Useful Information

We’ve compiled some useful information to know when visiting St. Martin. All you need to know from the local currency and voltage of power sockets to emergency contact details and health advice.

Time Zone

Time difference from New York
+ 1 hour in winter (end of October to end of March)
Time difference from mainland France
– 5 hours in winter (end of October to end of March)
– 6 hours in summer (end of March to end of October)
Time difference from Universal Time (GMT) 
– 4 hours

Languages

Over 120 different nationalities can be found on the “Friendly Island”.

On the French side of the island, St. Martin, French is used in government departments and schools but, being bilingual and very proud of it, English is widely spoken here.

On the Dutch side of the island, St. Maarten, Dutch is used in government departments and some schools (depending on school curriculum). English is also widely spoken there. In addition to English and French, Spanish, Creole and Papiamento are also widely spoken on both sides of the island.

Currencies

The two official currencies on St. Martin are the Euro on the French side and the Florin (Netherlands Antillean guilder) on the Dutch side.  US dollars are also accepted across the island. There are many change points and banks on St. Martin.

Be aware that many places do not accept foreign checks but most will accept major credit cards and Travellers Cheques.

Electricity & Water

Electricity
French side : 220V / 60Hz. European sockets
Dutch side : 110V / 60 Hz. American sockets
On both sides of the island you can find numerous electrical goods stores selling transformers that allow you to use your electrical appliances in both Saint Martin and Sint Maarten and where useful information can be found.

Water
There are no springs or rivers on the island and tap water comes exclusively from the desalination plants. Like on the rest of the planet, water has become a rare asset and is therefore expensive. Spring water and mineral water are available for purchase across the island.

Phone & Internet

Internet
Internet service providers: Orange Caraïbes, Dauphin Telecom, Médiaserve and Caribserve.
Broadband internet (ADSL) is available in most districts. Wifi internet can be accessed in all areas of the island.
You can also access the internet at one of the many internet cafes on the island. The vast majority of hotels have internet access, as do the Marinas.

Telephone
International dialing codes are +590 for Saint Martin and +1-721 for Sint Maarten.

To call Sint-Maarten
– Landline : 00 1 721 54 + 5-digit landline number
– Mobile : 00 1 721 55 + 5-digit mobile number
– To call USA : 001 + state code + number
– To call mainland France : 00 33 + 10-digit number
To call Saint-Martin
– Landline : 00 59 + 10-digit landline number
– Mobile : 00 59 + 10-digit mobile number
– To call USA : 001 + state code + number
– To call mainland France : 00 33 + 10-digit number

Pets

It is possible to bring pets to Saint Martin, but you must consult your host to ensure that your pet is welcome there.

In French Saint Martin, small dogs on a leash are welcome in most places but are not allowed on the beaches. Very few restaurants on the Dutch side allow pets.

Health

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter the island. All common medication can be obtained on both sides of the island.  Useful information can be obtained at the numerous pharmacies.
Sun protection
Situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, Saint Martin receives the full force of the Caribbean sun. A high-SPF sunscreen is essential and sunblock is recommended for those that are not used to the intense sunlight. A good pair of sunglasses and a hat are strongly recommended. Useful information can be obtained at the numerous pharmacies.

Doctors & Emergencies

St. Maarten
Emergencie : 911
Doctors on call: (1-721) 5111
Hospital: 543 1111
Ambulance: 912 or 542 2111 or 520 6262
Fire: 120 or 542 6001
Police: 111 or 542 2112
Water Police: 542 2277

St. Martin
Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, Concordia, Marigot – Emergency department: 0590 52 25 52
S.A.M.U. (medical emergencies): 15
Police: 17
Fire: 18
Centre Médecins de Gardes (ADGUPS) (doctors on call): 0590 90 13 13
Erick Ambulances: 0590 29 29 34
Ambulances des Iles du Nord: 0590 52 00 52
Fire department, La Savane: 0590 29 02 86
Fire department, Grand Case Airport: 0590 87 95 01
Gendarmerie (police), Marigot: 0590 52 21 90
Gendarmerie (police), La Savane: 0590 52 30 00
Gendarmerie (police), Quartier d’Orléans: 0590 52 35 95
Municipal police, Marigot: 0590 87 88 33
Municipal police, Grand Case: 0590 87 19 76

St. Martin Media

FaxInfo Free daily. Tel : 0590 29 22 22 www.sxmfaxinfo.com
Le Pélican Daily. Tel : 0590 52 21 45
Saint-Martin’s Week Free. Tel : 0590 87 78 67 www.stmartinweek.com
The Daily Herald Free / English. www.thedailyherald.com
SXM Info Online news. www.sxminfo.fr
The Today Daily / English. www.todaysxm.com