The Island of Sint Maarten
Our team has compiled the below guide on Sint Maarten to help guests navigate the island smoothly. Capital: Philipsburg (Dutch side), Marigot (French side) Currency: The Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) on the Dutch side, and the Euro (EUR) on the French side. However, US dollars are widely accepted across the island. Languages Spoken: English, Dutch, and French. Many locals also speak Spanish and Creole. Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), no daylight savings time. Travel & Transportation Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) serves as the main gateway to the island. Driving: Cars drive on the right side of the road. International and U.S. driver’s licenses are accepted for car rentals. Public Transport: Taxis are available, but fares should be confirmed before the ride. Public minibuses also operate. Electricity 110V (Dutch side), 220V (French side). Local Attractions & Activities Beaches: Popular spots include Maho Beach (for plane spotting), Orient Bay, Mullet Bay, and Simpson Bay Beach. Shopping: Duty-free shopping in Philipsburg for luxury brands, jewelry, and souvenirs. Marigot offers a chic French shopping experience. Dining & Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood, French-Caribbean fusion, and local restaurants. Temperatures Sint Maarten enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round. Here are the average temperatures by season: Winter (Dec–Feb): 75–84°F (24–29°C) Spring (Mar–May): 76–86°F (24–30°C) Summer (Jun–Aug): 78–89°F (26–32°C) Fall (Sep–Nov): 77–88°F (25–31°C) Mobile Networks & SIM Cards - Telecommunications in Sint Maarten Main Providers Dutch Side: TelCell, Flow French Side: Orange, Dauphin, SFR Coverage: Excellent across most of the island, including tourist areas and beaches. SIM Cards: Pre paid SIM cards are available at the airport, convenience stores, and provider shops. Bring an unlocked phone to use a local SIM. Internet & Wi-Fi Most hotels, villas, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. High-speed internet is widely available, though speeds may vary in remote areas. Portable Wi-Fi hotspots can be rented if you need constant connectivity. Calling & Roaming Country Code: 🇸🇽 +1 (721) for the Dutch side 🇫🇷 +590 for the French side. International Calls: Can be expensive; using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime Roaming Fees: Check with your carrier, as charges vary. Some U.S. and European providers offer international plans for Sint Maarten. Government Holidays & Business Closures in Sint Maarten Public Holidays (Dutch Side 🇸🇽 – Sint Maarten) Most businesses, banks, and government offices close on these days: • New Year's Day – January 1 • Good Friday – (March/April, varies) • Easter Monday – (March/April, varies) • King’s Day – April 27 • Labour Day – May 1 • Ascension Day – (May/June, varies) • Emancipation Day – July 1 • Sint Maarten Day – November 11 • Christmas Day – December 25 • Boxing Day – December 26 Public Holidays (French Side 🇫🇷 – Saint-Martin)- Follows French national holidays, including: • Bastille Day – July 14 • All Saints’ Day – November 1 • Armistice Day – November 11 Business Closures & Operating Hours • Stores & Supermarkets: Typically open Monday–Saturday, 8 AM – 6 PM. • Some larger supermarkets remain open on Sundays until 1 PM. • Closed on most major holidays, except for tourist areas. • Restaurants & Bars: Many remain open year-round, including holidays. • Banks & Government Offices: Open Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 3 PM. Closed on weekends and public holidays. Health & Safety Medical Services: Sint Maarten Medical Center (Dutch side) and Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital (French side). Tap Water: Generally safe to drink on the Dutch side; bottled water is recommended on the French side. Need Assistance? Our concierge team is available to ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional. For inquiries or special requests, please contact us at: +1 721 584-9001 info@seyannah.sx support@seyannah.sx www.seyannahproperties.sx @seyannahproperties.sx