Philipsburg

Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and entry requirements depend on your passport nationality. Check your specific requirements on the Sint Maarten destination page at Yoogo before you book.

The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, though the US dollar is accepted almost everywhere and is the currency most visitors use. Prices are often shown in dollars, and cards are widely accepted. Carry some small notes for taxis and beach vendors.

Sint Maarten is generally safe for visitors, and most trips are trouble free. Take sensible precautions with valuables, avoid quiet areas at night, and use hotel safes for passports and cash. The island shares the regional hurricane risk from June to November.

Hiring a car is the easiest way to explore both the Dutch and French sides, as there is no border control between them. Shared minibuses run along the main routes at low cost, and taxis operate on fixed zone fares rather than meters. Agree the fare before you set off.

The dry, sunny high season runs from December to April and is the busiest and priciest time. May and June often bring good weather with fewer crowds. The hurricane season from June to November carries a higher chance of storms, particularly from August to October.

Dutch is the official language, but English is the main language of daily life and tourism and is spoken almost everywhere. On the neighbouring French side, French is official. Spanish and a local English-based Creole are also widely heard.

No vaccinations are required for entry, although routine immunisations should be up to date. Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses can occur, so use repellent. The island has a hospital in Philipsburg, and travel insurance with medical cover is strongly advised.

Many restaurants add a service charge of around 10 to 15 percent, so check the bill before adding more. If service is not included, a tip of around 15 percent is customary. Rounding up for taxis and leaving a little for hotel staff is appreciated.

Sint Maarten has good mobile coverage and 4G across the island through local networks. Roaming can be costly, so check with your provider, or use a travel eSIM from Airalo for data. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, restaurants, and beach bars.

The island is friendly and informal, and a warm greeting is always welcome. Beachwear belongs on the beach, so dress a little more fully in shops and restaurants. Moving between the Dutch and French sides is seamless, with no passport check at the open border.