the morning is usually the most pleasant: cooler, quieter, and with better light. The sunset is most beautiful on the west coast, which is precisely where the beaches are located.
The rhythm of the day in Aruba
Because the sun rises early, the island gets an early start. Shops, dive centers, and excursions begin in the early morning, when it's still cool. Around noon, it gets warm and the pace slows down. Many visitors then plan a long lunch or something relaxing in the shade.
In the late afternoon, the activity picks up again, with sunset being a fixed point. Pay attention to the last departure times for excursions, as they are often earlier than you might expect. Check them on the relevant page.
What plugs does Aruba use?
On Aruba, Type A and Type B outlets, the American model with flat prongs, are used. In addition, you'll encounter the European Type F in some places. So, your Dutch plug won't fit everywhere. The type in your room varies by accommodation and sometimes even by room.
Therefore, take a universal travel adapter that can handle both type A and B. This is cheaper and more convenient than searching on the spot. If in doubt, ask your accommodation in advance what is in the room.
Stress and frequency: pay attention to your devices
The standard voltage in Aruba is 127 volts at a frequency of 60 hertz. In the Netherlands, it is 230 volts at 50 hertz, so both differ. For phones, laptops, and camera chargers, this is usually not a problem. The adapter often states 100 to 240 volts and 50 to 60 hertz, and then it works everywhere.
Appliances with a heating element or a motor are the exception. A hair dryer or flat iron made only for 230 volts will perform poorly or not at all on 127 volts. Check the nameplate on your appliance beforehand. If it only says 230 volts, leave it at home.
The difference with Bonaire and Curaçao
On Bonaire and Curaçao, the voltage is also 127 volts, but the frequency there is 50 hertz, just like in the Netherlands. Aruba differs with 60 hertz. For modern electronics, this makes little difference because their adapters have a wide range. For older appliances with a motor, it can make a difference.
If you are traveling to multiple islands, one universal travel adapter will suffice for all three. You can read more about the differences in our guide on Aruba or Curacao.
What to bring
A universal travel adapter with USB ports really covers everything. Bring two if you're traveling as a couple, because outlets are often scarce in hotel rooms. A power bank is also handy. If you're going out for the day with a rental car or on a boat, it's more convenient than searching for an outlet.
A waterproof case for your phone is not a luxury on Aruba. Saltwater and sand are the biggest enemies of your equipment. The complete list is in our guide about What to bring to Aruba.
If your device isn't working
If your device isn't working or is charging slowly, it's usually due to the lower voltage. Try a different outlet, as some accommodations have both types mixed. Don't buy a cheap converter on the spot for a hairdryer or straightener. It's often simpler to leave it at home and ask if your accommodation has one.
Phone and laptop chargers rarely cause problems. If you're unsure, check the fine print on the adapter. Power outages do occur but are usually short. A charged power bank is a great solution for that.
Practically arranged, and then what?
If your plugs and your watch are in order, then the real work begins: choosing what you're going to do. Aruba is small, but there's more to do than just the beach. A guided tour is a pleasant start because you'll immediately know where everything is and what you want to see later on your own.
What exactly is included varies by provider, so check that on the relevant page. More options are in our guide on the Best excursions in Aruba.
Clock, money, and other practical matters
Besides the clock and the electrical outlet, there's another difference you'll notice immediately: in Aruba, you pay with the Aruban florin, although dollars are also accepted in many places. You can pay by card almost everywhere, but bring some cash for small purchases and tips.
You can read all about it in our guide on payment, currency and tipping in Aruba. The tap water is made from desalinated seawater and is perfectly drinkable, so there's no need to buy bottled water.
Remote work from Aruba
For those combining work and travel, the time difference often works out favorably. The Dutch workday falls in the morning in Aruba, leaving your afternoon free. However, a stable connection is important. Ask your accommodation about the Wi-Fi speed in advance and get a local eSIM as a backup.
Work in the morning and keep the afternoon free for the beach or an outing. That fits well with the island's rhythm. More about that can be found in our guide to Internet, SIM card, and eSIM in Aruba.
Start your vacation without hassle
Set your watch and your phone to Aruba time on the plane, so you won't have to readjust upon arrival. Pack your universal adapter at the top of your suitcase or put it in your carry-on. That way, you can charge your phone right away when you arrive.
Plan your first day calmly and take the heat into account, especially if you're coming from the Dutch winter. Ideas for the rest of the week are in our guide about Aruba in 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions about Time Difference and Plugs in Aruba
How many hours is the time difference with Aruba?
Five o'clock in Dutch winter time and six o'clock in summer time. Aruba does not observe daylight saving time itself.
Does Aruba have daylight saving time?
No. The clock stays the same all year round, so the time difference with the Netherlands changes twice a year.
What plug do you need in Aruba?
Usually the American Type A or B. In some places, the European Type F is also present. A universal travel adapter is the safest choice.
What is the voltage in Aruba?
127 volts at a frequency of 60 hertz. The Netherlands has 230 volts at 50 hertz.
Will my phone charger work in Aruba?
Almost always. If your adapter says 100 to 240 volts, you only need a plug adapter.
Can you drink tap water in Aruba?
Yes. The tap water is made from seawater and is of good quality.
Arrangements made? Then see which activities and excursions fit your trip to Aruba.
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