print

Banking

Both sides of the island have numerous banks and ATM machines. Banking hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. These hours vary depending on the banking institution. ATM machines are located at every bank as well as many grocery stores and shopping areas.

Business Hours

On the Dutch side most businesses operate from 9:00 am or 10:00 am until 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm and do not close at midday. On the French side many businesses close for lunch between noon and 1:00 pm for at least one or two hours. However many of these businesses that close remain open later, until 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm. Most stores remain open on Sundays if they are located in populated shopping areas like Philipsburg and Marigot. Businesses are required to close for some religious and state holidays that vary depending on the side of the island.

Credit Cards

Most stores and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard. American Express is not as readily accepted and very few places accept Discover Card. There may be a service charge associated with using a credit card at some establishments. Traveler's Cheques are usually accepted like cash with identification (passport recommended).

Currency

The official currency of the French side is the Euro. The Euro fluctuates and is roughly 1 Euro = US $1.25. The official currency on the Dutch side is the Netherlands Antilles guilder (florin). The guilder is constant with the dollar at NAf 1.80 = US $1.00. The US dollar is accepted everywhere on the island and the conversions will be done for you when you pay. Most prices will be listed in the local currency on either side of the island.

Currency Converter

Departure Tax

St. Maarten requires a departure tax be paid when leaving the island. Airport departures from princess Juliana International Airport are US $30.00 for all flights to non-Antillian destinations and US $10.00 for all Antillian destinations (Saba, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Curacao). Many airlines such as Air France, American Airlines and USAir include this tax in the ticket price. Ask when you check in to be sure. If you are departing from a ferry terminal the tax is typically US $3.00 or Euro 2.50 depending on the side of the island.

Dress

The dress code is casual, shorts, t-shirts, sundresses. Jackets and ties are not required anywhere. Bathing suits should be confined to beach areas and not worn in town.

Drinking Water

Tap water on the island comes from desalinated sea water or filtered rain water and is drinkable. Bottled water is also readily available and inexpensive.

Electricity

The Dutch side has 110v electricity (North American) and most of the French side has 220v electricity (European). Many newer villas and hotels on the French side has 110v electricity instead of or in addition to 220v. Transformers and converters can be bought at hardware stores on either side of the island.

Language

Dutch is the official language of St. Maarten and French is the official language or St. Martin. English is spoken by nearly everyone and Spanish is also widely spoken. Papiamento, a local language based on Spanish and Dutch is spoken on the Dutch side as well. You may also hear Italian, German, Creole, Chinese, Hindi and many others.

Post

St. Martin and St. Maarten both have post offices in major areas of the island. Overnight shipping services are also available.

Public Holidays

A plethora of holidays bring fun and festivities to St. Martin. But they also bring many closed businesses on public holidays and during Carnival. Check with your hotel's front desk if you have any questions. Easter Monday is observed on both sides of the island the day after Easter Sunday. The Queen's Birthday (Dutch) is observed on April 30, while the French side observes Bastille Day on July 14. On November 11, the Dutch side celebrates St. Maarten Day and the French side observes Concordia Day. And Boxing Day is observed on the Dutch side on December 26. We will try to have a full list of holidays on this web site shortly.

Religious Services

There are Catholic, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist and other Christian churches on both sides of the island. There is a mosque in BelAir on the Dutch side.

Tipping

On the French side a 10% - 15% service charge is included in the menu price or at the end of your bill as required by law. A small additional tip is appreciated for good service. On the Dutch side including service charge is optional and will be clearly stated on the menu or on the bill.

Important Telephone Numbers

Telephone numbers below are written as you would dial them when on that side of the island. To dial the Dutch side from the US or Canada dial 011 599 before the number and from the French side or Europe dial 00 599 before the number. To dial the French side from the US or Canada dial 011 590 before the number leaving off the first 0 written below. From the Dutch side or Europe dial 00 590 before the number leaving off the first 0 written below.

Sint Maarten (Dutch) Emergency Numbers Emergency 911 Ambulance 542-2111 Fire 120 Hospital 543-1111 Police 542-2222 Airport Customer Information Desk 545-5757 Tourist Information Desk 545-4211 Other useful information Animal Welfare of St. Maarten 542-5705/542-0600 Chamber of Commerce 542-3590 Directory Assistance 150 Post Office 542-2289 St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association 542-0108 St.Maarten Tourist Bureau 542-2337 Weather 123

Saint Martin (French) Emergency Numbers Emergency 18 Ambulance 29 0404 Fire 87 5008 Hospital 29 5757 Police 87 5010 Other useful information Association of the Protection of Animals 0590 87 4817 Directory Assistance 1012 Hotel Association AHSM 0590 87 1300 Post Office 0590 87 5317 St. Maarten Tourist Office 0590 87 5721

Back to Previous Page