MONEY:
The island is half-French, half-Dutch. Dollars are accepted everywhere. The official currencies are French Francs on the French side and Antillean Guilders on the Dutch side. You can readily convert money (if you want) at banks but it is NOT required anywhere.

(Keep $20 per person in cash on you when you fly home from SXM for the airport Departure Tax. They don't take credit cards.

CREDIT CARDS and ATMs:
VISA is very widely accepted, but it is not quite "Everywhere you want to be" on the island. Some restaurants take only cash or travelers checks. American Express is less widely accepted particularly by the best restaurants. ATMs are easy to access especially on the Dutch side.

GETTING GAS FOR RENT-A-CARs:
Most gas pumps on the French side clearly convert French Francs to dollars, so you can easily pay for gas in dollars. On the Dutch side, the conversion is less clear. Because of taxes, gas for years has been cheaper on the French side. When you rent a car, ask the rental agent about where gas is currently cheaper. There are both Shell and Texaco stations here (Dutch side) but they have not customarily accepted US credit cards.

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IN THIS SECTION:
General Information | The Great Beaches | Water Sports | Dining Out
Hopping to Neighboring Islands | Map | History of St. Maarten/ St. Martin