Shopping in Aruba 2026: What to Buy, Where to Go (No Sales Tax)

Shopping in Aruba has two big advantages over most Caribbean islands: no sales tax and a concentration of shops within walking distance in Oranjestad. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, local crafts, Dutch products, or Aruba Aloe, the shopping scene is genuinely good.

Best Shopping in Aruba

Oranjestad — Main Shopping District

Oranjestad is the best shopping in Aruba. The absence of sales tax makes everything from jewellery to electronics to spirits meaningfully cheaper than most home countries. The main areas: Renaissance Mall (waterfront, luxury and mid-range brands), Royal Plaza Mall (mid-range, beachside), Main Street (Caya G.F. Betico Croes) — the pedestrian shopping street with local shops and Dutch goods.

Paseo Herencia Mall — Palm Beach

The main shopping mall on the Palm Beach strip. Open-air Dutch Colonial-styled mall with regular evening entertainment (musical water fountain show). Good for gifts, clothes, jewellery, and local products without driving to Oranjestad.

What to Buy in Aruba

🌿 Aruba Aloe products — The island has a century-long aloe farming tradition. The Aruba Aloe factory in Hato produces high-quality aloe-based lotions, gels, soaps, and skincare. Significantly cheaper at the factory than in hotel shops. Buy here before duty-free.
🧀 Dutch cheese — Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam — excellent quality and good prices. Buy vacuum-packed for the flight home.
💍 Jewellery — No sales tax makes Aruba a good place for jewellery purchases. Colombian emeralds, diamonds, and gold are widely sold. Stick to reputable shops in the main malls.
🍶 Liquor and spirits — Duty-free prices at the airport departure hall are competitive. Johnny Walker, Bacardi, Johnnie Walker, and local Coecoei (the local cactus-based liqueur).
🏺 Local crafts — Less ubiquitous than some islands but available at the markets and San Nicolas: locally made ceramics, divi-divi tree carvings, and Papiamento souvenirs.

Aruba Aloe Factory — Worth the Trip

The Aruba Aloe factory in Hato (between Oranjestad and Palm Beach) offers free tours of the aloe processing facility and sells their full product range at factory prices. Products here are 20–30% cheaper than at hotel shops and airport. Stock up on sunscreen, body lotion, and after-sun gel. Free parking, open weekdays.

🏛️ Oranjestad guide | ✈️ Aruba travel guide | 💰 Aruba budget guide

Planning your Aruba trip? Browse the best Aruba tours, top beaches and recommended hotels for honest reviews and direct booking.

Shopping in Aruba: Complete Aruba Guide for 2026

Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s most visitor-friendly destinations. The island has excellent infrastructure — well-maintained roads, reliable utilities, fast internet and a highly professional tourism industry. English is widely spoken across the island alongside Dutch, Papiamento and Spanish. Crime rates are very low and the island consistently ranks as one of the safest Caribbean destinations. The currency is the Aruban Florin (AWF) but US dollars are accepted universally. Queen Beatrix International Airport handles flights from across North America, Europe and South America, making Aruba easily accessible. The island is small enough to explore fully in a week — just 33km long and 10km wide — but has enough variety in beaches, activities and food to keep visitors busy for two weeks or more.

Practical tips for 2026: Book tours and activities at least 24-48 hours in advance. Hotel rates are lowest in May through early December. Direct flights from the US East Coast typically run 3.5-4.5 hours. The island uses the US dollar — no currency exchange needed for American travellers. Aruba has no sales tax on most tourist services. For the best Aruba experience, combine beach time with at least one boat tour and one land-based excursion.