Local Knowledge
St. Martin-Sint Maarten is a little island but it packs a big punch. If offers everything you could ever want in a Caribbean escape – clear, azure waters, over 70 km of sugary white coastline, lush, rolling hills and hot sunny days – but consider the additional benefits of gourmet restaurants, world-class duty-free shopping, vibrant nightlife and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and you have a place where the tropics combines seamlessly with European chic.
Offering visitors three distinct cultures on one 87 km² island, enjoy French savoir-faire on St. Martin and Dutch charm on Sint Maarten, all the while soaking in the very best of a classic Caribbean getaway.
The borders here are barely noticeable, so most visitors cross back and forth without realizing they are entering a new country. Each side has managed to hold on to the personality of their own national cultures – Dutch Sint Maarten has a busy port and festive atmosphere that brings visitors from all over the island to its bustling boulevards, especially for the nightlife, while French St. Martin emphasizes elegant, upscale amenities along with pristine and quiet beaches. Whatever flag is flying though, chic resorts provide swank accommodations island-wide, and the restaurants are some of the finest in the Caribbean.
Things to Know:
- Accepted Currency: The euro (EUR €) is the island's main currency. The US Dollar is also accepted in some areas.
- Capital: As the island is divided in half, there are two capitals to represent each. Marigot is French Saint Martin's capital city, whereas Philipsburg represents Dutch Sint Maarten as its capital
- Airports: Two airports represent both the French and Dutch sides; Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) serves the Dutch half and is the island's largest commercial airport. L'Espérance Airport serves the French half
- Language(s) in Use: English is spoken most everywhere on the island. Dutch is the official language of St. Maarten and French is the official language of Saint Martin. On the Dutch side, Spanish, Papiamentu, Italian, Hindi, Chinese and other languages are commonly spoken. On the French side, Creole Patois is also used by locals there
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
- Dialing (Country Code): + 599 is the dialing code for French Saint Martin. +721 is the dialing code for St. Maarten (the Dutch side)
- Climate in General: The average annual temperature is 27°C, peaking at 32°C in the summer months. The humidity on the island is controlled thanks to the reliably cool trade winds
- Driving: You may use your valid, domestic driver's license, accompanied with your passport on either side of the island
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