Dutch and French are the official languages, but English is widely spoken. Locals commonly use a language known as Papiamento, a mixture of Portuguese, African, Spanish, Dutch and English.
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On the Dutch side the currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG or NAFl), where one guilder is divided into 100 cents, but US Dollars are also widely accepted and prices are usually quoted in Dollars as well as Guilders. On the French side of the island the Euro is the local currency, although establishments will also accept US Dollars. There are numerous bureau de change and banks throughout the island and ATMs in the main towns in both national sectors; travelers checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.
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The country code for St Maarten, as part of the Netherlands Antilles, is +599. The code for French St Martin is +596. The outgoing code for both sectors is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. GSM 900 and 1800 mobile network coverage extends across both parts of the island. Internet access is available atinternet cafes, and in most resorts.
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On the Dutch side of the island hotel bills include a tax of 5%, and often a service charge of 10 to 15%. Waiters and bar staff should be tipped between 10 and 15% if not included in the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. On French St Martin hotels usually add 5% occupancy tax per person, but a small gratuity is appreciated for good service. Restaurants and hotels usually add a service charge of 10 to 15% to the bill, and it is always best to check the bill. Taxi drivers and porters expect to be tipped.
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Most visits to the island are trouble-free, however crime has been increasing in recent years and visitors should refrain from leaving valuables unattended on beaches, in cars and hotel lobbies. Burglaries and break-ins occur sometimes at resorts, beach houses and hotels and there have been incidents of armed robbery.
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No vaccination certificates are required for entry into either St Maarten or St Martin, however a yellow fever certificate is required for travelers arriving within six days from infected areas. The Manchionneel tree that grows all over the island, mainly along the beaches, is extremely poisonous: the sap and fruit, whichlook like small green apples are caustic and burn the skin. Water is safe to drink. Medical care on the island is good, but patients are likely to be transferred to to the US for anything serious. Medical insurance is strongly advised.
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