Get all the essential travel information you need for your trip to Martinique. Learn about the local currency (Euro), connectivity options including Wi-Fi and phone services, and what to know about bargaining and tipping customs. Stay prepared with details on electric plug types and the island's Atlantic Standard Time Zone. Plan your Martinique adventure with confidence.
Bargaining
Bargaining is not a common practice in Martinique for most goods and services, especially in established businesses like shops, restaurants, or supermarkets. The island is a French overseas region, and the culture around pricing and negotiation largely follows French and Western European norms, where listed prices are generally fixed.
Communication
WiFi
Hotels and Accommodations: Most hotels, resorts, and many vacation rentals offer WiFi, although the quality and speed can vary.
Cafes and Restaurants: Many cafes and restaurants provide free WiFi for customers. You may need to ask for the password.
Public WiFi: Some public areas like airports and libraries offer free WiFi, but these networks may not be as secure as private ones.
Phone Service
Local Providers: The main providers are Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. They offer a range of prepaid and postpaid plans.
Roaming: If you're visiting from another country, check with your home provider about roaming fees in Martinique. Since Martinique is part of France, EU roaming regulations may apply, making it more affordable for European visitors.
Prepaid SIM Cards: These are widely available and can be a cost-effective way to make local calls and use mobile data.
Coverage: While the island generally has good mobile coverage, especially in populated areas, it can be spotty in remote or mountainous regions.
Emergency Numbers: The emergency number for medical, fire, and police services is 112.
Currency
The currency in Martinique is the Euro (€), as Martinique is an overseas department of France. Because the island is part of the European Union, it uses the same currency as mainland France and other countries in the Eurozone. This makes it convenient for travelers coming from other Eurozone countries, as there's no need to exchange currency.
ATMs are widely available in urban areas and most tourist destinations, allowing you to withdraw Euros directly if you have an international bank card. Credit cards are also widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit more remote areas where electronic payment options might be limited.
Electric Plugs
In Martinique, the power plugs and sockets are of type E. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Type E plugs have two round pins and a hole for the socket's male grounding pin.
This is the same type of plug and electrical system used in France and several other countries, mostly in Europe.
Time Zone
Martinique is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone. The time in this zone is UTC-4:00. Martinique does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains the same year-round.
This time zone is the same as several other Caribbean islands and is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the United States when Daylight Saving Time is not in effect.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is not as customary in Martinique as it is in some other countries like the United States. The tipping culture closely follows French norms. Service charges are generally included in the bill in restaurants, hotels, and taxis, usually amounting to about 15% of the total.
