Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Aruba: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Exchanged USD 50 at the airport kiosk for AWG 1.62 - not great. I then pulled AWG 500 from Scotiabank at the terminal with a solid 1.76 rate. Using ATMs in Aruba delivers better value than exchange counters. You’ll spend more in fees if you depend on kiosks. Later on, bank ATMs at malls offered even better rates. Good to have some cash for the ride, but always prioritize ATM withdrawals.
Got tempted by the colorful airport booth but chose the HSBC ATM inside. Ended up with around AWG 1.75 per USD versus booth’s 1.60. Bank ATM wins for cash rates in Aruba airport. I took out AWG 200 for taxis before heading downtown to Banco di Caribe. The rule: airport kiosk for emergencies only, bank ATMs for serious withdrawals. Much smarter.
Checked both options: airport forex kiosk showed a rate about 6% worse than withdrawing at Banco di Caribe ATM. My Wise Visa took a small AWG 3 fee, but the interbank rate was favorable. For foreign travellers to Aruba, ATMs are the better choice over airport exchange counters. Withdraw minimal cash at the kiosk for taxi fare, then go for full withdrawals downtown. It saved me over US$30 on a US$500 transaction.
I arrived at Queen Beatrix Airport, checked the exchange kiosk - it offered AWG 1.60 for USD, but the Banco di Caribe ATM inside the terminal dispensed AWG 1.78 per USD with only a AWG 4 fee. ATM withdrawals in Aruba offer better rates than airport exchange counters. I withdrew enough for transfers and walked into Oranjestad with decent cash. Later I moved to Scotiabank for larger withdrawals - much more value. Always choose ATMs over kiosks.