St. Martin Travel Tips
Miscellaneous Travel Advice for Travel in St. Martin
St. Martin Beaches
There are over 30 beautiful white sandy beaches on St. Martin. Also, there are several nude or clothing optional beaches on the island, the most well known being Orient Bay.
Travel with a Pet to St. Martin
On both the Dutch and French sides of the island, cats and dogs over three months old are admitted temporarily with certificates of origin and good health (or anti-rabies inoculation), issued by a licensed veterinarian from the country of shipment. Check with hotels and villas in advance regarding their policy on pets.
St. Martin Social Customs
It is important to remember that you are a guest in another culture. If you treat others with respect and kindness, they generally reciprocate. Don't expect others to speak or understand your language. If you make some efforts to speak a little French in St. Martin, it will be greatly appreciated. Of course, a smile is universally understood. If you want to take someone's photo, always ask their permission first. And don't forget that everything moves at a slower pace in the tropics, so you shouldn't expect or demand speedy service. If you can downshift and relax, you will blend right in and have a great time doing so.
In the US, making a circle with the thumb and index finger means "OK". To the French (and others), it can be taken as an insult. It means "worthless". A raised thumb gesture (one thumb up) will work better and avoid misunderstandings.
General Safety
Petty crime can be a problem on both sides of the island. Always lock your valuables and travel documents in your room safe or your hotel's front desk safe. When sightseeing in a rental car, keep valuables locked in the trunk or car, or better yet, don't leave anything in the car. Never leave your things unattended at the beach. Despite the romantic imagery of the Caribbean, it's not good policy to take long walks along the beach at night.
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants add between 10 percent and 15 percent to the bill as a service charge, and this is almost always posted in writing at the entrance, on the menu, etc. Travelers can tip more for special service. Taxi drivers expect 50 cents or $1 for short runs and more for an extended narrated tour. Airport porters should receive $2 per bag.
St. Martin Communications & Dialing Instructions
Calling Within Your Side Of the Island
On the Dutch side dial the 7 digits starting with 54 or 55. On the French side dial the 10 digits starting with 0590 (fix) or 0690 (cell phones).
To call from the Dutch to the French side:
Dial 00590 + 590 + 6 digits local number.
To call from the French to the Dutch side:
Dial 00599 + 54 + 5 digit number
Dial 00599 + 55 + 5 digit cell number
To call the US from the Dutch or French side:
Dial 001 + area code + phone number
To call from the US to Dutch St. Maarten:
Dial 011 + 599 + 7 digit local number
To call from the US to French St. Martin:
Dial 011 + 590 + 590 + 6 digit local number
Dial 011 + 590 + 690 + 6 digit local cell number
Phone Cards
Prepaid calling cards are available at several locations on both sides, e.g. InterCard at Dauphin Telecom in Marigot.
Money, Exchange & Credit
Vacationers from the United States and most of Europe should have no problem using their currency, traveler's check, and major credit cards when they travel to the small nations of St. Martin and Sint Maarten.
Official Currency of French St. Martin
The official currency of the French St. Martin is the same as France, the euro,€. Denominations of the euro come in notes of €5, €10, €
20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. Coins come in €0.01, €0.02, €0.05, €0.10, €0.20, €0.50, €1, and €2.
U.S. Dollar's Rate of Exchange
The U.S. Dollar's rate of exchange with the Euro fluctuates, but as of August 2005, the current conversion rate is $1.24(USD) to the euro. Some places may accept U.S. dollars and even fewer may accept the Netherlands Antilles florin. Cab drivers from French St. Martin who drive you into Dutch Sint Maarten may only accept euros or dollars.
Official Currency of Dutch St. Maarten
The Netherland Antilles florin or guilder is used on the Dutch side of the island and comes in note denominations of NAf5, NAf10, NAf25, NAf50, NAf100, and NAf250. Coins come in denominations of NAf0.01, NAf0.05, NAf0.10, NAf0.25, NAf0.50, NAf1, and NAf2.50.
U.S. Dollar's Rate of Exchange
The Netherlands Antilles florin is currently tied to the U.S. Dollar at NAf1.77 to the dollar. It currently trades with the euro at a rate of NAf2.20 to the euro. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted on the Dutch side of the island, and many establishments will list their prices in U.S. dollars.
Credit Card, ATM, Bank Information
The major credit cards of Visa, Mastercard, and even American Express are accepted widely in both St. Martin and Sint Maarten. Plus and Cirrus network cards are generally usable at ATMs located throughout the island. Banks are generally open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m (sometimes later on Fridays), but many ATMs are accessible 24 hours a day. Vacationers can find a wide array of banks and ATMs, some discharging U.S. dollars in both Marigot, Philipsburg, Princess Juliana International Airport and other locations throughout the Island.
Customs Regulations
Completley Duty-Free
Sint Maarten is the only completely duty free port in the Caribbean and attracts shoppers in swarms to it's duty free shops. Travelers can save anywhere from 20 percent to 40 percent on luxury and designer items.
While the border between the two small islands of Sint Maarten and St. Martin may not have any official customs and immigration checkpoints, vacationers traveling to the country from foreign destinations will still need to be aware of customs regulations for the small island. Travelers should keep the exemption and customs limits for their own country in mind while shopping duty free in Sint Maarten. Exceeding the exemption can mean being charged with a sizable import tax.
General Allowances
Sint Maarten is a completely duty free destination, meaning that all items bought within the island are without added taxes. While customs regulations for travelers coming into the country are generally not stringent, vacationers should not import any item in excess. General allowances for both St. Martin and Sint Maarten will be like much of the rest of the Caribbean: 2 liters of alchohol, 200 cigarrettes, 50 cigars, and 250 grams of tobacco. Travelers should never bring illegal drugs into a country and should always research current rules for other items such as pets or food. The exportation of coral and shells from Sint Maarten and St. Martin is illegal. Travelers should consult the embassy or consulate of France or the Netherlands Antilles just prior to traveling for up to date information.
Travelers returning to the United States from St. Martin and Sint Maarten have an $800 dollar allowance. Items that you have bought duty free in Sint Maarten can still be taxed when you bring them into the United States. When returning to the United States, keep sales receipts and items that need to be declared packed separately to speed your progress through the line. Any items you have acquired, whether through gift or purchase, must be declared in your allowance. Travelers should consider registering expensive items that they will take with them on their trip prior to leaving the country in order to avoid paying a tax on it. Residents who have been out of the country for at least 48 hours may bring back: 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (non-Cuban),1 liter of alchohol (for residents 21 years of age or older) 2 liters of alcohol may be brought back from Caribbean Basin Countries (Netherlands Antilles), as long as one liter is produced locally.
If you have been out of the country for less 48 hours, you may bring back 50 cigarettes, 10 cigars, 150 milliliters of liquor or 150 milliliters of perfume.
Vacationers returning to the United States should make themselves aware of other regulations for the importation of other goods and rules concerning sending packages into the country. Meat, fruit and wildlife, for example, are generally prohibited items for importation. Consult http://www.customs.gov for more information.
Emergencies & Healthcare
Emergencies
Dutch-side emergencies (PHONE: 911). Ambulance or fire emergencies Dutch side (PHONE: 120 or 599/522-6001). Ambulance French side (PHONE: 590/87-50-08 or 590/87-72-00). Police emergencies Dutch side (PHONE: 108 or 599/542-2222). Police emergencies French side (PHONE: 17 or 590/87-50-04).
Hospitals
Hôpital de Marigot (Rue de l'Hôpital, Concordia. PHONE: 590/87-87-67). St. Maarten Medical Center (Cay Hill. PHONE: 599/543-1111).
Pharmacies
Central Drug Store (Camille Richardson St., Philipsburg. PHONE: 599/542-5576). Simpson Bay Pharmacy (Plaza del Lago, Simpson Bay. PHONE: 599/544-3653). Pharmacie du Port (Rue de la Liberté, Marigot. PHONE: 590/87-50-79).
General Cautions
Probably the greatest danger to travelers in the tropics is overexposure to the sun. Remember to work on your tan gradually and use plenty of sunscreen. Of course, it's also a good idea to take along some mosquito repellent. In shallow water, watch out for sea urchins, sharp coral and jellyfish. Always wear fins when snorkeling and ask the locals about swimming and diving conditions before you go in the water.
One word of caution, many of the roads are narrow and full of other drivers who may be unfamiliar with the terrain. Please drive carefully.
The tap water is drinkable in most places and excellent local bottled water is available in stores and restaurants.
Photos
To protect against damage to high-speed film from airport x-ray machines, we recommend transporting your film in lead-protected bags. Film can be very expensive in the tropics. Don't forget to take extra batteries and, if you the use a digital camera, the required storage media.
You will get your best outdoor shots by shooting in the early morning or late afternoon. Of course, if your camera accepts filters, a polarizer will help you capture those postcard blue skies. If you want to shoot pictures of the local people, please remember to ask their permission first.
Marriage Requirements
Marriage requirements for non-residents differ substantially between Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin.
In Dutch St. Maarten:
Couples 21 years of age or older may marry in Dutch St. Maarten. For all of the necessary details, contact:
Office of the Registry
Sualiouga Road #6
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Netherlands Antilles
Tel 599-5-22457
or
The Lieutenant Governor
Government Administration Building
Clem Labega Square
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Netherlands Antilles
Fax 011-5995-24884
In French St. Martin:
Documents required for foreigners to wed: original birth certificate (or copy with raised seal); certificate of good conduct (including certification of "single status"); residency card (one of the couple must have resided on the island for at least one month prior to the ceremony); medical certificate (including blood test) issued within 3 months of marriage; French translation of English language documents. A Bulletin de Mariage and Livret de Famille are delivered at the ceremony. No fee is involved.
Tourism Information
Tourist information can be obtained at the Tourism Offices.
Dutch side: Vineyard Building, Philipsburg,(599) 542-2337
French side: Route de Sandy Ground (next to the Museum), Marigot (590)875-721
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