First inhabited by the Arawak and then the Carib Indians, St. Martin was named in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. While celebrating the feast of St. Martin, he spotted the island and claimed it for Spain. Since the mid 1600's, however, this small island has been claimed and peaceably ruled by the Dutch and the French. Residents and visitors alike pass freely over the border of these two countries, enjoying the innate differences of the French and Dutch cultures. In addition to two wonderful European cultures, St. Martin/St. Maarten offers 37 typically beautiful Caribbean beaches. It is the gourmet capitol of the Caribbean with 400 restaurants offering culinary delights from all around the world.
Capital: The island is divided - Marigot (French Side) and Philipsburg (Dutch Side)
Population: 71,500
Area: 53 square miles
Language: Dutch and French. English is widely spoken.
Time: + 1 hour from New York
Electricity: Dutch side 110 volts AC / 60 Hz. French side 220 volts 50 Hz
Geography: This is a desert island made up mostly of scrub trees and brush. There are no rivers or mountains. The area is relatively flat with the exception of a few minor hills.
Philipsburg - Juliana International Airport (SXM) - The airport is 6 miles from the center of town. Taxis are the only form of transport. They are not metered so you must negotiate a rate before you start. The airport serves both sides of the island including the French.
Tipping: A 10% tip is appropriate for restaurants. For porters, shoe shine people, taxi drivers etc., loose change is ok.
Shopping: Shops are open from 8 am to noon and 2 pm to 8 pm. Major stores do not close for lunch. There are lots of bargains here to be found in jewelry, crystal, linen and native crafts. AS a Duty Free Port, everything is about 25% less than in the US or Canada.
Food and Drink: Seafood is the specialty on St. Maarten. Lobster and conch are delicious. Alcoholic drinks are available at good rates as this is a Duty Free Port.
Social: This is a remarkable island that on which two governments co-exist in absolutely perfect harmony. People mingle here and so the sociability of the people is quite good. English is widely spoken.
Banking: Banks open at 8:30 am and close at 3:30 pm. On Fridays the banks close at 4:30 pm. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Currency: The Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAF)
Money Exchange: Best at banks. Travelers checks are usually easy to exchange with your passport as identification.
Credit Cards: Master Card, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. ATMs are available.
Climate
The weather varies very little here ranging from 74F to 86F typically any given day. There is very little rain but when it does it is mainly in the fall. | 