The Antillean Guilder or Florin is the official currency in St. 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.

Excellent question! Paying for things in St. Martin is generally easy and flexible, but there are some important island-specific nuances due to its dual nationality.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to pay for things in St. Martin/St. Maarten:

The Primary Currency: The US Dollar (USD)

• Widely Accepted: The US Dollar is the de facto currency across the entire island, in both the French and Dutch sides. You can pay with USD almost everywhere—restaurants, shops, tours, and for rentals.
• Change in USD: When you pay in USD, you will almost always receive your change in USD. This makes it incredibly convenient for American tourists.
• Recommended Currency to Bring: It is highly recommended to bring US Dollars in cash, especially in smaller denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20).

Official Currencies

• French Side (Saint-Martin): The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Prices are often listed in Euros, but establishments will happily accept USD.
• Dutch Side (Sint Maarten): The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG or NAƒ). Prices are often listed in both USD and ANG. The fixed exchange rate is 1 USD = 1.80 ANG (so 10 ANG is about $5.56).

Cash is King (Especially for Smaller Purchases)

• Markets & Beach Vendors: The famous Marigot Market, lolos (local BBQ shacks), food trucks, beach bars, and small souvenir stalls strongly prefer or only accept cash