Social ConventionsThe atmosphere is generally relaxed and informal. Casual dress is acceptable everywhere, but formal attire is needed for dining out and nightclubs.
International Travel:Getting There by AirMartinique’s national airline is
CTA Air Martinique.
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsFort-de-France (FDF) (Lamentin) is 11km (7 miles) from the city.
Facilities: Restaurants, banks and bureaux de change, shops, tourist information and car hire.
Getting There by WaterMain port: Fort-de-France. The
Pointe Simon cruise dock, nearer
the city center, accommodates larger
cruise ships. Regular high-speed
catamaran services run to Guadeloupe, St Lucia and Dominica. For more information, contact either
Express des Îles (tel: (596) 631 212; e-mail:
info@express-des-iles.com)
or Brudey Frères (tel: (596) 700 850; fax: (596) 705 375).
Caribbean Ferries sail to and from Dominique, St Lucia and Guadeloupe (tel: (596) 636 868).
Other
ships sail from Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
OverviewThe island of Martinique is an Overseas Department of France, and therefore duty-free allowances are the same as those for France; see
France section.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirAeroplanes and helicopters may be chartered from
Air Martinique.
Getting Around by WaterScheduled ferries ply between Fort-de-France and the main resorts of Trois Îlets and Sainte-Anne via Anse Mitan, Pointe du Bout, Anse à l’Âne and Anses d’Arlet. Children’s tickets are half price.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. The road system is well developed and surfaced.
Bus: A limited although inexpensive service is provided within the communes. Most of Martinique’s public transport is served by communal taxis, denoted by the sign TC. TCs depart at frequent intervals from Pointe Simon (by the waterfront in Fort-de-France) to destinations all over the islands, making stops along the way. Fares are fixed and are reasonable. TCs run from early morning until 1800.
Taxi: Government-controlled, plentiful and reasonably cheap if shared. The majority of taxis are Mercedes-Benz. There is a 40 per cent surcharge at night (2000-0600). Main taxi stands are at major hotels, resorts and the airport.
Car hire: The island has excellent car hire facilities. 50cc mopeds do not need a license. Bicycles can also be hired.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, but a national driving license is sufficient, provided the driver has at least one year’s experience. The minimum driving age is 21.
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