Island, Saint Martin
Saint-Martin
French side of the island with Marigot market and Grand Case's seaside restaurants, a quieter, more local feel than the Dutch side. Euros and French rules apply; expect resort-level prices.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$4,280–6,190Comfortable, one person · €3,800–5,500Details
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is desalinated and meets French standards, though many prefer bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundLocal bus (shared van)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards are widely accepted; euros on the French side, USD also taken.Details
Where to stay in Saint-Martin
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Grand Case | Food-led village with a beach, local stays and restaurants |
| Marigot | Capital: market, ferries, cafés and shops |
| Orient Bay | Resort beach strip with watersports and beach clubs |
Apps that work in Saint-Martin
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Ride apps are not available. Taxis use set rates and are dispatched by phone or your host; they run less after midnight.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Saint Martin.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards are widely accepted; euros on the French side, USD also taken. Carry small bills for buses, market stalls and beach shacks.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in towns; euro-area cards withdraw without extra fees, others pay their bank's foreign fees.
- Tipping: Service is included in prices; round up or leave a few euros for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards work in shops, hotels and restaurants.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
- Entry to the Dutch side may need its own immigration form; the border is open between both sides.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, E · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at home prices. Otherwise buy an Orange, SFR or Digicel prepaid SIM with passport; coverage is shared with the Dutch side. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Saint-Martin solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.