To rent a car in Aruba, you must be 23+ years old (21 for economy cars, 25 for luxury), hold a valid driver’s license for 1+ year, and present a major credit card with $500-$2,000 deposit hold. You need your passport and original driver’s license—no IDP required unless your license uses non-Roman script.
What Are the Essential Requirements for Renting a Car in Aruba?
Three requirements determine eligibility: age verification (23+ years), valid licensing (held 1+ year), and financial standing (major credit card). International brands enforce stricter protocols than local agencies. You must present original physical documents—digital copies are refused at rental counters.
What Documents Are Needed for Car Rental in Aruba?
You must present original physical documents matching your reservation name and credit card. Agents verify documents at the counter before releasing vehicles.
What Are the Driver’s License Validity Rules?
Your driver’s license must be valid for the entire rental period and held for 1+ year minimum. Temporary licenses and learner’s permits are rejected. If expiration falls within your rental dates, companies refuse service.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Aruba?
No IDP required for licenses from the 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇪🇺 EU, and most countries with Roman alphabet (A-Z) printing. You need an IDP only if your license uses non-Roman script (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese), lacks a photograph, or the rental company specifically requires it (rare).
What Identification Documents Must You Present?
Valid passport required as primary ID for international renters. Agents copy the photo page. For debit card rentals or high-value vehicles, you must provide printed flight itinerary or e-ticket confirmation proving return travel plans.
What Are the Age Requirements for Renting a Car?
Minimum age is 23 years standard, with variations by vehicle type. Maximum age caps at 70-75 years due to insurance limits.
What Is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Aruba?
Standard minimum: 23 years old. Economy/compact cars: 21 years at some local agencies. Luxury vehicles and Jeeps: 25 years minimum. Arriving under the required age cancels your reservation.
Are There Maximum Age Restrictions for Renters?
Maximum age limit: 70-75 years at most companies. Drivers over 70 may rent by providing a doctor’s fitness note, purchasing extra insurance, or using local agencies with flexible policies versus international chains.
How Do Young Driver Fees Apply?
Drivers aged 21-25 pay Young Driver Fees of $10-$25 per day. This surcharge covers higher insurance risk and is excluded from initial quoted prices on booking sites.
What Are the Financial Requirements and Payment Methods?
Major credit card in primary driver’s name is mandatory for 90%+ of rentals. The card must show raised emblem and driver’s name for pre-authorization holds of $500-$2,000.
Is a Credit Card Mandatory for Car Rental in Aruba?
Yes—major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) in primary driver’s name required. Card must have raised emblem and printed name. Prepaid cards and spouse’s cards (if not primary driver) are rejected for security deposits.
Can You Rent a Car with a Debit Card or Cash?
Major chains refuse debit cards. Local agencies accept debit cards only with maximum insurance (Super CDW), 2x higher deposits, and proof of return flight. Cash deposits are universally refused due to security and money laundering regulations.
How Much Is the Rental Deposit?
Security deposit hold (not immediate charge) varies by vehicle: Economy/Compact $500-$800, Mid-size/SUV $800-$1,200, Jeep/4×4/Luxury $1,000-$2,000+. Funds release 3-10 business days after damage-free return.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Deposit Amount |
|---|---|
| Economy / Compact | $500 – $800 |
| Mid-size / SUV | $800 – $1,200 |
| Jeep / 4×4 / Luxury | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
What Insurance Coverage Is Required for Rental Cars?
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) limits liability but leaves $500-$1,000 deductible. Third-Party Liability (TPL) is mandatory. CDW excludes tire, windshield, and undercarriage damage.
What Does Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Cover?
CDW limits your liability for vehicle damage with $500-$1,000 deductible remaining. Excludes tire/rim damage, windshield/glass damage, and undercarriage damage (common in off-roading).
Is Theft Protection Included in Rental Agreements?
Theft Protection (TP) sold separately or bundled with CDW. Covers vehicle replacement if stolen or damaged during theft attempt. Does not cover personal items left inside—never leave valuables in unattended vehicles at beach parking lots.
Should You Purchase Additional Liability Insurance?
Third-Party Liability (TPL) is mandatory but often has low coverage limits. Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) increases coverage for damages to other people/property. Credit card rental insurance provides secondary coverage (car only), not third-party liability—verify with card issuer before declining counter offers.
What Rental Agreement Policies Should You Know?
Full-to-Full fuel policy is standard. Additional drivers must be registered (unauthorized drivers void insurance). Off-road restrictions apply—sedans prohibited, 4x4s allowed with limitations.
How Do Fuel Policies Work in Aruba?
Full-to-Full policy: receive car with full tank, return with full tank. Returning with less fuel triggers refueling fee plus premium-rate gas charges. Gas stations are plentiful; most are self-service requiring pre-payment inside kiosks.
What Are the Rules for Adding Additional Drivers?
Every driver must be registered on rental agreement—unauthorized drivers void insurance coverage. Unregistered driver accidents make you liable for full damage costs. Additional drivers must meet same age/license requirements as primary renter. Daily fee per extra driver applies (some packages include 1 free spouse).
What Are the Restrictions on Taking Vehicles Off-Road?
Regular sedans/compacts: strictly prohibited off-road—driving on rough dirt roads or sand dunes voids insurance immediately. 4x4s/Jeeps: allowed off-road but forbidden on white sand dunes or wetlands (environmental protection laws). Undercarriage damage or engine flooding during off-roading makes you fully responsible regardless of insurance.
What Local Traffic Laws Must Renters Follow?
Speed limits in km/h: urban 30 km/h (19 mph), out of town 60 km/h (37 mph), highways 80 km/h (50 mph). Right-hand traffic system. Traffic from right has right of way at unsigned intersections.
What Are the Speed Limits and Parking Regulations?
Speed limits posted in km/h: Urban areas 30 km/h (19 mph), out of town 60 km/h (37 mph), highways 80 km/h (50 mph). In Oranjestad, pay for parking in white-line zones. Yellow lines indicate no parking. Beach sand and protected dune parking is illegal with heavy fines.
How Do Right-Hand Traffic Rules Apply in Aruba?
Right-hand traffic system (drive on right side like United States/Canada). Overtake on left. At unsigned intersections, traffic from right has right of way. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic. In roundabouts, drivers already inside have right of way.
