| Travel Tips |
Points
of Interest |
Transportation |
Calendar |
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 Passports |
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U.S. and Canadian visitors are only required
to bring proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate) plus
a standard photo ID (such as a driver's license). Otherwise, a valid
passport or an expired passport no more than five years old will suffice.
Tourists are granted admission (upon arrival) as tourists for 14 days
(maximum 3 months, upon request). A $12 tax is imposed upon departure
from the Juliana Airport. Those arriving on the French side may stay
up to three months, but a visa is required for longer stays. A 15-franc
departure tax is included in the price of airfare for those leaving
from Esperance Airport |
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Currency |
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In St. Martin, the Euros remains the
local currency, and in St. Maarten it is the Antillean florin or guilder,
but U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. Banks are open Monday to
Friday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an additional hour on the French side
Monday to Thursday 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and on the Dutch side, Friday
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. |
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Language |
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Officially, French is the language of St.
Martin and Dutch in St. Maarten, but almost everyone speaks English,
and many speak Spanish as well. French Creole and Papiamento, a Creole
language of the Netherlands Antilles, is spoken here locally, especially
in the southern parts of the island. |
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Driving |
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For getting around from place to place
a car is virtually indispensable although most hotels offer shuttle
service to the casinos on the Dutch side of the island. Rental agencies
are located at both airports and at the major hotels. Driving is on
the right side of the road, and most of the roads are in fairly good
repair. Motorcycles and mopeds are also available for hire. |
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Getting
Married |
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The bride or groom must be residing on
the island for at least six months prior to the wedding date. However,
Ms. Lucie Davis of "I Do Bridal Center" offers a wedding package that
requires a boat ride to nearby Anguilla, where a marriage license
can be obtained at the magistrate's office. The ceremony and celebration
can take place back in St. Martin. Ms. Davis can also handle all wedding
arrangements from rental of gowns and tuxedos to pictures, video,
etc. |
