St. Martin or St. Maatren is a Caribbean Island in the northern West
Indies. For it's relatively small size, 38 square miles, this Island has
more flights from U.S. and foreign gateways than any other in this
region. St. Maarten and St. Martin have two governments, hence
the two names and two characters.
The southern Dutch side - St. Maarten - is more commercially
developed. It has the major airport, seaport, extensive shopping,
casinos and the largest resorts on the Island. The northern French
side - St. Martin - has more hotels, smaller resorts, more beaches
and is better suited for the more laid back visitor.
The French side is naturally more represented by French/Creole
restaurants and also offers great shopping opportunities. Because
of its small size and ease of getting around - one can stay just about
anywhere and experience all aspects of what this unique Island has
to offer. I also feel it is the most Americanized Island in the Caribbean.
English is the most widely spoken language in the resort areas and
dollars are accepted everywhere.
 Because of the unique
governments - each side
does their own promotions in
the U.S. and in Europe. St.
Maarten and St. Martin has
not received the exposure
other single Islands have
received. Word of mouth
from Travel Agents,
Timeshare Owners and past
visitors have also helped to
promote the Island.
However, nothing will match the exposure St. Maarten/ St. Martin will
have on the Internet - as well as other Caribbean Islands and Worldwide
destinations. Hence - my goal is to represent the Best of Both Sides of
the Island as a Single Destination - which in reality - it truly is.
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Banking Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(Hours may vary from bank to bank.)
*ATM machines are available throughout the island.
Capitals:
French Side: Marigot
Dutch Side: Philipsburg
Climate:
Temperatures, 80 degrees F (27 degrees C);
rainfall 40 inches;
water temperature, 78 degrees
Currency:
U.S. Dollars or Antillean Guilders.
U.S. Dollar = 1.82 Naf.) Euros,
French Frans and all major credit cards are accepted
Driving:
Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Foreign and international licenses accepted.
Electricity:
Dutch side: 110 volts (50 cycles)
French side: 208/200 volts (60 cycles)
Languages:
St. Maarten: Dutch
St. Martin : French
English and Spanish area also spoken throughout.
Population:
St. Maarten (Dutch): 39,000
St. Martin (French): 35,000
Shopping Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time year-round.
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