Practical Information

While the island of St. Martin and Sint Maarten enjoys sunshine all year round, the best time to visit is December through to April. During this time, Carnival, a two-week fiesta, and the Heineken Regatta take place. Humidity starts to build up in May and does not dissipate until late November. Tropical storms blow through and hurricanes can strike between June through November.

Getting There

The island has frequent flights to and from North America and Europe, as well as other Caribbean islands. All international flights land at Princess (Queen) Juliana Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Regional carriers land at both the Dutch airport and the French airport, Aéroport de l’Espérance (SFG). Major carriers flying in include Delta, United Airlines, Corsair, American Airlines, Air Canada, KLM, Air France, Air Caraïbes, Air Antilles, Winair, and LIAT.

Personal Security

Theft is a problem on the island, further complicated by the fact that the Dutch and French police do not readily exchange information. Rental cars are a prime target, as are the valuables left in them so avoid leaving anything in your car.

Isolated beaches and hiking trails are other areas where theft is rampant. Make sure you report all crimes to the police, and get a report of the incident.

Health

The island has two hospitals – St. Maarten Medical Center East of Philipsburg on the Dutch side and the Centre Hospitalier LC Fleming de Saint Martin in Marigot on the French side. Both have 24-hour emergency rooms.

Tap water is generally safe to drink but it doesn’t always taste good so locals and tourists often prefer to stick to bottled water.

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the European Union may enter St. Martin and Sint Maarten by presenting a national ID or valid passport. Citizens of all other countries must show a valid passport. All visitors must possess an onward or return ticket off the island. For visitors in general, the maximum uninterrupted stay allowed is 30 days. For visitors from Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, it is 3 months. For US and Dutch visitors, it is 6 months. More information can be obtained from the Embassy of France in Washington, DC, Passport Canada, and UK Passport Services. A departure tax is usually included in flight tickets and sometimes in the cost of ferry tickets.

LGBT+ Safety

As territories of liberal European countries, both French St. Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten have been accepting of the LGBT+ community for years. There are laws in place against anti-gay discrimination in both. Same-sex marriage is legal in St. Martin, and while it isn’t yet in Sint Maarten, symbolic wedding ceremonies and vow renewals are popular.

Money

The US dollar is widely accepted on both sides of the island, but officially the currency on the French side is the euro (EUR) and on the Dutch side, in Sint Maarten and Curaçao, is the Caribbean guilder (CMg).

Banks and ATMs are located at many locations throughout theisland, with the majority in the capital cities, larger towns, and big resort areas. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards.

Cell Phones and Wi-Fi

On St. Martin/Sint Maarten, the area code for the Dutch side is 721 and the area code for the French side is 590; calls between the two are considered international. To use a personal cell phone on the island, travelers must check with their service provider to determine if they will work in St. Martin and Sint Maarten and if they will be subject to roaming charges. Hotel reception desks offer information regarding short-term cell phone rental outlets. Phone cards are available at major post offices. Many resorts have wireless Internet service, and Wi-Fi hot spots are scattered around the island.

Getting Around

A rental car is the best way to get around St. Martin/Sint Maarten. A two-lane highway encircles the coast and the secondary roads are in good condition. Most large international agencies such as AVIS and Hertz rent cars on the island, and many local companies such as Paradise meet or beat their rates. Book well ahead during the high season. Several agencies have booths at the airports and large resorts usually have rental cars on-site. Taxis are abundant and charges are government-regulated, with rates posted in each cab. Prices generally increase in the evening, and drivers may charge extra for more than three passengers and any excess luggage.

Public transportation is limited to small daily buses between Philipsburg, Marigot, and Grand Case. Commercial jets arrive at the international airport, located on the Dutch side. Small aircraft fly to nearby islands from L’Espérance Airport on the French side. Island-hopping is possible by high-speed ferry to St. Barths and by catamaran to Anguilla and Saba.

Visitor Information

Visitor information kiosks are located at the airports, main marinas, and cruise ship docks. Sint Maarten Tourist Bureau has its office in Philipsburg and Office du Tourisme de Saint-Martin has a branch in Marigot. Local weekly and monthly publications listing current events and activities are available free of cost throughout the island.

At a Glance