Not much food is grown locally, but the variety in the local cuisine is extensive. There is a very wide range of international cuisine and several of the more famous fast-food chains have premises on the island.

National specialities:
• Keshi yena (Gouda cheese packed with a spicy meat mixture of either chicken or beef and then baked).
• Stobà (lamb or goat stew).
• Cala (bean fritters).
• Pastechi (meat- or cheese-stuffed turnovers).
• Ayacas (leaf-wrapped meat rolls).

National drinks:
• As ever in the Caribbean, all alcoholic punches and cocktails will usually be given a ‘kick’ with a liberal dose of rum.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Hotels add a 15% service charge to any food or beverage bill. Restaurants may add 15% service to the bill; if not, 10 to 15% is normal.

There is one drive-in and one indoor cinema screening the latest blockbusters. The highlight of Aruba’s nightlife, however, is the casinos; most open from 1100 until the early morning, with a few opening 24 hours. Hotel bars usually offer live entertainment and most hotels run theme nights. Alternatively, there are several cocktail bars and nightclubs in Oranjestad; join one of the party buses for a lively pub tour. Another option is one of the party cruises, usually offering dinner, drinks and entertainment.

As a ‘free zone’, duty on most items in Aruba is so low that shopping here can have obvious advantages. Stores carry goods from all parts of the world and there are some excellent buys, including perfume, linens, jewellery, watches, cameras, crystal, china and other luxury items plus a range of locally made handicrafts. Aloe grows in abundance on Aruba, and skin care products are manufactured locally.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1800; some shops close for lunch between 1200-1400. Shops in malls and shopping centres may open 0930-1800 and may open Sundays when cruise ships are in port.