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Why is St Martin called the friendly island?

Sint Maarten for its openness to visitors and free trade was branded Friendly Island.



St. Martin (and its Dutch side, Sint Maarten) is widely known as "The Friendly Island" primarily due to the harmonious coexistence of two distinct nations on one small piece of land. Since the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, the French and Dutch have shared the island without a physical border, a rarity that has fostered a unique culture of openness and hospitality. The nickname has been further cemented by the island's tourism-driven economy, where locals from over 120 different nationalities live together. This "melting pot" creates an atmosphere where visitors are welcomed with a blend of European sophistication and Caribbean warmth. The title is more than just a marketing slogan; it reflects the historical lack of conflict between the two sides and the genuine, multi-ethnic pride residents take in sharing their "dual-personality" home with the world.

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Most visits to the Dutch Caribbean are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime occur. There is violent crime amongst members of the illegal drugs world, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions.

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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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In St Maarten, we believe in the old saying, “work hard, play hard.” In fact, St. Maarten is known for its exciting nightlife where the guava berry liqueur flows, and the casinos invite you in for a night of luck.

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Plum Bay or Baie aux Prunes beach is secluded and not so frequent a destination for tourists. Golden sands and clear turquoise water are enhanced by the peace and quiet that this beach offers. The calmer seas around this wild beach are the perfect locations for snorkeling and sometimes for surfing.

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Many cruise ships visit the island on a weekly basis, docking at the Port of St. Maarten in Philipsburg. You will need a passport to travel to and from St. Martin but rest assured that you can travel freely between the island's French and Dutch sides.

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You can drive from one end of the island to the next in as little as 30-45 minutes (without traffic), and explore the best things to do on St Maarten.

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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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Maarten is generally considered a safe place to visit, but as with any tourist destination there are some general safety precautions you should take. St. Martin is one of the safest warm weather climate (outside US) locations to visit.

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The Dutch side is known for having nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos. The French side has plenty of restaurants, but that is where the night ends. VERDICT: If nightlife matters, the Dutch side is the clear winner.

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I live on SXM and absolutely love St Lucia. It is probably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. That said, SXM has nicer beaches and a more international flavor and definitely better restaurants. If you love beaches and great food, then St Maarten is the choice for you.

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