By Car in Aruba

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By Car

Aruba has a well-organized public transit system, and taxis and tour companies are readily available, so a rental car is not really necessary for most visitors to the island. Many people come here for the nightlife, so using a taxi will remove any temptation to drink and drive. To rent a car you'll need a driver's license, and you must meet the minimum age requirements of the company (Budget, for example requires drivers to be over 25; Avis, between 23 and 70; and Hertz, over 21). A deposit of $500 (or a signed credit-card slip) is required. Rates are between $44 and $90 a day (local agencies generally have lower rates).

Most of Aruba's major attractions are fairly easy to find; others you'll happen upon only by sheer luck. Aside from the major highways, the island's winding roads are poorly marked. International traffic signs and Dutch-style traffic signals (with an extra light for a turning lane) can be misleading if you're not used to them; use extreme caution, especially at intersections, until you grasp the rules of the road. Speed limits are rarely posted but are usually 80 kph (50 mph) in the countryside. Gas prices average about $1.79 a liter (roughly 1/3 gallon), which is reasonable by Caribbean standards.

Information

Avis (Kolibristraat 14, Oranjestad. 297/582-8787. Airport. 297/582-5496. www.avis.com). Budget (Kolibristraat 1, Oranjestad. 297/582-8600 or 800/472-3325. www.budgetaruba.com). Dollar (Grendeaweg 15, Oranjestad. 297/582-2783. Airport. 297/582-5651. Manchebo Beach Resort, J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 55. 297/582-6696. www.dollar.com). Economy (Kolibristraat 5. 297/582-5176. www.economyaruba.com). Hedwina Car Rental (Bubali 93A, Noord. 297/587-6442. Airport. 297/583-0880). Hertz (Sabana Blanco 35, near the airport. 297/582-1845. Airport. 297/582-9112. www.rentcararuba.com). National (Tanki Leendert 170, Noord. 297/587-1967. Airport. 297/582-5451. www.nationalcar.com). Thrifty (Balashi 65, Santa Cruz. 297/585-5300. Airport. 297/583-5335. www.thriftyaruba.com).