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Cruises
St Martin/St Maarten is a popular and regular port of call for cruise ships. Often the island will see several large ships in the huge bay off Philipsburg - occasionally off Marigot too – which then disgorge thousands of passengers on the hunt for duty-free shopping. Some of the smaller and more stylish ships that put into the island include Windstar Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and SeaDream Yacht Club. |
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Currency/Credit Cards
Saint Martin
The official currency is the euro, which exchanges at approximately US$1 = €0.80. With so many American visitors, the dollar is accepted everywhere, as are credit cards. Euros will be accepted in most businesses on the Dutch side.
Sint Maarten
On the Dutch side the official currency is the Netherlands Antilles florin/guilder, which is fixed to the US dollar at US$1 = NAFI 1.78. Practically speaking, the dollar is used just as widely as the Florin and credit cards are also accepted by all businesses. NA Florins are generally not accepted on the French side.
You can change money at many of the hotel receptions but rates will not be as good as at the bank. |
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Departure Tax
A departure tax is payable on leaving St Martin/St Maarten, the rate however depends on which side you leave from.
A US$30 tax is payable on departure from the Juliana Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side.
A 3 euro departure tax is included in the price of airfare for those leaving from Esperance Airport (SFG) on the French side, so there should be nothing to pay on departure.
Departure tax should not be levied if you are transitting in the island (ie you are on island for less than 24 hours). |
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Electricity
Electrical appliances run at 220 volts (50 Hz), following the European standard, in the French side St Martin, and at 110 volts (60 Hz), after the American standard, in the Dutch side St Maarten. Remember to bring the appropriate converters, depending on where you plan on staying. |
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Embassies & Consulates
There is no diplomatic representation in St Martin/St Maarten. The nearest embassies and High Commissions tend to be in Barbados. There are some consuls in St Maarten, however.
Canada
For Embassies and High Commissions see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Barbados
Canadians can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Consulate of Canada in Sint Maarten, 11A Green Star Shell Road, Dawn Beach, Sint Maarten, t 543 6261.
United Kingdom
For Embassies and High Commissions see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Barbados
British citizens can obtain consular advice from the British Consulate in Curacao, 6 Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles, t 5999 747 3322.
United States
For Embassies and High Commissions see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Barbados
Citizens of the Unites States can get consular advice from the United States Consulate General in Curacao, P.O. Box 158, t 5999 461 3066. |
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Emergencies
Police – 911
Fire – 911
Ambulance – 911 |
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