| Currency | Since St. Martin is officially recognized as part of Guadeloupe, a territory of France, the official currency is the Euro. | | Electricity | Unlike the Dutch St. Maarten, St. Martin does not use the same electrical system as the U.S., so plan accordingly. |
| GDP Per Capita | The average per capita income in St. Martin is about $9,000(USD). |
| Island Size | This half of the island covers about 20.8 square miles. |
| Language | As a territory of France, the official language on this side of the
island is French. Creole is spoken as well, and you are sure to hear
the sounds of Dutch and Papiamento. |
| Population | The island is home to about 33,600 residents. |
Getting There
Caribbean travelers may arrive on either side of the island. Princess Juliana
Airport welcomes visitors to the Dutch side, while l'Aeroport de
l'Espérance welcomes tourists on the French side.
Those arriving on the French side will most likely connect through
Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe). Direct flights from the U.S. and Canada to
Princess Juliana Airport are generally available, as it is the second
busiest airport in the Caribbean. Flights to Princess Juliana Airport
will generally connect through San Juan if they originate outside the
U.S.
Taxi fares from Princess Juliana Airport to Marigot on the French side
are approximately $12(USD). Fares are generally higher between 10:00
p.m. and Midnight.
Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required for all of St. Martin's visitors, including those from within the Caribbean. All visitors must
also show an ongoing or return ticket.
Climate
The island as a whole experiences about 42.3 inches of rain per year,
making it one of the more tropical islands in the Caribbean.
Temperatures are pleasant and mild year round, with January
temperatures ranging from 73 to 81, and July temperatures ranging from
78 to 86 (all in degrees Fahrenheit).
Geography
St. Martin is the northern half of this island shared by the Dutch and
French. Its beaches lie on the Atlantic Ocean, while the Dutch half
lies on the Caribbean Sea. Both countries share the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
St. Martin is the larger half of the island, covering approximately 20
square miles.
Health and Safety
The water is safe to drink throughout the island. As on St. Maarten,
it's best to avoid night driving on St. Martin, and even wiser to avoid
deserted, poorly lit back roads at night. Isolated beaches are usually
isolated for a reason - don't go out seeking an adventure. Travelers
are advised to use the buddy system. Beyond that, follow basic safety
rules of traveling, such as keeping an eye on your possessions.
People
The people of St. Martin are proud of their French nationality. Towns
and roads have French names, and the food is an interesting blend of
French sensibility and Caribbean flavor. French is the official
language and the one most often spoken, but Creole is also prolific on
the island. Locals consider their culture to be distinctly more French
than other French territories in the Caribbean that have more
thoroughly blended French and Caribbean culture.
