Caribbean
Saint Barthelemy
A small, upmarket French island with beaches, villas and Gustavia's boutiques. Very expensive and quiet outside the high season; best for couples or travelers who want a calm, safe base.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType C, D, E220 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is desalinated and meets French standards, though many prefer bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityFrench law protects LGBTQ+ people, including marriage and anti-discrimination rules; island society is more conservative than mainland France, so discretion is common outside tourist areas.Details
- DrivingOn the rightEU licences are valid; other foreign licences are accepted for short stays, ideally with an IDP or French translation.
Where to go in Saint Barthelemy
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. BartsIsland | 5/5 | $9,000–14,630 | Dec–Apr | — |
When to visit Saint Barthelemy
December–April is dry and busiest, with peaks at New Year; May–October is quieter, hotter and hurricane-prone.
Good to know
Entry
- Outside the Schengen area: a Schengen visa or ETIAS does not automatically cover it. Check France-Visas for your nationality.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
- Arrival is by small plane (from Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe) or ferry from Marigot or Philipsburg; cruise ships anchor off Gustavia.
Laws visitors break by accident
- French law applies, including a 0.5 g/l drink-driving limit.
- No overnight camping and strict beach rules in protected areas.
Etiquette
- Say 'bonjour' when entering shops and restaurants
- Dress smartly in Gustavia's restaurants in the evening
- Book restaurants early in high season
Tipping
Service is included in prices; round up or leave a few euros for good service.
Sources
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.