The Leading Resource for Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts and St. Martin

The Premier Guide for Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barths and St. Martin

St. Martin / St. Maarten - Time Zone, Currency, Banking

TIME ZONE
St. Martin / St. Maarten is in the Atlantic Time Zone (GMT-4). When the eastern US is on Eastern Standard Time, the time in the island is one hour later. When the eastern US switches to Eastern Daylight Time, the time in the island is the same. Local time is usually indicated in the 24-hour format (1:15 p.m. is 13:15 or 13h15). This island does not convert to daylight savings time.
Saint Martin, St. Martin, French, Caribbean, Dutch, Sint Maarten, St. Marteen, coconut palm
ISLAND TIME
As with most of the Caribbean, there is also something called "Island Time". This means that things may actually take a lot longer than one expects. The best way to deal with Island Time is to simply relax and enjoy yourself while you are waiting.

CURRENCY AND BANKING
The official currency of French St. Martin is the Euro. In Dutch St. Maarten, it is the Netherlands Antilles florin (NAf). However, US dollars and major credit cards are generally accepted throughout the island at local exchange rates. Note that although Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, many merchants do not accept American Express or Discover cards.

You will usually get a better rate of exchange at local banks, currency exchange offices (bureaux de change), or ATMs (called DABs or distributeurs automatiques de billets) on the French side), than you will at hotels. Major banks are located in Marigot, but most towns have at least one bank with an ATM. Banks are generally open 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00, Monday-Friday. Some are also open on Saturday mornings.

Although there is not a lot of crime in St. Martin, visitors should not leave cash or essential items unattended. Most hotels have a place to store important documents or valuables in rooms or at the front desk, and most villas and condominiums have safes.

A universal currency converter is available at
oanda.com.
Saint Martin, St. Martin, French, Caribbean, Dutch, Sint Maarten, St. Marteen, coconut palm
TIME ZONE
St. Martin / St. Maarten is in the Atlantic Time Zone (GMT-4). When the eastern US is on Eastern Standard Time, the time in the island is one hour later. When the eastern US switches to Eastern Daylight Time, the time in the island is the same. Local time is usually indicated in the 24-hour format (1:15 p.m. is 13:15 or 13h15). This island does not convert to daylight savings time.

ISLAND TIME
As with most of the Caribbean, there is also something called "Island Time". This means that things may actually take a lot longer than one expects. The best way to deal with Island Time is to simply relax and enjoy yourself while you are waiting.

CURRENCY AND BANKING
The official currency of French St. Martin is the Euro. In Dutch St. Maarten, it is the Netherlands Antilles florin (NAf). However, US dollars and major credit cards are generally accepted throughout the island at local exchange rates. Note that although Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, many merchants do not accept American Express or Discover cards.

You will usually get a better rate of exchange at local banks, currency exchange offices (bureaux de change), or ATMs (called DABs or distributeurs automatiques de billets on the French side), than you will at hotels. Major banks are located in Marigot, but most towns have at least one bank with an ATM. Banks are generally open 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00, Monday-Friday. Some are also open on Saturday mornings.

Although there is not a lot of crime in St. Martin, visitors should not leave cash or essential items unattended. Most hotels have a place to store important documents or valuables in rooms or at the front desk, and most villas and condominiums have safes.

A universal currency converter is available at
oanda.com.
Cap Est Lagoon Resort and Spa Hotel, Martinique
Discover how easy it is to promote your company on this site with French Caribbean
Caribbean map with Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Martin, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante | © 2012 French Caribbean International
Des Hotels et Des Isles - Hotels and Islands
 
Cap Est Hotel, Martinique
Hotel Bois Joli, Les Saintes
Stacks Image p212_n17

________________________________________

French Caribbean International has been the premier guide to the French West Indies since 1994. We provide a wealth of helpful travel information for visitors to the Caribbean islands of St. Barthélemy (St. Barts, St. Barth, St. Barths), St. Martin / St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante.

We respect your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy for details. Agree & continue?