Should I bring cash to St Maarten?


Should I bring cash to St Maarten? 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.


Is St Martin worth it?

There are plenty of reasons to visit St Martin – from stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to duty-free shopping, vibrant nightlife and diverse cultures. Plus, as a dual-nation island with two different cultures and two different vibes, you get a two-for-the-price-of-one Caribbean Island vacation.


Do you tip at restaurants in Saint Martin?

You should use the same tipping as the US and give 15-20% to your wait staff.


What is the difference between St Martin and St Maarten?

Sint Maarten vs. Saint Martin … one beautiful Caribbean island with two completely different vibes. Sint Maarten is located on the Dutch side, and Saint Maarten is on the French side.


How does tipping work in St Martin?

GRATUITIES. Tips at restaurants are generally not included in the final bill but are welcome for good service. Tipping ranges from 10 to 20 percent, depending on the quality of service. Many French-side restaurant bills include tips.


How do I get cash in St. Maarten?

Money in St. Maarten/St. Martin
  1. ATMs. The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM. ...
  2. Traveler's Checks. Traveler's checks are widely accepted on all three islands. ...
  3. Credit Cards. Major credit cards are widely accepted on all three islands. ...
  4. What Things Cost in St. Maarten/St.


Should I tip in Sint Maarten?

How much is customary? On the Dutch side of the Island there is normally no surcharge added to your bill at restaurants. The staff is usually paid a lower hourly rate and rely on tipping from customers to make their money. You should use the same tipping as the US and give 15-20% to your wait staff.


Do you tip taxi drivers in St Martin?

Tipping : If the gratuity is not included in the final bill, then a 10 to 15 % tip is standard. In St. Maarten and St. Martin, airport porters generally expect a tip of about $1 USD per bag, taxi drivers usually get a $0.50 USD to $1 USD tip depending how long a taxi trip was taken, and if they handled any luggage.


How do you pay for things in St Martin?

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.


Do you need a Covid test to enter St. Martin?

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.


What money should I bring to St. Maarten?

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.


How much do you tip a taxi in St Martin?

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.


Can you drink tap water in St. Maarten?

Maarten/St. Martin. Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. High-SPF sunscreen is essential and recommended for those not used to intense sunlight.


Which side of St. Maarten is nicer?

Dutch Sint Maarten The Dutch side of the island is more developed. There are more amenities and services available, traffic tends to be heavier and the atmosphere is more animated, with a steadier flow of tourists who are more likely to be looking for a party atmosphere.


Do I need to carry my passport in St. Maarten?

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).


Where to avoid using credit card?

8 Expenses You Should Not Put on a Credit Card
  • Rent or Mortgage Payments. Paying your rent or mortgage with a credit card isn't always an option—landlords tend to prefer checks, cash or even Venmo payments. ...
  • Utilities. ...
  • Income Taxes. ...
  • Medical Bills. ...
  • Cash Withdrawals. ...
  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payments. ...
  • Online Bets. ...
  • Tuition.


What do US citizens need to travel to St. Maarten?

American or Canadian citizens must present a valid passport and a connecting flight or return ticket. For naturalized citizens, you will need an original naturalization certificate with an identity photo. The maximum authorized stay on St. Martin for tourists is 3 months.


How much cash can you bring into St. Maarten?

There are no restrictions but amounts over ANG20,000, or equivalent, must be declared.


Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive?

Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts? While tipping is allowed at some resorts, it is optional, so you won't have to worry about staff pressuring you to do so.


Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts?

While tipping is allowed at some resorts, it is optional, so you won't have to worry about staff pressuring you to do so. You don't have to feel bad about not being able to or wanting to tip everyone.