What you really pay for your stay
The room rate you see online is often not the price you pay. In Aruba several taxes and charges are added to your hotel bill. Here is what to expect, so you can compare prices properly.
Taxes and charges on your hotel bill
- Tourist levy: 12.5% of the room rate, charged by the government (raised from 9.5% in 2023).
- Environmental levy: a fixed amount of about $3 per room per night.
- Service charge: many hotels add a service charge, usually between 10 and 15%.
- Resort fees: some resorts charge a daily fee for facilities such as Wi-Fi, beach towels or the fitness centre.
Sustainability Fee
Since 1 July 2024 visitors who arrive by air pay a Sustainability Fee of $20 per person. You pay it online together with the ED card, the mandatory entry form. Some groups, such as young children and residents, are exempt.
Vacation rentals and Airbnb
Aruba is introducing a registration system for short-term vacation rentals. Owners of holiday homes and apartments must register their rental, and each unit receives an official registration number. Registration becomes mandatory from 1 February 2027. The Aruba Tourism Authority has also signed an agreement with Airbnb.
Booking a vacation rental? Check whether the listing shows a registration number once the system is in place, and whether taxes are included in the price.
Tips
- Always compare the total price including taxes and fees.
- Ask whether an all-inclusive package includes taxes and service charges.
- Tipping is not mandatory when a service charge has already been added.
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Good to know
- Tourist levy: 12.5% of the room rate
- Environmental levy: about $3 per room per night
- Sustainability Fee: $20 per person, via the ED card
- Vacation rental registration: mandatory from 1 February 2027
Tax rates and rules can change, so check with your hotel or rental host before you book.
See also: all places to stay in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.