Information

Currency & Payments

Saint Martin is a unique destination: two countries, three currencies. This page helps you understand when to use the Euro, the US Dollar and the Caribbean Guilder, so you can pay with confidence.

The 3 currencies used in Saint Martin

€

Euro (€)

French side

The euro is the official currency of the French part (Collectivité de Saint-Martin). All shops, restaurants and service providers accept it. It's the most practical currency if you're staying on the French side.

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US Dollar (USD)

Whole island

The US dollar is accepted everywhere on the island, French and Dutch sides alike. It's the most universal currency in Saint Martin. Many businesses even display their prices in dollars, including on the French side.

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XCG

Caribbean Guilder (XCG)

Dutch side

The official currency of Sint Maarten and Saba, the Caribbean guilder (XCG) replaces the former Netherlands Antillean guilder. It is accepted in local shops and comes in banknotes (10 - 100) and coins.

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Currency converter

Daily exchange rates from the European Central Bank. The Caribbean guilder (XCG) has a fixed rate: 1 USD = 1.79 XCG.

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Credit & debit cards

Foreign transaction fees

Check with your bank about conversion and foreign transaction fees. Some digital banks (N26, Revolut, Wise) offer favorable conditions for foreign currency payments.

Contactless payments

Contactless (NFC) payments are available in most modern shops, especially on the French side. On the Dutch side, it's slightly less common.

Small businesses

Small shops, food trucks (lolos), street vendors and some taxis only accept cash. Always carry some cash on you.

Apple Pay / Google Pay

Work on NFC-compatible terminals, mainly modern stores and supermarkets.

ATMs

French side

Marigot (downtown, marina)
Grand Case
Super U (Hope Estate)

ATMs dispense euros (€)

Dutch side

Philipsburg (Front Street)
Simpson Bay
Princess Juliana Airport (SXM)

Some ATMs charge fees: €0.50 to €6 per withdrawal.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Saint Martin, but it's appreciated and part of the local culture, especially on the Dutch side.

Restaurants

If service is included: 5 to 10% is enough.

10 to 15%

Taxis

Or round up to the nearest euro/dollar.

10% of the fare

Hotels

$2 to $5 per night for housekeeping.

$1 to $2 per bag

Bars & beach bars

$1 per drink, or 5% of the tab.

Money-saving tips

Pay in local currency : in euros on the French side, in XCG on the Dutch side. You'll avoid poor conversion rates applied when paying in USD.

Choose the conversion-rate option : the payment terminal may offer to charge you in your home currency. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is always more expensive.

Withdraw less often : Withdraw cash in one or two larger amounts rather than many small ones, to minimize fixed per-withdrawal fees.

Use a multi-currency card : (Wise, Revolut) to pay directly in dollars or euros with no conversion fees.