IT'S BOTH! Sint Maarten (Dutch) / Saint Martin (French) – two countries on one Island = SXM. A unique Caribbean paradise! The Island has the best of 2 worlds, the European Calmness, fine-dining and relaxation on the French side, and the Las Vegas of the Caribbean on the Dutch side. SXM counts over 100 different nationalities within just 37 square miles or 96 square km. Such diversity makes this Island the most multi-cultural and various nation in the entire world.
Electricity in St. Maarten (Dutch side) is exactly the same as the United States with a 110 voltage at 50 Hz standard. Standard US plugs and appliances are compatible too. On the other side, St Martin (French side) has a 220 voltage at 60 Hz. French plugs are required. It is highly recommended to bring a transformer plug with you to adapt to any side of the island. Make sure you check what the voltage is before plugging in your electronics if they do not automatically convert the current themselves! Many computer have lost their lives that way… If you device only says 110V or 120V, or 125V you can only use it in the US or on the dutch side OR you will need a voltage converter to use it. If your device says 110-240V you can use an adapter to use the device. Here is an adapter we recommend: https://a.co/d/1yDqLh3 If you want a voltage converter, we recommend this one: https://a.co/d/fu4q7BN
Yes, the dollar is widely accepted as a currency on both the Dutch and French sides of the island. Dutch side: the Dollar is considered the standard currency for everyone on the Dutch side. Prices are mostly given in Antillean Guilder and the Dollar (standard exchange NAF 1.8 = $ 1). French side: the Euro is the standard currency for everyone on the French side, but the Dollar is accepted as a payment everywhere. Prices are mostly given in Euro and Dollar (standard exchange changes between $ 1.1 and $ 1.2 = € 1). Some places will rate $1.1 for € 1, but most take the Dollar 1 = 1 with the Euro.
Dutch Side: Yes, it is safe to drink, but as it has a flavor, we would recommend to buy water in the Supermarket or drink it after filtering. French Side: French Side: Yes, the tab water is safe to drink, but the French side had some problems with the filtration system hence why we recommend buying an additional filter to add to your sink. Our advice concerning the water is to buy, for example, a Brita filter to connect directly to your sink or in a jug of water that you can easily cool in your fridge
Yes, you will need a passport to travel to SXM as it is a French & Dutch territory. Your passport will have to be valid for 3 month AFTER your return. Check your passport NOW incase you need to renew it.
St. Martin/Sint Marteen (SXM)
We advise flying in on Wednesday, April 24 and departing on May 1. The wedding will take place on Friday, April 26. If you wish to depart earlier then we recommend departing on Monday, as we have a Sunday Funday planned and flights are cheaper on Monday than Sunday
For the Wedding: Beach Casual/Cocktail🍹 Women: Sundress, breezy maxi dress, or high-quality romper with heels, heeled sandals, or dressy sandals, please no flip flops. Men: Nice golf shorts or pants with a collared shirt and closed toes shoes, such as a loafer or deck shoe. No jacket or tie is required. All other attire can be found on the agenda!
While we are not explicitly saying no, we do need to make you aware that the safety regulations are not as strict as they are in the US. One example is that not all pools are required to have fencing around them. Another is that the closest beach to us is a private beach and there are no life guards on duty. We also have 2 events that are 21+ events on Saturday and Sunday. So, if you do bring children, we recommend hiring a nanny for parts of the trip or having someone who can watch them.
Because too many people depend on an income as a Taxi driver, there is no UBER on SXM, but Taxi and Taxi vans are available all around. Taxis are not metered on both the Dutch and French side of SXM, but drivers are required to carry a government-issued rate sheet for two-person occupancy. All rates are based on the distance and because they are such a small island it works slightly different then anywhere else. Get a trustworthy taxi here: https://www.wearesxm.com/transport/taxi-dispatch/ We advise you to always ask the price in advance and when you are a group negotiate your pricing. Rates might be slightly different between Dutch and French side cabs, but they all service the entire island.
We will provide transportation to and from our wedding venue on Friday and to and from the Loterie Farm the day after the wedding. By far, the best ad most cost-efficient way to get around on SXM is a Rental car; it allows you to experience and explore St. Maarten | St. Martin all around. There are many agencies available, so renting a car is super easy—the daily rates for a rental start at $30 or €21 with unlimited mileage. Keep in mind the refundable deposit might be higher due to being on an island. We would recommend going in on a car with another group. The easiest is to rent a car in advance, and upon arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport, they will pick you up and bring you to the Rental Car facility. You can choose between some large international brands or great local companies, such as AVIS, Budget, Hertz, ACE, Leisure, SAX, Star Lite, and many more…
Dutch Side: The common language on the Dutch side is English, which everyone speaks fluently all around. The Dutch language is not used much other than for street signs. All the original citizens of SXM still talk Dutch, and Dutch people are working all around in case you like to practice. French Side: On the French side, the common language is French, though the younger service staff will all speak English, the older people might have more difficulty explaining themselves in English. Furthermore, you’ll find lots of Creole and Spanish on the island.
Visit their website https://www.wearesxm.com/ Download their app https://www.wearesxm.com/st-martin-st-maarten-app-we-are-sxm/