Table of Contents
When to go?
The climate is tropical year-round (27-31°C / 80-88°F), but the time you choose drastically changes the experience.
December to April (dry season)
Blue skies, little rain, ideal temperature (26-28°C / 79-82°F). The most popular period. Flights and accommodations are at their highest prices. Book 3 to 6 months in advance.
May to November (wet season)
Warmer (29-31°C / 84-88°F), short but intense showers in the late afternoon. Significantly lower prices (-30 to -50% on accommodation). Hurricane risk from June to November, peaking in September-October.
"Best compromise: May-June or November. Low prices, decent weather, few tourists."
Getting around the island
The island is 87 km² (34 sq mi): you can drive around it in 1.5 hours without stopping. But without a car, you'll be very limited.
Car rental
- Expect $35-70/day depending on the season and vehicle.
- Book before you arrive (airport rental desks often run out during high season).
- Get an SUV or high-clearance vehicle if possible: some roads are damaged, narrow, and steep.
- Take photos/videos of the vehicle at pickup AND return. Some agencies charge for pre-existing damage.
- Check the insurance excess: often $500-1,500 by default. Additional coverage may be worth it.
- Parking is generally free except in Philipsburg and near the airport (towing risk).
Driving: what you need to know
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in town, 70 km/h (43 mph) outside.
- Unmarked right-of-way at many intersections.
- Numerous unmarked speed bumps (slow down systematically).
- Valid driver's license (international recommended), seatbelt mandatory.
- Phone use while driving is prohibited (€730 fine).
- Roundabouts are frequent. Stay alert, locals don't always use turn signals.
Taxis and public transport
Taxis have no meters: fares are set by zone. Ask the price before getting in. No Uber or Lyft on the island. Minibuses run on main roads ($1-3) but with no fixed schedule. They stop when you wave them down.
Money and budget
Two currencies coexist, but US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Which currency to use?
French side: the Euro (€). US dollars are accepted in most shops.
Dutch side: the Caribbean guilder (Cg, code XCG) since March 2025, replacing the former Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). Some prices are still displayed in NAf. The exchange rate is fixed: 1 USD = 1.79 Cg. US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Bring Euros and some US dollars. A Visa/Mastercard works in 90% of places. Some small restaurants and lolos only accept cash.
Indicative daily budget (per person)
| Lolo / food truck meal | $8-15 |
| Restaurant (main + drink) | $22-40 |
| Fine dining restaurant | $55-110 |
| Groceries (1 day) | $16-28 |
| Car rental | $35-70 |
| Boat excursion (half-day) | $55-100 |
| Taxi airport → hotel | $15-35 |
Tipping
🇫🇷 French side: service is included ("service compris"). A 5-10% tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
🇳🇱 Dutch side: service is not included. Leave 15-18% as you would in the US.
🏨 Hotels: $3-5/day for housekeeping if you're satisfied with the service.
Health and safety
Saint Martin is a safe destination, but a few precautions are in order.
💧 Drinking water
Tap water is safe to drink in Saint Martin, but if you have a sensitive stomach or any doubt, stick to bottled water (available in all supermarkets). Shower water is perfectly safe.
☀️ Sun and heat
The tropical sun is much stronger than in northern latitudes. Even on cloudy days, UV levels are high. Apply SPF 50 sunscreen every 2 hours, wear a hat, and stay hydrated. Sunburn and heat stroke are the top medical issue for tourists.
🦟 Mosquitoes
Present year-round, especially at dusk. Use repellent (DEET or IR3535). Mosquitoes can transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. During the wet season, a mosquito net can be useful.
☠️ The manchineel tree
This tree grows on some beaches. Its sap is extremely toxic: never touch its fruits (small green apples), and don't shelter under it in the rain (the runoff burns skin). Trees are usually marked with red paint or a sign.
🌊 In the sea
- Wear water shoes or fins in rocky areas: sea urchins are common.
- Ask locals about currents before swimming in secluded coves.
- Jellyfish are occasional. If stung: rinse with seawater (not fresh water), apply vinegar.
🛡️ General safety
- Avoid displaying jewelry and valuables on the beach.
- Don't leave anything visible in your rental car (even parked for 5 minutes).
- Avoid isolated and poorly lit areas at night.
- Use your accommodation's safe for your passport and cash.
Daily life on the island
A few local habits to know so you're not caught off guard.
Opening hours
- Many shops, restaurants, and supermarkets are closed on Sundays.
- Lolos (local eateries) often only serve lunch.
- Pharmacies generally close at 6 PM on weekdays. There's a weekend on-call service (list posted on pharmacy windows).
- Time difference with mainland France: -5h in winter, -6h in summer. Same timezone as Eastern US (AST/UTC-4).
Culture and customs
- Say hello when entering a shop. It's an important sign of respect here.
- The pace is relaxed. Don't get impatient if service is slower than expected.
- Beachwear (swimsuit, shirtless) is for the beach only. Cover up in town.
- Topless is tolerated on some French-side beaches (Baie Orientale, Cupecoy). Not allowed on the Dutch side.
- Carnival (February-March) is a major event: parades, music, costumes. Book early if you want to attend.
Languages
English is the most widely spoken language on the island, on both sides. On the French side, French and Creole are also used. On the Dutch side, you'll also hear Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento. You won't have any communication issues in English.
Electricity and plugs
French side: European plugs (type C/E, 220V). Dutch side: American plugs (type A/B, 110V). If you're staying on the Dutch side, a plug adapter is essential.
The 8 first-timer mistakes
Not booking a car
During high season, there's nothing left at the airport. Book online at least 2 weeks ahead.
Underestimating the sun
You'll tan fast, but a tropical sunburn can ruin 3 days of vacation. SPF 50, hat, water.
Planning too short a stay
You need at least 5-7 days to enjoy both sides of the island, take a boat trip, and explore the food scene.
Only visiting one side
Both sides offer very different experiences. French side: gastronomy, wild beaches, markets. Dutch side: nightlife, duty-free, casinos.
Forgetting mosquito repellent
Mosquitoes are active from sunset. Without repellent, you'll be covered in bites.
Not buying an eSIM before departure
Without an eSIM, you'll have no GPS or internet upon landing. Buy it before you leave, scan the QR code, and you'll be connected as soon as you step off the plane.
Traveling without insurance
Medical costs on the Dutch side follow US rates. A medical evacuation costs thousands. Get travel insurance before you leave.
Planning groceries for Sunday
Most shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays. Plan your shopping accordingly.
Pre-departure checklist
- Valid passport (mandatory if arriving via Juliana Airport)
- ED Card filled out on entry.sx (mandatory)
- Travel insurance purchased
- Rental car booked
- eSIM purchased and QR code saved
- SPF 50 sunscreen + mosquito repellent packed
- Plug adapter if staying on the Dutch side
- Google Maps app downloaded for offline use
- Passport photocopy emailed to yourself
Prices and information mentioned are indicative and subject to change. Check official sources for the most current data.