General Information
Time difference
St. Maarten has Atlantic Standard Time.
This implies that in winter it is 5 hours earlier and in summer 6 hours earlier than in
the Netherlands.
Climate
All year long it is warm and sunny with some cooling by the wind.
Average winter temperature is 27ºC and a few degrees warmer in summer.
The average water temperature is 25ºC.
Rain showers can occur all over the year but are often short lived.
Drinking water
Tap water is desalinated sea water and is potable. Mineral water is everywhere to be
had.
Electricity
Most hotels in St. Maarten have the same current as in the U.S.: 110 volts, 60 cycles.
On the French side all electricity is 230 volts, 60 cycles, just as in the Netherlands.
Language
English is spoken everywhere, but Dutch is the official language of the Dutch side of
St. Maarten. In addition Spanish, Papiamento and other languages are spoken.
On the French side, St. Martin, French is the official language. Here also Creole Patois is spoken.
How to dress
Most people are casually dressed in St. Maarten; light, tropical clothing is the best option all year long. Bathing-costumes are worn on the beach only.
In casinos and top restaurants tourists will find themselves better at ease in somewhat more normal dress.
Medical facilities
On both the Dutch and the French side there is a hospital.
Close to our studio, at a kilometre’s distance into the direction of Cul-de-Sac, there is a pharmacy, a dentist and a general practitioner.
Money
Automatic teller machines (ATM s) can be found in different places in the island.
Banks opening hours
Mondays through Fridays: 8.30 to 15.30
Saturdays: 8.30 till 12.00
Credit Cards
American Express, Visa, Master Card and other major credit cards are accepted
nearly anywhere. Not all shops/restaurants accept credit cards; check this with individual
salesmen.
Traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars are widely accepted, provided you can identify yourself.
Currency
U.S. dollars, Antillean Guilders and Euros are accepted everywhere. The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Antillean Guilder is fixed; one dollar is 1,78 Antillean Guilder. The value of
the Euro depends on the rate of exchange.
Tips
Most hotels and restaurants charge 10 to 15 per cent extra, and this is nearly always mentioned at the entrance, on the menu etc. For extra service you can always tip additionally.
Taxi drivers expect US$ 0,50 or US$ 1,- for short distances and a little bit more for longer rides.
Airport porters should get US$ 2,- per bag.
Public holidays
• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• Good Friday: shops closed
• Easter
• 30 April - Carnival Parade
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 11 November - St. Maarten’s Day: shops closed
• 25 December - Christmas Day: all shops closed
• 26 December - Boxing Day: on the French side all businesses are open
Read more about the beautiful island of Saint Martin here
Time difference
St. Maarten has Atlantic Standard Time.
This implies that in winter it is 5 hours earlier and in summer 6 hours earlier than in
the Netherlands.
Climate
All year long it is warm and sunny with some cooling by the wind.
Average winter temperature is 27ºC and a few degrees warmer in summer.
The average water temperature is 25ºC.
Rain showers can occur all over the year but are often short lived.
Drinking water
Tap water is desalinated sea water and is potable. Mineral water is everywhere to be
had.
Electricity
Most hotels in St. Maarten have the same current as in the U.S.: 110 volts, 60 cycles.
On the French side all electricity is 230 volts, 60 cycles, just as in the Netherlands.
Language
English is spoken everywhere, but Dutch is the official language of the Dutch side of
St. Maarten. In addition Spanish, Papiamento and other languages are spoken.
On the French side, St. Martin, French is the official language. Here also Creole Patois is spoken.
How to dress
Most people are casually dressed in St. Maarten; light, tropical clothing is the best option all year long. Bathing-costumes are worn on the beach only.
In casinos and top restaurants tourists will find themselves better at ease in somewhat more normal dress.
Medical facilities
On both the Dutch and the French side there is a hospital.
Close to our studio, at a kilometre’s distance into the direction of Cul-de-Sac, there is a pharmacy, a dentist and a general practitioner.
Money
Automatic teller machines (ATM s) can be found in different places in the island.
Banks opening hours
Mondays through Fridays: 8.30 to 15.30
Saturdays: 8.30 till 12.00
Credit Cards
American Express, Visa, Master Card and other major credit cards are accepted
nearly anywhere. Not all shops/restaurants accept credit cards; check this with individual
salesmen.
Traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars are widely accepted, provided you can identify yourself.
Currency
U.S. dollars, Antillean Guilders and Euros are accepted everywhere. The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Antillean Guilder is fixed; one dollar is 1,78 Antillean Guilder. The value of
the Euro depends on the rate of exchange.
Tips
Most hotels and restaurants charge 10 to 15 per cent extra, and this is nearly always mentioned at the entrance, on the menu etc. For extra service you can always tip additionally.
Taxi drivers expect US$ 0,50 or US$ 1,- for short distances and a little bit more for longer rides.
Airport porters should get US$ 2,- per bag.
Public holidays
• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• Good Friday: shops closed
• Easter
• 30 April - Carnival Parade
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 11 November - St. Maarten’s Day: shops closed
• 25 December - Christmas Day: all shops closed
• 26 December - Boxing Day: on the French side all businesses are open
Read more about the beautiful island of Saint Martin here