What’s it like to work remotely from Aruba?
- The Local
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 8
For many of us, remote work has opened up new doorways into lives that we never before could imagine living.
Imagine logging off your last call and heading straight to a stunning beach.
Sounds like a dream, right?
Aruba, with its stable internet, warm climate, and laid-back lifestyle, is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads and remote professionals. But what’s it really like to work remotely from Aruba?
Whether you're considering a few weeks on the island or a longer stay, this blog post gives you a clear picture of what to expect; the pros, the cons, and the practicalities.
All the reasons why Aruba is a great place for remote work
Beach, beach, beach. Need we say more?
We all know Aruba is a fantastic holiday destination. Aruba boasts year‑round sunshine, stunning beaches, and colorful sunsets… the kind of backdrop that makes workdays feel a little lighter.
And if you’re wondering if you can go to the beach throughout the entire year, the answer is yes. Aruba doesn’t really have seasons, and the weather stays warm and comfortable throughout the year.
So you can go ahead and make your coworkers jealous by logging off and saying, “See ya! I’m going for a quick dip.”
It’s one of the safest islands in the Caribbean
Aruba has a safety index comparable to many European cities. Violent crime is rare, and the island has a strong reputation for being welcoming and easy to explore. English is widely spoken alongside Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento, which makes getting around and connecting with locals surprisingly easy, even for first-time visitors.
Plus, Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt, meaning that you won’t be experiencing any crazy hurricanes during your time there.
There are tons of laptop-friendly cafes and coworking spaces
Aruba’s internet is fast and stable, making it easy to stay connected wherever you are on the island. And if you don’t feel like working from home, there are tons of different places where you can go instead.
Theoretically, you could just work from the beach – some of them even offer WiFi – but cafes like Santos provide a more comfortable setup (and great coffee, too!).
Coworking spaces like Impact Hub are also great for those who crave an office setting, as well as hotel lobbies. Our recent favorite has been the Marriott Lobby. It’s spacious, comfortable, and full of other digital nomads (plus, you can get delicious sushi during your lunch break).
The locals are warm and generous
In addition to the great scenery, Aruba is a culturally rich place. If you do decide to work remotely from Aruba, definitely consider immersing yourself in the local culture.
Arubans are known to be friendly, and you’ll often find people eager to help, share a story, or recommend their favorite local spot.
Whether it’s a neighbor offering fresh mangoes from their yard or a café owner chatting with you like an old friend, these moments of connection are part of what makes the island so special.
Taking the time to learn a few words of Papiamento or attending a local event can go a long way in making you feel even more at home.
What are the challenges?
While Aruba may seem like paradise (and in many ways, it absolutely is), there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning to live or work here for an extended period. No destination is perfect, and knowing the potential drawbacks in advance can help you adjust with more ease.
Everyone operates on island time
The pace of life in Aruba is slow, which is part of its charm. But if you’re used to a fast-paced city rhythm, this can take some getting used to.
Services don’t always run on a strict schedule. For example, if you make an appointment with a handyman or delivery company, they may show up an hour or two later than planned, or even reschedule entirely with little notice.
Over time, you learn to adopt a more flexible mindset and to plan around delays. That said, it’s wise to follow up with people, confirm appointments, and build in buffer time when dealing with any kind of logistics or local services.
The cost of living can rack up
Because Aruba is a small island that imports the majority of its goods, the cost of living can be significantly higher than in many other places.
Groceries, electronics, fuel, and even basic household items often come with a steeper price tag. Eating out regularly, buying name-brand items, or ordering from abroad can add up quickly.
On the flip side, fresh local produce, markets, and homemade meals can help you save, as can exploring less touristy spots when it comes to eating and shopping.
Fewer conveniences than in a big city
Living in Aruba means giving up some of the conveniences you might take for granted in a major city. Say goodbye to 24/7 delivery apps, massive department stores, or a wide selection of niche brands and products.
There’s also a smaller selection of public transportation options, which means having access to a car or scooter becomes essential for day-to-day life.
One Happy Workation
US citizens have a great advantage when it comes to working remotely from Aruba. A few years ago, the government rolled out a program called One Happy Workation.
In a nutshell, this means that any American can come to Aruba on a special remote work stay for up to three months.
Here are the benefits:
No work visa hassle – As long as you’re employed by a company outside Aruba or are self-employed, you’re eligible to stay and work remotely.
Up to 90 days of paradise – Enjoy three months of Caribbean sun without needing to apply for a long-stay permit.
Discounted packages – The program includes exclusive deals on accommodations, car rentals, and local experiences through selected partners.
No income tax on foreign earnings – Because you're not working for a local employer, your income is not taxed by Aruba (check with your U.S. tax advisor for full compliance).
For more information, check out the official Aruba website.
More practical tips
Time zones
Aruba runs on Atlantic Standard Time.
Ideal for syncing up with U.S. East Coast and Latin American teams.
West Coast teams may need early start times.
Healthcare
Aruba has well-rated private clinics and easy access to pharmacies.
Travel insurance or expat health coverage is strongly recommended for stays over a few weeks.
Expat & nomad community
Aruba is home to 140+ nationalities, and 38.7% of residents are foreign-born.
While official nomad numbers aren’t published, hundreds of remote workers visit monthly.
Connectivity & SIM cards
Wi-Fi is widely available and reliable in most rentals, hotels, and cafés.
Consider buying a local SIM card from Setar or Digicel for data and hotspot use.
Bring a universal power adapter if your plugs differ from U.S. standards (Aruba uses 110V outlets like the U.S.).
Housing tips
Most remote workers stay in short-term rentals or hotels in areas like Noord, Eagle Beach, or Oranjestad.
Book during low season (May–November) to avoid high prices.
Long-stay discounts are often available, ask directly when booking.
Is remote work from Aruba worth it?
In short: hell yes!
Aruba is a wonderful island that has so much to offer.
It’s safe, digitally connected, English-speaking, and offers an easy entry process for U.S. citizens through the One Happy Workation program.
Aruba is one of the best destinations for remote work in the Caribbean, and it’s only getting better.
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