Is tipping customary in St Martin?

Tipping on the Dutch side of the island is very similar to tipping in the US, in terms of when and how much. There are no service charges added to bills on the Dutch side and the service staff depend on tips.



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The euro is used in the North (in St. Martin). Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most.

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Then we a have rainbow full of places that tipping is frowned upon: China, French-Polynesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Taipei, Nepal, Korea and Switzerland. In these countries a tip is not expected but rounding up the bill is, it's pretty much customary: Italy, Russia, Belgium, Australia, and I probably missing a dozen more.

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St. Martin (French) or St. Maarten (Dutch) does not have any particular customs procedures at work. Small quantities of personal products like tobacco, electronic equipment and alcohol are allowed free of duty.

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When dining out, it is normal to tip on St. Maarten/St. Martin. Before you leave a tip, check the bottom of the menu or your bill as some establishments automatically add on a 15% Service Charge.

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The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.

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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).

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If you have the cash, try to leave your tip on the table after using your credit card to pay the bill. Traditionally, if you're not being served your food, tips are not expected. Still, baristas and other employees at bakeries, coffee shops, and more often put out a tip jar.

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Are there COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens? No. As of August 1, 2022, Saint Martin no longer has COVID entry requirements for any travelers. There are NO testing or vaccine requirements.

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Taxi Drivers: Should I tip? Tipping taxis drivers on the island is common and drivers usually get around $0.50-$1 depending upon the total distance and final prices. Tour Guides: Is a tip required? Tipping your tour guide between 10%-15% is advisable in St Maarten.

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Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most. It is not unusual to receive change in US Dollar even when payment is made with the guilder.

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14 Things You Should Never, Ever Say to Your Server
  • Thanks, sweetie/honey/baby/sugar. Using any kind of pet name or nickname is highly inappropriate. ...
  • You can still seat us, right? ...
  • Can I have a hot tea? ...
  • I'll take... ...
  • What's your favorite thing on the menu? ...
  • *whistling* ...
  • *snapping* ...
  • Susie, tell her what you want.


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Tipping culture indirectly fosters poverty and discrimination at the expense of employees who are not necessarily rewarded according to the service they provided. If politicians do not want to change the labor law, it is up to us, the customers, to generate adequate incentives for them to do it.

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Hurricane season is generally June through November though historically and statistically, more hurricanes occur in September than any other month. If it's more important to you to avoid hurricanes and rain than people, the best time to head to St. Maarten might be from December to May.

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When you arrive St. Maarten, you will pass through Immigration, which can take 10 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on which flights have arrived just prior to yours.

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