The official currency of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaηao
is the Netherlands Antillean Florin (NAf) , also known as the guilder, which is divided into 100 cents. In Aruba it's known as the Aruban Florin and abbreviated as
AFl . Florin
notes come in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500, and
coins come as 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, one florin and five florins. The florin is fixed to the US dollar and is very stable, with the
rate of exchange roughly US$1 to NAf1.77 at the time of publication. US dollars in cash are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops, as are most major credit cards. Banks are found throughout all three islands, with most
ATMs located in the capital cities.
Aruba is an expensive destination, but it is possible to get by on US$125 a day if you're very conscientious. Bus travel is cheap, most beaches are free and there are a few rooms (mostly in the outskirts of Oranjestad) to be found for around US$70 a night. Lodging at the major beachside resorts starts at about US$175 per night, and many require a minimum stay of at least three nights. All-inclusive holiday packages from tour operators and charter companies usually offer the best value for your stay in Aruba.
Apart from your flight, accommodation is likely to be your greatest expense in Bonaire, particularly if you stay at one of the many dive resorts during peak season. If you want to do much exploring on and off the island, count on spending around US$150-200 a day, twice that if you're looking for a more luxurious vacation.
With a wide range of accommodation and eating options in and around Willemstad on Curaηao, it's possible to squeak by on a daily budget of less than US$60 a day, though you'll pay closer to double that if you want to take part in any tours or land- and water-based activities.
