Practical Information SXM Travel Guide: St. Barth, St. Martin & Anguilla

All information about Practical Information on the island of Saint Martin / Sint Maarten

Access

_ By Plane

The international airport is Juliana, on the Dutch side of St Martin / Sint Maarten. But you can also fly via San Juan in Puerto Rico or Pointe à Pitre in Guadeloupe. Grand-Case airport, on the French side, handles local flights.

_ By Boat

Many companies call at St Martin/St Maarten. The ferry is a good way of crossing between St Martin/St Maarten and the neighboring islands.
Water cabs are a very pleasant and original way of getting to St Barth, for example.

Climate

The island's tropical maritime climate offers temperatures ranging from 27°C to 31°C, depending on the season. And there are only two seasons! The "Lent", or dry season, from December to May, when the air is cooler, and the "Wintering", from June to November, when temperatures are at their highest.

Time difference

The time difference with mainland France is 5 hours in winter and 6 hours in summer. Compared with the US East Coast, there is just one hour's difference in winter. When it's 7 a.m. in Saint Martin Martin / Sint Maarten, it's 6am in New York. In summer, the time is the same.

Water

Running water comes from the seawater desalination plant. There are no rivers or springs in St Barths, so please manage your water consumption carefully and don't waste it!

Electricity

Current on the island is 220 volts and 60 Hz. For any American appliance, it's essential to have a transformer and adaptable plugs. And if you've forgotten them, don't hesitate to ask for them in the hotels. They can often help you out.

Formalities

For nationals of the European Community, an identity card or passport is sufficient. For members of other countries, a passport is required, as well as a visa in certain cases. Please check with the authorities in your country of residence. Be sure to specify that you are going to the French overseas territories, as an extension may be required. And in all cases, you'll need a return ticket.

Language

English is spoken in both parts of the island, as well as French and Dutch.
And if you like, you can also try your hand at Creole!

Currency

Euros and dollars for the French side. On the Dutch side, you can also pay in Dutch Antillean guilders, different from the Dutch guilder.

Population

It's not easy to know the exact number of inhabitants of St Martin / St Maarten, but the last census put the figure at around 78,000! One thing's for sure: the island's 120 nationalities add a unique touch and a wealth of cultural diversity. That's why it's known as the "Friendly Island".

Phone

On the French side, landline and mobile numbers have ten digits.
Landlines start with 0590 and mobiles 0690.
On the Dutch side, dial 1721 followed by the 7-digit number.
Start with 00 if you are calling from the French side to the Dutch side.