Quick answer

St. Maarten (Sint Maarten — Dutch side — and Saint-Martin — French side) is a dual-nation Caribbean island offering beaches, water sports, duty-free shopping, and two distinct cultures. Prepare for tropical weather, border crossings between sides, and basic island logistics below.

Entry & visa requirements

• Passport: Required and must be valid for the length of stay (some airlines want 6 months). Carry it at all times.
• Visas: Many nationalities (including US, Canada, EU) do not need a visa for short tourist stays. Check your government’s consulate site for specifics.
• Arrival procedures: There are separate immigration/customs counters for the Dutch (Princess Juliana Airport—SXM) and French (less common international entry) sides. If arriving by cruise, immigration is handled at the port.
• COVID: Any remaining travel-related requirements (testing, quarantine) change over time—verify with airlines and authorities before travel.

Best time to visit

• High season: December–April (drier, cooler, busiest, higher prices).
• Shoulder season: Late April–June (good deals, fewer crowds).
• Low season / hurricane risk: June–November (hotter, more rain, higher hurricane risk—peak hurricane season Aug–Oct). Buy travel insurance in the wet season.

Safety tips

• Overall: St. Maarten is popular and generally safe for tourists but exercise common sense.
• Petty crime: Watch for pickpocketing and bag theft in crowded areas, beaches, and nightlife spots. Don’t leave valuables unattended.
• Night safety: Stay in well-lit areas, use hotel-recommended taxis, avoid isolated spots late at night.
• Scams: Beware unofficial taxi drivers offering flat-rate tours at very low prices; agree on prices before travel.
• Natural hazards: Strong sun—use sunscreen and hydrate; beware of strong currents when swimming in some spots.

Local customs & etiquette

• Languages: Dutch and English are official on the Dutch side; French and English are common on the French side. English is widely spoken island-wide.
• Tipping: Typical in restaurants ~10–20% if service is not included. Taxi drivers and guides appreciate small tips.
• Dress: Resort-casual is fine; cover-ups for streets after beach; respectful attire in churches.
• Cross-border ease: You can move freely between the Dutch and French sides without passport checks (most of the time), but carry ID for hotels, car rental, or if traveling by air between sides.

Currency & payments

• Dutch side (Sint Maarten): Official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US dollars are widely accepted.
• French side (Saint-Martin): Euro (EUR) is official; US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
• Cards & ATMs: Credit cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small vendors and taxis. Notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.

Transportation

• Getting there: Main international gateway is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Ferries connect to nearby islands (e.g., St. Barth).
• Taxis: Readily available; agree on fares or ensure meter use. Airport taxis have set rates.
• Car rental: Recommended to explore the island; drive on the right. Book in advance during high season. Check insurance coverage and inspect the vehicle.
• Public transport: Minibuses run routes but can be irregular; taxis and rental cars are more convenient.
• Walking: Town centers and beach strips are walkable, but watch for traffic and uneven sidewalks.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Beaches: Maho Beach (famous for low-altitude jet flyovers) is iconic but can be crowded and loud. For tranquility try Mullet Bay, Orient Bay (French side), or Friar’s Bay.
• Water activities: Excellent snorkeling, diving, sailing, and kiteboarding. Book reputable operators and check weather/water conditions.
• Food & nightlife: Dutch side has livelier nightlife and casinos; French side offers more French-influenced cuisine and boutique dining. Try fresh seafood, local Johnny cakes, and rum-based drinks.
• Shopping: Duty-free shopping is good on the Dutch side—jewelry, watches, perfumes. Compare prices and receipts for taxes.
• Festivals: Carnival (different dates on each side, typically in spring) is colorful and worth planning around.
• Connectivity: Wi‑Fi is commonly available in hotels and many restaurants; buy a local SIM if you need consistent data.
• Health: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent. Pharmacies exist but may have limited hours; carry any prescription meds with their original labels.

Quick checklist before you go

• Confirm passport validity and visa needs.
• Buy travel insurance (medical + hurricane coverage if traveling Jun–Nov).
• Book transfers or note taxi rates from the airport.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen, light rain jacket (if traveling in wet season), adapter, and copies of important documents.

Enjoy the beaches, friendly people, and dual-culture charm—plan around weather and safety basics, and you’ll have a great trip to St. Maarten.