ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BUREAU

Buses

Public tra Public transportation runs regularly between the island’s two capitals for a moderate fee. Other buses travel hourly between Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, and Grand Case.

Taxis

Taxis on St. Maarten are not metered. Rates determined by the government are based on carrying two passengers per trip to their destination. Your driver will appreciate a tip of 10 to 15 percent. Taxi Stations are located on the Dutch Side at the Airport, at the Cyrus Wathey Square, at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility, at Diamond Casino on Front Street, and also on the waterfront on the French Side.

Banking Hours

8:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. (Hours vary from bank to bank.) ATM machines are available throughout the island.

Currency

Dutch side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Antillian Guilders (Naf./Fls./ Ang.). One U.S. dollar equals approximately Naf.1.82 French side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Euros (€).

Climate

Annual averages: Temperature - 80°; rainfall - 40”; water temperature - 78°

Drinking Water

Purified tap water. Local and imported bottled water also widely available.

Electricity

Dutch side: 110 volts (50 cycles).

French side: 208/200 volts (60 cycles).

Official Languages

St. Maarten: Dutch

St. Martin: French

English is widely spoken on both sides of the island.

Size And Location

The Dutch side is 16 square miles. The French side is 21 square miles. St. Maarten is located 195 miles from San Juan, 1,690 miles from New York, 1,989 miles from Montreal, 2,008 miles from Toronto, 3,065 miles from São Paulo, 1,225 miles from Miami, 3,612 miles from Buenos Aires, and 4,314 miles from Amsterdam.

Shopping Hours

Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Some shops and supermarkets are open on Sundays.

Weddings And Honeymoons

Nothing makes for a more memorable wedding day than having your ceremony presided over by the serene surroundings and azure waters of beautiful St. Maarten.

Marriage licenses are easy to obtain and you can even be provided with a wedding coordinator to help facilitate your special day. For those who can’t wait to start their honeymoon, St. Maarten offers a wonderful variety of charming hotels and resorts so you can instantly be whisked off to your once-in-alife-time rendezvous. For complete wedding and honeymoon information, contact the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

For more information, call your travel professional or the St. Maarten Tourist Office: Krippa Commercial Building

6 Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Tel: 1-721-5490200

Fax: 1-721-5422734