Guide to Sint Maarten (Netherlands)

Saint Martin is an island in the Caribbean that is split between the French collectivity of Saint-Martin and the Dutch country of Sint Maarten. Beauty abounds on the island, with bluffs overlooking pretty harbours, sandy-cliffed beaches and tranquil rocky coves where fish provide the beauty.

• Grand Case is an old fishing village on the French side and has excellent restaurants.
• Marigot is the largest town and capital of the French side.
• Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side. This is where most cruise ships dock.

The northern, French side of the island is known as Saint-Martin, and is 54 km². The southern, Dutch side of the island is known as Sint Maarten, and is 41 km². The Dutch side has had its own government since 2010 and has its own legal system, with its relations with the French side remaining unchanged. To avoid confusion between the three variations on the name, the two regions are commonly referred to as "the French side" and "the Dutch side".

Although this island is divided between two different countries, there is no real border; there are only monuments and signs that delineate the border. Over 350 years ago, the two countries decided that residents of either country could travel across both sides of the border without worrying about any trouble. The two countries live peacefully without difficulties, which helps tourism considerably. Any separation is more from separate and dissimilar utilities systems, e.g., power on the French side is 250 V 50 Hz, while the Netherlands side is 110/120 60 Hz. In addition, take care when dialling from the French to Dutch or Dutch to French sides as it is, in effect, an international call and requires special dialling instructions. These instructions are typically posted at hotels and tourist locations.

The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, has become a leading destination in the property market with more and more developments being constructed. There are high-rise flats and waterfront communities, all of which are popular to buyers, especially Americans. Tourists on the streets are frequently approached by time-share offers for them. The language on this side of the island is Dutch, but almost everyone speaks English.

On the Dutch side, grocery stores and other businesses may have prices expressed in Caribbean guilder (Cg) which is the local currency, but the US dollar and the euro are accepted at these establishments. The guilder is officially pegged to the USD, with a fixed rate of 1 USD = 1.79 XCG. Many large resorts have been built and on many days cruise ships flood Philipsburg with their passengers. Philipsburg is one of the Caribbean's best shopping towns. If shopping's not your thing, you can sit out back on Philipsburg's harbour beach and have a drink or play at one of the casinos just down the street. There are nine on this side. When it all gets too mellow, go rip it up with a 4x4 excursion around the island. Visit the Maho and Cupecoy area for some of the best nightlife on the island and some of the best beaches.

The French side, Saint-Martin, consists of the northern two-thirds of the island. Governed from Guadeloupe until 2007, Saint-Martin is now its own collectivity within France. It is more European than the Dutch side, and notably is part of the EU, unlike the Dutch side. The native language is French, and it has the same laws as France. There are no casinos on the French side. It is less developed than the Dutch side, but contains more of the island's natural wonders. The French side is popularly known for clothing-optional Orient Beach. The clothing-optional portion of the beach lies at the far southern end and can be easily recognised by the large bright yellow beach umbrellas. You will see both clothed and unclothed people on this particular stretch. The towns of Marigot and Grand Case provide some of the best gourmet meals anywhere and plenty of interesting shops.

Tourist information

• Saint-Martin Tourism website
• Sint Maarten Tourism website

English is by far the most spoken language on both sides of the island. Dutch and French are the official languages on their respective sides of the island. English is an official language of the Dutch side as well and is widely spoken on both sides, especially in tourist areas. Children on both sides of the island are educated in French, Dutch, English and Spanish. Language is typically not a barrier when visiting the island.

Entry requirements

General Entry Information: ED Card

Since 2024, a St. Maarten Embarkation / Disembarkation card is requested to be filled in before arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport. Communications are somewhat contradictory about whether completion is obliged: the process is not mandatory, but "highly recommended to expedite entry". When arriving however, it becomes clear the expectation is that you have filled it in. Computer terminals allow for filling in on the spot, but this takes more time than filling in before arrival. Arriving via the French side does not require this process.

French Side

The French side of the island is part of the European Union, so all EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may immigrate and seek employment without any additional permits.

However it is not part of the Schengen Area, so border controls are in place for people travelling between Metropolitan France and Saint-Martin. If you do not need a visa for Metropolitan France, you can also visit Saint-Martin for up to 90 days without a visa. If you need a visa, Schengen visas for Metropolitan France are not valid for entry to Saint-Martin, and you will need to obtain a separate Saint-Martin visa from a French diplomatic mission for that.

Dutch Side

The Dutch side of the island is part of neither the EU nor the Schengen Area. This means that border controls are in place for people travelling between the European Netherlands and Sint Maarten. Except for Dutch citizens, even EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need to obtain an employment permit if they want to work in Sint Maarten.

Countries eligible for a visa-free entry to the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten are shown in cyan on image to the right.

Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa, which is valid for Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands and allows multiple entry for a maximum period of 90 days within 180 days. The maximum uninterrupted stay in one of the individual countries is 30 days. The visa is not valid for the European part of the Netherlands. However, Schengen visas are valid for visits to Sint Maarten, and people with valid visas for Saint-Martin are also exempt from having to obtain a separate visa for Sint Maarten.

By plane

When leaving St. Martin by plane, you need to pay an exit tax at the Phillipsburg airport, unless it has been included in the airfare, which is the case with some airlines. Travellers departing on international flights pay US$30. Exempt are passengers flying with certain airlines, transit passengers and children under two. The exit tax to the other Netherlands Antilles Islands such as Saba and St. Eustatius is only US$10.

By boat

On a typical day, thousands of people visit the island by cruise ship, landing mostly in Philipsburg on the Dutch side. Four very large cruise ships, or 6–8 others can dock at once. Very occasionally in high-season, a few ships must moor or anchor off-shore.

In high-season, passengers from those ships make the city of Philipsburg the busiest city on the island, offloading perhaps 18,000 or more passengers. In low season, one occasional ship is more common. You can find usually-accurate schedules for this and many ports and dates at visitstmaarten.com.

These docks are approximately a 1.6-km walk to the east end of Front Street leading into the main shopping area. However, a short walk from the cruise ship docks you'll find:

• A fleet of taxis (and cars/guides) for hire as noted under "Get around" below.
• A water taxi service: continuously running boats in a circular route to Philipsburg in either order, to a dock near the east end of Front Street and another opposite the courthouse on Front Street centre, before returning to the cruise ship area.
• Both stops offer ready access to a large beach and Front Street shopping. Several boats run while multiple cruise ships are there.
• You can buy single-trip wristbands at modest cost, or wrist-bands for unlimited travel all day for slightly more.
• You'll see long lines when many cruise ships are docked, but the number of water taxis employed rises to meet demand, so you'll rarely have a long wait.

Marigot port on the French side is limited to hosting one small cruise ship at a time, but is also served by attractive marinas supporting many yachts of all sizes. Most inter-island ferry service also arrives/departs at Marigot.

It is possible to travel from the neighbouring islands: Saint Barthelemy, Anguilla, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and St. Kitts.

Travelling between St Martin and St Barthélémy

• Voyager company offers crossings every day, except on Sundays and on public holidays. The boat leaves from Marigot or Oyster Pond (Saint Martin) and arrives in Gustavia (Saint Barthelemy). A return ticket costs arount €90 and €140 (2021), depending on the type of seat selected.
• Great Bay Express offers daily crossings as well. The boat departs from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg (Saint Martin) and arrived in Gustavia (Saint Barthelemy). A return ticket costs between €95 and €115 (2021).

Travelling between St Martin and Anguilla

Funtime Charters offers daily crossings. The boat departs from St Maarten-Anguilla Doc, Airport Road (Saint Martin) and arrives at Blowing Point (Anguilla). A return ticket costs around €116. The price includes transfer from Princess Juliana Airport (SXM). The crossing takes about 20 minutes.

Calypso Charters offers several crossings per day. A return ticket costs around €108 (2021). The boat departs from St Maarten-Anguilla Doc, Airport Road (Saint Martin) and arrives at Blowing Point (Anguilla).

Travelling between St Martin and Saba

Dawn II offers crossings on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The boat departs from Dock Maarten Marina in Philipsburg (Saint Martin) and arrives at Fort Bay (Saba). The crossing takes about 90 minutes. A return ticket costs around €91 (2021).

The Edge offers crossings on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The boat departs from Simpson Bay Police Station Dock (Saint Martin) and arrives at Fort Bay (Saba). A return ticket costs around €91 (2021).

Makana Ferry offers crossings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The boat departs from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg (Sint Maarten) and arrives at Fort Bay (Saba). Round trip tickets cost $110 (2023).

Travelling between St Martin and Sint Eustatius

• Makana Ferry offers crossings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Saturday. The boat departs from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg (Sint Maarten) and arrives at Gallows Bay (Sint Eustatius). Round trip tickets cost US$106 (2023). However, you will have to stop in Saba on the way to get your passport stamped.

Travelling between St Martin and St Kitts

• Makana Ferry offers crossings on Monday and Friday. The boat departs from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg (Sint Maarten) and arrives at Port Zante Marina, Basseterre (St. Kitts). Round trip tickets cost $199 (2023).

By yacht

Sint Maarten is one of the largest yachting centres of the Caribbean. Major marinas include Dock Maarten and Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg and:

There is an open border between the two sides of the island. However, ensure that you meet the visa requirements for each side of the island you wish to visit. Not having to pass through passport control does not exempt you from having to obtain a visa if needed, and you can be arrested and deported for not having a valid visa if discovered.

By car

Rental cars are available at Princess Juliana International Airport at a dedicated area outside of the airport. You'll find most of the major rental car companies available at the airport. The roads are narrow, sometimes quite bad on both sides of the island, and often very crowded between Philipsburg and Marigot. See also "Stay Safe" below.

If you are driving (especially on the French side) expect a lot of scooters and motorcycles to speed around you on both sides of the road. This can be startling to drivers not used to two wheeled traffic as it can create a dangerous situation. If you stay in your lane and don't waver you can trust most of the time that the cyclists will pass you safely. It's better to just let them pass you at a steady pace than try to slow down or pull to the side.

By motorcycle

Motorcycles, quads and scooters are also available for rent, however it is advisable that you have some experience on these vehicles before venturing into St. Maarten's sometimes very hectic traffic.

By taxi

Taxi cabs are usually SUVs or vans, which are geared towards servicing the cruise ship traffic. Most drivers are quite willing and able to hire-out as tour guides. A custom experience for 3-4 people can be less expensive and more versatile and satisfying than large bus tours offered by cruise ships or hotels. A taxi-app is available to book taxis and find available taxi drivers.

By minivan

Saint Martin has a bus system using small minivans. You can get most anywhere on the island for just a few dollars, usually US$2/persons, during the day between cities. A short trip will cost you $0.50. They run frequently between Philipsburg and Marigot. Ask a local where the bus stops are, and look for license plates that say (oddly enough) "bus". It is possible to flag them elsewhere and they may stop if safe.

On foot

Once you reach Philipsburg, Marigot, Simpson Bay, Maho or Grand Case, you can get around nicely on foot. The distances in each are not long. Take some care in Philipsburg and Marigot with heavy traffic, narrow, sometimes missing pavements, and the midday sun.

• Pic du Paradis, Route de Pic du Paradis from Friars Bay Beach. Pic du Paradis is the highest point on the island (1400 ft/427 m) with two viewing areas that provide great views. The road is steep and isolated and four wheel drive is required. This is also an isolated area and is safest seen as part of an excursion or tour.
• Loterie Farm, Rte. de Pic du Paradis, +590 87-86-16 or +590 57-28-55. Location features an excellent restaurant, a lounge with tapas, hikes and ecotours on a 150-acre preserve, and "The Fly Zone" a fun zip line experience with rope zips and an obstacle course high up in the trees. Also has a "Ti' Tarzan" zip course for the kids and "The Fly Zone Extreme" a new Zip that goes up over 30 m/100 ft. On the French side but patronised by many American tourists, prices are shown in euros and dollars. You should call in advance for prices and to check whether a cruise ship shore tour is visiting, as it is pretty packed on those days. If you're going on the zip lines, wear closed shoes: flip flops are a no-no. The activities are open only during the day, but the restaurant and lounge are open in the evenings as well. Try the Curry Chicken.

• Casinos are a popular attraction on the island, but only on the Dutch side. Some of them are in the Cupecoy, Maho, Cole Bay areas, while in Philipsburg you'll find five.

Beaches

Beaches are a main attraction on the island of Saint Martin. It has 37 beaches, with hotels holding property on most of them. Beach bars and cafés are very popular attractions on the island. Many offer unusually good dishes with European and Caribbean inspiration. Frozen cocktails are also a trendy treat to keep down the heat.

All beaches of Saint Martin are fine for swimming and sun bathing, though the west half of the good beach at Philipsburg has better water. The island caters to all, with beaches of fun things to do as well as secluded and more private ones.

One particularly famous beach is Maho Bay beach on the Dutch side. The beach is situated at the end of the airport's runway, so landing large aircraft fly just feet over the beach. Some people attempt to hold on to the fence on airport premises as aircraft depart. This is not recommended due to flying gravel and debris. People have been injured, a very few killed doing this. However, the spectacular view of aeroplanes landing so close is one that you might find stunning. The greatest number of large aircraft arrive and depart in the early-mid-morning and mid-late afternoon.

Just beyond Maho Bay is Mullet Bay; some say it has the nicest beach on the island, with food and drink vendors and beach lounger rentals but few facilities. Virtually all beaches are described in web sites for the island. A full complement of tours and excursions are also available as well as water sports and para-sailing.

Clothing optional beaches. As a European island, topless sun bathing is frequently seen. Some tourists come to Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin because there are clothing optional beaches and resorts on the island. Not every beach is clothing optional.

• On the Dutch side, there is Cupecoy Beach in the far western tip of the Dutch jurisdiction. The beach is not clothing optional, but the local administration does look the other way on nude sunbathing on the far western edge of the beach (Cupecoy is a very small beach located at the base of a cliff face). No other beaches on the Dutch side tolerate it, and you will be fined by the Sint Maarten Police for indecent exposure or lewd behaviour.
• On the French side, nudity is permitted at the Club Orient beach (Papagayo Beach), and topless sunbathing for women is accepted throughout the French jurisdiction. Nude sunbathing is "tolerated" at some of the smaller, less touristy beaches (the southern ends of Prune and Rouge Beaches) generally on weekdays when there are fewer beach patrons. As long as beach guests do not make spectacles of themselves, French gendarmes (police) may overlook your lack of clothing.
• Orient Bay, on the French side, is also clothing optional, and has an underwater marine reserve where snorkelling and other water sports are available.

Money

The major currencies in circulation are the euro (EUR, €) and the U.S. dollar (USD, $), which are commonly accepted on both sides of the island. The Dutch side of the island also has a separate official currency, the Caribbean guilder (XCG, ƒ), shared with Curaçao. This is pegged to the USD at $1 = ƒ1.79, though the most commonly-used rate is 1.80.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but as there are many places that do not accept cards, you should ask. Always have some cash on you in small denominations for small purchases and for transport. Expect change in local currency for lesser cash transactions.

Shopping

The island has a deserved reputation as an excellent place to shop, rivalling Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for price, but with somewhat fewer stores. Some shoppers report better prices for some items than the USVI. Both sides of the island offer a wide range of quality, and shopping is duty free on both, with no tax or duty paid directly by buyers. Merchants on the Dutch side do pay a five percent "turnover tax" on all items they sell. A few sellers may try to add it as a separate cost item on sales slips, despite instructions from the tax authority not to do so.

The French side has fewer retailers, and their goods (e.g., clothing, perfumes, wine) tend to be European brand-name or designer items, at fairly competitive prices. Items are often priced in euros, so some are or appear to be more expensive (after currency conversion) than on the Dutch side or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Many stores on the French side are closed 12:00–15:00.

• Unique items (e.g., souvenirs, spices) particularly at the water-front open-air market (large and growing) in Marigot are very reasonable priced, and the banter among vendors is worth the visit, especially mornings on Wednesday and Saturday.
• French wine and delicacy lovers may find premium offerings that are available perhaps nowhere else in the Caribbean.
• Rum « island cane » the French rum made and bottled on the French side, awarded a silver medal in 2018 at the famous general agricultural competition in Paris, concours général agricole.
• If you are shopping on Sunday, forget the French side: the only places open will likely be restaurants and some food stores.

Dutch side. Front Street in Philipsburg is the centre of shopping on the Dutch side. Numerous stores offer jewellery, liquor, cosmetics, cameras, electronics and tobacco, with souvenirs everywhere. You'll find a small open-air bazaar behind the courthouse.

• Those looking for well-priced beachwear and souvenirs might try the few places on Back Street, one block farther from the beach than exclusive Front Street and parallel to it.
• Fairway Mark-It supermarket (beyond the east end of Front Street) both offer a wide range of grocer's items, e.g., mild Dutch Gouda "wheels" are popular buys.
• Shops are generally open from 08:00 or 09:00 until 12:00, and then again from 2 until 18:00. If one or more cruise ships are visiting, many stores remain open during the "lunch" period and on Sundays.

Warranties: Any electronics (including cameras and lenses) purchased here may have an international warranty, or are grey-market with no warranty. You should clearly understand what "protection" any such product includes, e.g., what's necessary to obtain service at home.

Store recommendations by cruise ship port shopping "advisers" are usually reliable, but recommended stores pay very large fees for those endorsements. They're ultimately paid by you. Virtually all recommendations apply to stores on the Dutch side. Recommended by advisers or not, large or small, most stores are reliable and will rectify any problem truly their responsibility. Still, you're wise to thoroughly examine an item before purchase and to obtain a warranty, or formal appraisal for pricey gems and jewellery.

Most merchants touted by those "advisers" are on Front Street. Those stores and others offer excellent selections. The centre and easterly parts offer pleasant walking, as does the boardwalk running parallel to it (if more than a very few cruise ships are in port, nearly all of Front Street may be "pedestrianised"). Many liquor stores there box bottles and may deliver to your hotel or ship if purchased early enough. West of the courthouse, you'll find a few smaller stores offering aggressively discounted liquor, often cash-only, boxes only for multi-bottle purchases, usually no delivery (so you'll need a sturdy bag and padding to safely carry bottles). See Saint Thomas for tips on returning home with such purchases.

Whenever considering a significant purchase, negotiate amiably; you may well save a bit.

The practice has become far less common over the years, but people on the streets touting "freebies" or "cash" will likely lead you incrementally and smoothly to a distant, on-site sales pitch for resort condos or timeshares. Once there, you'll encounter high-pressure tactics over an extended time, with "freebies" governed by willingness to buy. If you have only a day for your visit, it may be essentially consumed at the sales pitch.

Duty Issues:

• St Martin is a duty-free port, so merchants pay no up-front duty or tax as they price merchandise. They must, however, pay the above 5% turnover tax (TOT), and those funds come from somewhere (you).
• It offers no special customs duty advantages over other Caribbean islands, and for U.S. citizens a slight disadvantage compared to the U.S. Virgin Islands. But, don't allow yourself to be dissuaded from a purchase here just for fear of customs duties, which may be modest even if you exceed your limit. You may find well-priced items here that you won't find elsewhere, and prices on commodity items (e.g., some premium liquors, wines) may be better than the USVI.
• Take care when calculating cost per litre for liquor and wine purchases, and when declaring total litres purchased for Customs as you return home; bottle sizes can vary. See Saint Thomas for U.S. Customs details.

The island has the nickname "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean". The French side will claim this is due to high-end French and seafood cuisine in especially Grand Case, but specialised ethnic cuisines of the more cosmopolitan Dutch side highly contribute to this reputation too. The French side celebrates its culinary excellence with the November "Festival de la Gastronomie", whereas the Dutch side highlights its varied cuisines in the year round "[Https://stmaartenflavors.com St. Maarten Flavors]" program.

The island has some 300 restaurants with a wide variety of offerings available to tourists and locals. In spring, Tuesday evenings in Grand Case are not to be missed ("Mardis de Grand Case"). The main street dons carnival atmosphere and opens up to street vendors. The excellent local restaurants are open 'till late. Restaurant L'Auberge Gourmande is one of the region's culinary highlights with exceptional French dining. The town bustles throughout the weekends too.

• Some restaurants on the island will add 15% to your bill and it will be listed as Tax or SC (service charge). The truth is, the island has no dining tax so the restaurant may be taking advantage of North American tourists used to paying tax. You can consider the 15% your tip, those who aren't aware may pay another 15% to 20% when the "Tax/SC" is really a tip already going to the waiter.
• If you ask for water in any restaurant they will assume you mean bottled water, which can be US$4–5 per bottle depending on the restaurant. Surprisingly this is sometimes more expensive than beer or wine. If you don't want to pay the higher price make sure you specify very clearly that you want tap water.
• In many countries it is illegal to print the full credit card number on any receipt, on many islands it is not. Therefore, when you are signing a receipt make sure to check whether yours is on the merchant copy and scribble it out. It's not illegal to do so and it protects your card.

When making an international phone call: Be sure to investigate pre-paid phone cards. The most expensive type of international phone call is to use a credit card. Companies like International Satellite Communications, which handle credit card calls, charge exorbitant connection fees and per-minute rates.

Splurge

The legal drinking age on both sides of the island in 18. St. Martin's nightlife consists of many bars, nightclubs and casinos where drinking is prevalent. Start out with a happy hour at "Bamboo Bernie's" where drinking is free for a half an hour and continues until 19:00 with the highest drink price of a dollar! Many of the clubs have ladies' nights and other nightly drink specials. The Dutch side of the island has more night clubs than the French, so if you're up for the party scene, this side is the one where you should stay.

Large wine menus are also usually available at most restaurants.

St. Martin's hotel rooms, almost without exception, rent for US$100 per night and often much more, and generous taxes and service charges are then also applied. High season is from December through April. Accommodations are considerably less the rest of the year. If you are doing last minute travel when you call ahead ask for the "local rate" rather than what you will normally get which is the "walk-in rate", it can save you a considerable amount of money in some situations.

Make sure the hotel you desire takes the credit card you have. All major cards are not accepted by all major hotels.. It is on the French side of the island

French side

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

• Esmeralda, Caribbean Princess
• Orient Bay has many beautiful hotels and spas on site, and the most popular beach on the island is just steps away. All Orient Bay hotels are far from the main airport, so you will never hear or see an airplane. The ride is only about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
• La Samanna , Baie Longue, +590 87-64-00 or +800 854-2252. On 55 acres with an incredible stretch of beach, top notch service, activities and facilities. It's the place to spend your lottery winnings in style.

Dutch Side

Budget

• Beacon Hill Towers, Beacon Hill Road, with access to beaches on Burgeaux Bay and Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, +1-800-844-4156 or +1 702-258-7376. Suitable for a large family as each unit has 4 bedrooms and students of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), rates start at US$700 per week, and up to $2,200 per month for long term rentals.

Mid-range

Splurge

• Sun You can burn within a remarkably short time; use sunscreen or block frequently depending on how long you're exposed. Do not fail to reapply it as recommended depending on where you are (e.g., swimming, on boat, beach walking), with special attention to feet and backs of knees and neck. Brimmed hats, umbrellas and light clothing can offer further protection.
• Crime Though the island is generally a safe place, like everywhere else in the world there is crime, and you should be aware of your surroundings at all times. Obviously you should lock your doors, avoid unpopulated areas and do not flash your money and jewelry around. Remember that this is a foreign country, and act accordingly. Tourists report many instances of parked rental cars being rifled. Organized teams can break in effortlessly. Best advice: Leave nothing of value in them at any time.
• Drinking Be aware that drinking is practically a national pastime in St. Maarten, and it is relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain alcoholic beverages (US$1.25 ice cold Heinekens are available almost everywhere including McDonalds and gas stations) and therefore extremely easy to over-do it. Driving while impaired on the island is very risky as there are many places where you could end up in the ocean or down the side of a cliff. When in doubt, call a cab.
• Drugs Like most places, drugs are readily available for those interested, but despite what someone may tell you, marijuana is not legal and certainly is not regulated as in the continental Netherlands.
• Parking Take care in Philipsburg: There is very little parking and the tow zone areas are very poorly marked. If the spot is free and you think it shouldn't be, then it is probably a tow area.
• Jet blast If you're on Maho Bay, watch out for approaching and departing planes. Get too close and a jet engine from a plane taking off can blast a lot of air, sand, or water into your face, or worse cause serious injury or death.
• LGBT travellers – If you are LGBT be careful of your surroundings: as with many other Caribbean islands, the local culture doesn't have the same level of acceptance found in other countries. Public displays of affection by LGBT individuals (especially on the Dutch side) may not be well tolerated, so practice discretion. Local LGBTQ organization SAFE (or SAFESXM) is active to increase acceptance of homosexuality. In Philipsburg especially, various bars wave a rainbow flag.

As the French side of the island is part of the European Union, all EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have an unrestricted right to work on the French side. All other foreigners need to obtain a long-stay visa to work on the French side.

However, the Dutch side of the island is not part of the European Union, so even EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need an employment permit to work on the Dutch side; only Dutch citizens are exempt from having to obtain an employment permit.

Pharmacies are denoted by a cross symbol, usually in neon, and there are hospitals with ambulance service on both sides of the island.

Tap water comes from desalinization and is drinkable. Most residents however prefer to filter water or buy bottled (mineral or purified) water.

Dress codes are uncommon on St. Martin, but some high-end restaurants and night clubs do have them, so when in doubt, check in advance.

St. Martin has a great deal of cultural diversity, and true locals are far outnumbered by immigrants from poorer and less urbane areas. Dressing too risqué can give the impression that you are looking for a "good time" and attract unwanted attention.

It is illegal to wear a swimsuit except when you're at the beach or pool, and it's also disrespectful and likely to result in poor treatment.

The Dutch part is part of the North American Numbering Plan, so its country code is +1. The French part has country code +590. Phone calls over the border are charged as international calls. People with a cell phone subscription from the European Union are generally charged the same rates to use it in French Saint Martin as in all other parts of the EU. However, in Dutch Sint Maarten, which is not a part of the EU, the costs are higher, as in other parts of the Caribbean.

Ferryboats from various points on both the Dutch and French territory, are available to nearby islands such as Saint-Barthélemy, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Saba. Water crossings can occasionally be quite rough, but take only 30 minutes or so to St Barts and Anguilla.

Short-hop flights by local air carrier Winair are designed since 2023 to enable day trips. The company offers reduced fares if the return is within a day.