Language & Tipping
One island, two countries and one language everyone shares: English. Here is who speaks what, a few useful French words and tipping customs on each side.
Updated October 2026
Who speaks what?
You can get by in English everywhere. A few words of French are a nice touch on the French side.
Dutch side
- Official languages
- Dutch and English
- Day to day
- English, everywhere, far more than Dutch
- Good manners
- A “good morning” or “good afternoon” opens every conversation
French side
- Official language
- French
- Day to day
- French, and English in hotels, restaurants and shops
- Good manners
- Say “bonjour” when you walk into a shop or restaurant
All over the island, you will also hear Spanish and Creole, brought by families from neighboring islands.
A few words of French
For the French side, where a little French goes a long way.
- Bonjour
- Hello, good morning
- Bonsoir
- Good evening
- Merci beaucoup
- Thank you very much
- S’il vous plaît
- Please
- C’est combien ?
- How much is it?
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît
- The check, please
- Vous parlez anglais ?
- Do you speak English?
- Au revoir, bonne journée !
- Goodbye, have a nice day!
Island words
- Lolo
- A small open-air restaurant serving local food from a big grill.
- Johnny cake
- Fried bread, the side dish of every Creole meal.
- Lambi
- Conch, the big Caribbean shellfish, served stewed or as fritters.
- Guavaberry
- The island’s liqueur, made with rum and small wild berries from the hills.
More words on our culture and history page.
Tipping
Never mandatory, always appreciated. But before you tip, read the bill carefully.
| Dutch side | French side | |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | A 15% service charge is often already added; otherwise 10 to 15% | Service is included; a little extra if you are happy |
| Taxis | About 10% | About 10% |
| Hotels | $1 to $2 per bag carried | $1 to $2 per bag carried |
| Bars | $1 per drink | $1 per drink |
Read the bottom of the bill. On the Dutch side, look for “service charge” or “gratuity”: if service is already included, there is no need to add another 15% on the card machine. On the French side, pay in euros: paying in dollars there often means a poor exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak French in St. Martin?
No. English is spoken everywhere on the Dutch side and in hotels, restaurants and shops on the French side. A simple “bonjour” and “merci” are always appreciated.
Is tipping mandatory?
No, but it is appreciated. On the French side, service is included in the prices. On the Dutch side, many restaurants already add a 15% service charge to the bill.
How do I know if service is included?
Check the bottom of the bill: “service charge” or “gratuity” on the Dutch side, “service compris” on the French side. If in doubt, just ask.
How much should I tip a taxi driver?
About 10% of the fare if you are happy, a bit more if they help with heavy luggage.