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You've just landed in Aruba. Sun on your
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skin, ocean breeze in your hair,
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excitement in your heart. But as you
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reach for your wallet to pay for that
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first tropical cocktail, you suddenly
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wonder, "Is my credit card accepted
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here?" Aruba, known for its white sand
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beaches and vibrant Caribbean culture,
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is also impressively tourist friendly
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when it comes to payment methods. As a
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Dutch Caribbean island that welcomes
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visitors from across the globe, it
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offers wide acceptance of major credit
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cards, especially in the hospitality and
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Visa and Mastercard are the most
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commonly accepted cards across the
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island. From large resorts in Palm Beach
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to boutique shops in Orana and familyrun
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restaurants in San Nicholas, you'll find
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that these two cards are recognized
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virtually everywhere. American Express
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is also widely accepted but might be
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declined in some smaller establishments
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due to higher transaction fees.
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Discover card holders may face some
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While usage has increased in recent
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years, it's not as universally accepted
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as Visa or Mastercard. It's wise to
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carry a backup payment method if you
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rely on Discover. Beyond credit cards,
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many places accept debit cards with
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international access. However, always
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notify your bank before traveling to
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avoid blocks due to suspected fraud.
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ATMs are readily available and offer
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withdrawals in Aruban, Florence or US
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dollars, with the latter being widely
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Some practical advice, always have a
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small amount of cash, especially for
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taxis, local food stands, or tips. And
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if you're venturing to off thebeaten
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path areas or participating in local
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tours, confirm payment options
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So, is your card Aruba ready or are you
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planning to pack a backup just in case?
