| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest landmass shared by two countries. The southern Dutch St. Maarten is 16 square miles with a population of 41,000 people. French St. Martin to the north is 21 square miles with 36,000 people.
Political Status: St. Martin: Dependency of the French Overseas Department of Guadeloupe (an overseas territory of France). St. Maarten: autonomous within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Language: English is widely spoken on both sides but French and Dutch are the primary languages of the respective provinces as is a local patois.
Currency: St. Martin uses the Euro. St. Maarten uses the Netherland Antilles Guilder. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in shops and restaurants on both sides.
Electricity: St. Martin uses 220 volts so a converter and adapter will be needed. St. Maarten uses 110 volts, same as U.S.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of New York); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Communication: To call St. Martin from the U.S dial 011 + 590 + the 6-digit local number. To dial St. Maarten key in 011 + 599 + the 7 digit local number. Internet service is widely available at cyber cafes. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink, coming from desalinated sea water or filtered rain water. Bottled water is also readily available and inexpensive.
Transportation: Taxis are abundant and the fares are set. However, the fares increase by 25% from 10pm to midnight and 50% from midnight to 6am. The local bus service runs between the two capitals of Philipsburg(Dutch side) and Marigot(French side). Visitors can also rent cars or scooters. Drivers must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. Ferries run regularly from Marigot to the islands of St. Barthelemy and Anguilla.
Local Customs: The legal drinking / gambling age is 18. Casinos are located on the Dutch side only. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housekeeping staff: $1-$2 per day. Taxis about 10%.
Getting Married: U.S. citizens can legally get married in St. Maarten; St. Martin is more difficult with a 6-month residency required for at least one of the partners. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.
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