How much money should you bring to St. Maarten?

How much money should you bring to St. Maarten? We usually take $100-$150 per day in cash. For the budget minded traveler: be advised that almost all credit card companies charge 3-4% exchange fee on charges made out of the US. We always pay for room with TC's to avoid the fee on large ticket item. We user our CC's for hotel and car.

Are there sharks around St Maarten?

You will mainly see Caribbean Reef Sharks and Nurse Sharks, and occasionally Hammerhead sharks are sighted.

Is it OK to drink the water in St Maarten?

The tap water in Sint Maarten/St. Martin is safe to drink in most places. Many establishments serve desalinated water. Bottled water is inexpensive if you do not like the taste of the tap water.

What should I pack for St Maarten?

Beach dresses, cargo shorts, tshirts, and anything that will keep you cool under the Caribbean Sun. During the summer months, the weather is known for being sunny and bright, so don't forget to bring a cap, sun hat or your most fabulous pair of sunglasses.

Where not to stay in St Maarten?

I would avoid anything in Marigot, Sandy Ground, Nettle Bay, Dutch and French Quarters, Lower and Upper Prince Quarter, Cole Bay, Mary's Fancy, etc. These are locals areas and not much there for tourists. I am not sure there ARE AirBnBs in those areas but there could be.

How much do you tip in Saint Martin?

You should use the same tipping as the US and give 15-20% to your wait staff.

What is Saint Martin famous drink?

Guavaberry is the legendary folk liqueur of St. Maarten, first made here centuries ago in private homes.

Is it safe to walk in St. Maarten?

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. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach.

What is the drinking age in St Martin?

The legal drinking age on St. Maarten/St. Martin is 18 years.

Is St. Maarten part of Schengen?

Sint-Maarten is not considered as European territory. It is not part of the Schengen area, it is an independent state that is connected to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For French citizens arriving at the Grand Case Esperance airport (code SFG), on the French side, a valid identity card is sufficient.

How much alcohol can you bring into St Martin?

Visitors over 18 may bring in -- duty-free -- items intended for personal use (generally up to 4 liters of alcohol, a carton of cigarettes or 25 cigars), as well as laptops, cellphones, and cameras. You should collect receipts for all purchases made abroad.

Is jewelry cheaper in St. Maarten?

St Maarten, the dual nation, is renowned for numerous things: expansive beaches, plenty of sun, aquamarine waters, crystal clear, and great seafood. It is a common destination because of the sandy shores and the great jewelry prices. Jewelry in St Maarten is cheap because it is duty-free.

How long does it take to get through customs in St. Maarten?

When you arrive St. Maarten, you will pass through Immigration, which can take 10 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on which flights have arrived just prior to yours.

Should I bring cash to St Maarten?

The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.

How much do you tip a taxi in St Martin?

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip? Tipping taxis drivers on the island is common and drivers usually get around $0.50-$1 depending upon the total distance and final prices. Tour Guides: Is a tip required? Tipping your tour guide between 10%-15% is advisable in St Maarten.

Do they speak English in St Maarten?

English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect. The official languages are French for Saint-Martin, and both Dutch and English for Sint Maarten.

Which side of St. Maarten is nicer?

Dutch Sint Maarten The Dutch side of the island is more developed. There are more amenities and services available, traffic tends to be heavier and the atmosphere is more animated, with a steadier flow of tourists who are more likely to be looking for a party atmosphere.

What is the best month 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.

Do I need to carry my passport in St. Maarten?

Upon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card).

Do you need a Covid test to enter St Martin?

No. As of August 1, 2022, Saint Martin no longer has COVID entry requirements for any travelers. There are NO testing or vaccine requirements.

What is the most popular food in St. Maarten?

Is St. Maarten safe to walk around?

St. 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.