There are two countries on our tiny island, and - to complicate matters - there are three currencies.
Dutch Sint Maarten officially uses the Netherlands Antillian Guilder, shortened to NAF. This currency of the Dutch islands in the Caribbean is pegged to the US dollar. 1 US dollar is NAF 1.8.
Gas stations show fuel prices in guilders; in supermarkets, guilders and dollars are on the labels. In reality, almost everyone pays in dollars. ATMs offer a choice of currencies. European visitors watch out: The Euro is not accepted everywhere on the Dutch side, and if so, the exchange rates are miserable.
The Euro is the currency on the French side. All prices are shown in Euro, which has a slightly higher value than the US dollar. The dollar is accepted everywhere, many times one-to-one. Therefore, a visitor should avoid paying in Euro, saving up to 10% by offering US currency. The author of this article resides on the French side. Peeking into the cash registers of common (politically incorrect but for clarity needed) Chinese supermarkets - I only see USD currency.
If you come with Euros to the island and wish to exchange it for US Dollars, the casinos might be the best way to get a good rate. Just walk up to the cashier with the attitude of a big-shot gambler and get rid of your cash Euros.
FAQs
The official currency of Dutch St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles florin or guilder (NAF). U.S. dollars however, are widely accepted.
Should I bring euros to St Martin? ›
The Euro is the currency on the French side. All prices are shown in Euro, which has a slightly higher value than the US dollar. The dollar is accepted everywhere, many times one-to-one. Therefore, a visitor should avoid paying in Euro, saving up to 10% by offering US currency.
Can you use US dollars in St Martin? ›
In St Maarten, divided between the Dutch side (St Maarten) and the French side (St Martin), both the US Dollar and the Euro are valid forms of payment. The US Dollar is widely recognized on both sides, offering convenience to most travelers, whereas the Euro is the official currency on the French side.
Can I use my credit card in St. Maarten? ›
Major credit cards –American Express, Visa and MasterCard- are accepted in most places. Visitors need to check with individual merchants, as some stores and restaurants may not accept credit cards. U.S. Dollar traveler's checks are accepted everywhere with identification.
Is tipping expected in St. Maarten? ›
The staff is usually paid a lower hourly rate and rely on tipping from customers to make their money. You should use the same tipping as the US and give 15-20% to your wait staff. On the French side of the Island there usually is a 15% surcharge automatically added to your bill listed as Tax or SC.
Is the dollar strong in St. Maarten? ›
The Netherlands Antillean Guilder is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.79 ANG, as will be the new Caribbean Guilder ensuring that the Netherlands Antillean guilder and the Caribbean guilder are of equal value.
Can you use your phone in St. Martin? ›
The island has several cellular phone carriers, namely TellCell and UTS (Flow) on the Dutch side. Visitors can purchase SIM cards at many locations for as low as $10 (plus $10 for prepaid phone minutes). Incoming calls are free.
What plugs are used in St. Maarten? ›
Maarten (Dutch side) is exactly the same as the United States with a 110 voltage at 50 Hz standard. Standard US plugs and appliances are compatible too. On the other side, St Martin (French side) has a 220 voltage at 60 Hz. French plugs are required.
Can you drink tap water in Saint Martin? ›
DRINKING WATER
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.
Do you need an adapter in St. Maarten? ›
Appliances run on 110/120 volts. If you're staying on both Sides, don't forget to pack an adapter as St. Martin follows the European Standard and therefore appliances run on 220 volts.
Money in St. Maarten/St. Martin
- ATMs. The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM. ...
- Traveler's Checks. Traveler's checks are widely accepted on all three islands. ...
- Credit Cards. Major credit cards are widely accepted on all three islands. ...
- What Things Cost in St. Maarten/St.
General rates for taxis in St Maarten are: From SXM Airport to Maho: $8. From SXM Airport to Philipsburg: $20. From SXM Airport to Marigot: $20.
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). You can complete the ED-Card on the airplane en route to Sint Maarten or in advance by using ED-Card Online.
Do you need cash in St. Maarten? ›
Maarten, which is divided into 100 cents. US dollars are accepted at the majority of businesses on the Dutch side of the island. On the French side, the euro is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere.
Are there mosquitoes in St. Maarten? ›
Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya are all present in Sint Maarten, so take care to avoid mosquito bites. Use a reliable insect repellent and wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
What do US citizens need to travel to St. Maarten? ›
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
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). You can complete the ED-Card on the airplane en route to Sint Maarten or in advance by using ED-Card Online.
Do you need a converter for St. Maarten? ›
Do I need a voltage converter on Sint Maarten? You don't need a voltage converter on Sint Maarten. The standard voltage on Sint Maarten (110 V) matches more or less the voltage level your devices typically operate at in the United States (120 V). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account.
Is St. Maarten expensive to visit? ›
A famous jet-set getaway, Sint Maarten is known as one of the more expensive islands in the Caribbean.
Do you have to tender at St. Maarten? ›
If the Caribbean is calling, be aware that Belize City and Grand Cayman are tender ports. But Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Antigua are not.
