Expert: Andy Mendyk - 9/30/2007

Question
QUESTION: My sister, friends and I are going to Aruba for the first time.  We are getting there on Oct. 13 and leaving on Oct. 20.  We are going to be in the Aruba Beach Club.  And my question is that if do you think if we need a car to move around the island or not? How about from and to the airport? how about the attraction?  are the attractions in the island in close walking distance?  Also, how is the public transportation?  In addition, I live in USA and I want to know if the electric plugs in the island are compatible with the ones in the USA or do I need to bring a converter?  And lastly, When we leave the island, do we need to pay for the $30 or is it cover by Delta?

Thanks for you time and thanks for helping out other like me that are ready for adventure but does not know much about the island.

SILVIA

ANSWER: Hi Silvia! First, I am an owner at Aruba Beach Club. You will love it there. Just renovated, clean, large pool, great beach! Taxis!!!  They may seem expensive, but when you figure the rental charges, gas, taxes, pick up and drop off, and driving in unfamiliar territory, along with trying to find a parking spot, you will know what I mean! Public transportation...there is a bus stop about a 5 minute walk from ABC for downtown. 2 dollars for a round trip if you elect to go that way. Attractions..plenty of tour operators that will pick up & drop you off at the hotel. See the brochures and local publications for tour operators. Yes..electrical is same as here in the States. No converter required. The Island departure tax is included with the price of your airfare. Do not worry about that. When you exit the airport, you will see a road lined up with taxis. Just wait your turn, tell the drive where you are going. The one great thing about Aruba is everyone knows english! Use American dollars there...no need to exchange to the local currency. If there is anything else I can help you with..get right back to me!!  Enjoy your trip!

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QUESTION: Thanks for replying so fast!  I am truly thankful for your help and all the info you are giving me.
I have another question.  We want to go to Venezuela for only one day.  We want to take a ferry to go there.  Which ferries do you recommend?  If we want to go to Venezuela, which place in Venezuela do you recommend us to go as well as which Venezuelan port is closer from Aruba?  Do you how much is it?  How about crime?  Which places in Aruba you don't think is safe for tourists to go to? And finally, are you saying that renting a car is much expensive than taking a taxi?  In other words, it is better to take a taxi than rent a car, right?  What I want to say is that we don't need to rent a car because it is easier to move around in Aruba with taxis and public transportation, Correct?  How much do taxi cabs ask for their services?  (I don't want to be overcharge because I am a tourist.)= /

Thanks again for being helpful.  =>

Silvia

ANSWER: Hi Again! First..the Taxis! They are government regulated. All hotels normally post the rates. They never vary except for extra luggage, after midnight, and on Sundays. Try this link for http://taxiaruba.com/new/farelist.html  for fares around the island. If you can not get this link, leave me your e-mail address and I can shoot it over to you.
Next..Venezuela..DO NOT GO THERE!!!  There are U.S. State Dept. Warnings for Americans traveling there. Robberies, muggings, car jackings, kidnappings, civil unrest. Shootings in the main streets with no law enforcement. Even the hotels there warn you not to leave the building at night! If something should happen to you, even the Embassy/Consulate can do little to help you! There is also no ferry service to/from Aruba. They do have 3 flights daily, and not that cheap if you do fly there. I highly advise not to go near there!  Also, yes, it is easier to get around the island by Taxi! Forgot that earlier in this response! Check back if you need me!

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QUESTION: Hello again
It sounds silly what I am going to say but this warning is it only for Americans that go to Venezuela?  I am asking because I am Salvadorian living legally in the USA and I don't know if USA Citizen are being the target of crime because they are Americans.  So, in other words, do you think any tourist from any nationality are target of crime in Venezuela?
Thanks for your help and for answering so fast.  You are very nice.  Thank you

Silvia

Answer
RE: Vevezuela!  First, the Government has issues with the U.S., so regardless, your origin is from the U.S. Secondly, with the crime and civil unrest, it does not matter to the criminal who you are or where you are from. The point is the laws are not enforced as they should be, so the criminals know it is easy pickings for them to do whatever they want. Chavez has that country in his clutches, and the citizens have it bad wether they like him, or not. I can only advise, but if you do plan to go, take the least amount of cash, no jewelry/cameras/purse or anything of value. Beware of Taxis that have no radio communications, as those are the gypsy cabs that set you up for a heist on an off-beaten track with their partners in crime. Also, hide your return airline tickets, as that is a major target when at the airport. Without return airfare, you may be in that country for a few weeks.