Essential Travel Information for Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

Bargaining

Bargaining is not a widespread practice in all sectors of commerce in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, but there are specific contexts where haggling might be acceptable.

• Markets and Street Vendors: In outdoor markets like the Marigot Market or with street vendors selling souvenirs or crafts, some level of bargaining might be accepted, particularly if you are buying multiple items.

• Flea Markets: Informal markets and vendors sometimes expect a bit of haggling.

  
  

In formal settings like shopping malls, supermarkets, and brand-name stores, as well as most restaurants, prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable.

Communication

Wi-Fi:

• Hotels and Resorts: Most hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals offer Wi-Fi, although the speed and reliability can vary.

• Cafes and Restaurants: Many cafes and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi to customers. However, the speed may not be suitable for heavy streaming or work tasks.

• Public Areas: Some public spaces, like airports and select parks, might offer free public Wi-Fi, but these are generally not secure networks, and usage may be limited.

  
  

Phone Service:

• Local Carriers: Both sides of the island have their local mobile carriers. Dauphin Telecom operates on the French side, while TelCell and Chippie offer services on the Dutch side.

• Roaming: International roaming can be expensive. Check your home carrier’s roaming charges and services for Saint Martin/Sint Maarten before you travel.

• SIM Cards: For better rates, consider buying a local prepaid SIM card. Make sure your phone is unlocked to use a local SIM card.

• Coverage: Generally, the island has good cellular coverage, including 4G services. However, the quality of service might decline in remote or mountainous areas.

• Emergency Numbers: The emergency number for police, fire, and medical services is 911 on the Dutch side and 112 on the French side.

Dual-Nation Complexity:

Because Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is a dual-nation island, switching from one side to the other can lead to roaming charges if you are using a SIM card from only one side. Some carriers offer special packages to mitigate this issue.

Currency

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten has a unique currency situation due to its divided governance. Here's how it works:

Saint Martin (French Side):

• Currency: Euro (€) is the official currency.

• Credit/Debit Cards: Widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

• ATMs: Euro-denominated ATMs are readily available.

Sint Maarten (Dutch Side):

• Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) is the official currency, but the U.S. Dollar (USD) is also widely accepted.

• Credit/Debit Cards: Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of technical issues.

• ATMs: Available in both ANG and USD.

Additional Notes:

• Exchange Rates: If you're using U.S. Dollars on the Dutch side, be aware of the exchange rate being used, as it can vary between establishments.

• Crossing Sides: If you're planning to explore both sides of the island, it's advisable to carry both Euros and U.S. Dollars or a credit/debit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

• Small Transactions: For smaller transactions like taxi fares or purchases at local markets, it's generally best to use the local currency or small denominations of widely accepted currencies.

Electric Plugs

The type of electric plugs and outlets used in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten varies depending on which side of the island you're on, due to the dual French and Dutch governance.

Saint Martin (French Side):

• Voltage: 220-240 Volts

• Frequency: 50 Hz

• Plug Types: Typically Type E or Type F, which are the standard plugs used in France and much of Europe.

• Pin Type: These plugs have two round pins and may have a hole for the socket's grounding pin.

Sint Maarten (Dutch Side):

• Voltage: 110-120 Volts

• Frequency: 60 Hz

• Plug Types: Typically Type A or Type B, which are standard in the United States and Canada.

• Pin Type: Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Time Zone

Both Saint Martin (French side) and Sint Maarten (Dutch side) are in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone. The time is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4). It's worth noting that neither side observes Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping practices can vary slightly depending on which side of the island you're on—Saint Martin (French side) or Sint Maarten (Dutch side). However, tipping is generally appreciated in both territories.

Saint Martin (French Side):

• Restaurants and Cafés: Service charge is often included in your bill, usually around 15%. However, it's customary to leave small change or round up the total.

• Hotels: Tipping porters and housekeeping is appreciated, usually around €1-€2 per bag or per day of service.

• Taxis: It's a nice gesture to round up the fare or tip 10%.

• Tour Guides: If you’re taking a tour, a tip of around 10% is generally considered polite if the service is good.

Sint Maarten (Dutch Side):

• Restaurants and Bars: Tipping is more common, and while some places may include a service charge, it's typical to tip 15-20% for good service if it's not included.

• Hotels: Similar to the French side, tipping for porters and housekeeping is a nice gesture, usually around $1-$2 USD per bag or per day.

• Taxis: A tip of about 10-15% is appreciated.

• Tour Guides: A 10-20% tip based on the cost of the tour is customary for good service.