7 Tourist Scams in Aruba

A couple strolling along the Palm Beach strip was approached by a friendly young woman handing out scratch-off cards. They scratched theirs and — surprise — won the 'Grand Prize.' Directed to claim their reward at a restaurant inside The Cove mall, the first rule was stated clearly: no phones allowed. What was promised as a quick 60-minute presentation stretched past two hours. Multiple salespeople rotated in with escalating pressure, showing resort photos and 'limited-time' deals. The initial price of $9,900 was theatrically slashed to $4,000. Former employees confirmed online that the scratch cards are rigged — tickets ending in 2 always 'win.' Other tourists reported winning the same prize three separate times in one evening from different promoters on the same street.

A traveler arriving at Queen Beatrix International Airport was waved toward an unmarked sedan by a man quoting $25 for a ride to Palm Beach. Halfway through, the driver announced the price was actually $25 per person, not per trip. At the hotel, another traveler shared a similar story — their driver demanded $40 for a ride from the cruise terminal to Eagle Beach, a trip that should cost around $20 by the fixed government rate. Official taxis are identified by 'TX' license plates and a roof-mounted sign with government-set flat rates posted in the window.

A family rented a car from a budget agency near their hotel in Noord. At pickup, the process was rushed — the agent hurried them through paperwork. Upon return three days later, a different employee spent fifteen minutes circling the vehicle with a flashlight, then pointed to a small scratch the family was certain had been there at pickup. The agent demanded $350 for repair. When the family protested, the agent became aggressive, threatening to charge their credit card on file. A separate tourist rented a UTV where the quoted $280 turned into $379 because they were 'upgraded' without consent.

A couple settling in at Palm Beach spotted a vendor renting chairs and umbrellas near the water. They asked for two chairs and a palapa shade, and the vendor cheerfully set everything up without quoting a price. After a few hours, they were told it was $30 per chair and $30 for the palapa — $90 total. Their hotel, it turned out, provided free beach chairs just fifty meters away. Another tourist reported a drinks vendor who quoted $5 for water but added $5 for 'ice' and $3 for 'delivery.'

A solo traveler rented a jet ski from a beachfront operator at Palm Beach for $75. The vendor asked to hold his passport 'as standard security.' The ride was fine — no collisions, nothing unusual. When he returned, the operator pointed to a scuff mark near the waterline and demanded $400 cash. When the traveler protested the mark was clearly old, the operator gestured toward his passport in a lockbox. No passport, no leaving. The traveler negotiated down to $200 cash. Multiple tourists reported identical experiences — the pre-existing damage is weaponized as a recurring revenue stream.

A couple browsing Oranjestad's main street was drawn to a vendor displaying high-end watches, designer sunglasses, and gold jewelry at remarkably low prices. The vendor claimed the pieces were 'authentic overstock' from a local resort. A gold bracelet was offered at $80 — 'normally $400.' Under pressure and the time constraint of their cruise departure, they paid $150 cash for two pieces. Back on the ship, a fellow passenger confirmed the bracelet was brass with gold plating that would tarnish within weeks. The sunglasses had no UV protection.

A group rented a Jeep to explore Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool. They parked at the trailhead, locked their bags in the trunk, and hiked to Conchi. When they returned ninety minutes later, the rear window was smashed and a backpack containing two passports, $300, and a camera was gone. At the police station, the officer said this was a regular occurrence. Dozens of TripAdvisor travelers report identical break-ins at the same remote parking lots. The rental car's insurance didn't cover it because the unpaved roads qualified as 'off-road.'