Do people in St Maarten speak Dutch?
Do people in St Maarten speak Dutch? Dutch is the official language of Sint Maarten, used in legal documents and throughout the court system. To confuse matters a little further, the language of the Dutch West Indies with the larger islands to the South of Aruba and Curaçao is Papiamento.
Is St Maarten still a Dutch colony?
Sint Maarten is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It occupies the southern part of the island of Saint Martin in the Leeward Islands - the northern half is the French territory of Saint Martin.
Is St Maarten a party island?
Maarten is known for its exciting nightlife where the guava berry liqueur flows, and the casinos invite you in for a night of luck.
Is Aruba still a Dutch colony?
In 1986 Aruba pulled out of the Netherlands Antilles - a federation of Dutch Caribbean territories - and obtained separate status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch government controls defence and foreign affairs while the island's government handles local matters.
What ethnicity are people from St. Maarten?
People of more than 120 nationalities live on St. Martin, the majority being French, Haitian, Dominican, American, or European. The official language used in the administrations and schools is, of course, French.
Can a US citizen live in St Maarten?
Sint Maarten operated under the European system for title. According to the American-Dutch Friendship treaty of 1956, US citizens do not need a work permit while living on the island. If they want to stay longer than 6 months, they should apply for a Declaration of Admission by Law.
Is St Maarten safe to travel alone?
Is St Maarten safe to travel alone? Yes, St Maarten is generally considered safe to travel alone. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to research the area before you travel and take the necessary safety precautions.
Can I use my US phone in St. Maarten?
Yes, you can use your cell phone on St. Martin to call inside the island or to anywhere else.
Is crime bad in St. Martin?
Most visits to the Dutch Caribbean are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime occur. There is violent crime amongst members of the illegal drugs world, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions.
Is St Maarten worth it?
Maarten is one of the world's most stunning islands. Thousands of tourists return to the island year after year, basking in the bright Caribbean sun and clear turquoise waters. St. Maarten is a true tropical paradise, combining vibrant island culture with elegant European charm.
Can you drink the water in Saint Martin?
Tap water on the island comes from desalinated seawater and is drinkable. We do recommend drinking bottled water which is readily available throughout the island.
What is the best time of year to go to St. Maarten?
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
When not to travel to St Maarten?
The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.
Is St Maarten safe to walk around?
Maarten is generally considered a safe place to visit, but as with any tourist destination there are some general safety precautions you should take. St. Martin is one of the safest warm weather climate (outside US) locations to visit.