Social ConventionsDutch customs are still important throughout the Netherlands Antilles, but tourism has brought increasing US influences and St Maarten is perhaps more easy-going than the southern islands. Dress is casual and lightweight cottons are advised, but it is common to dress up in the evening.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline of the Netherlands Antilles is
ALM (LM). The government-owned
Winair (WIA), based at Princess Juliana Airport, has scheduled flights to the Lesser Antilles, as well as charter
flights to destinations throughout the Eastern Caribbean.
Departure TaxFor international destinations, there is a departure tax of US$30 for those age two and up. This departure tax might be already included in the airfare of certain airlines. For islands within the Netherlands Antilles, the departure tax is US$10. Some include the departure tax in the airline ticket.
Main AirportsPrincess Juliana (SXM), 15km (9.5 miles) west of Philipsburg (journey time – 15 minutes), receives regular scheduled flights from other Caribbean islands, Europe and the USA.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available.
Facilities: Bank, a restaurant, refreshments, duty-free shopping and car hire. In order to protect the livelihood of local taxi drivers, cars hired at the airport are delivered to guests’ hotels.
Esperance (SFG), an airport in the French sector, is smaller and not equipped for jets.
Getting There by WaterMain port: Philipsburg.
St Maarten is a leading port of call for
cruise liners.
Ferry services operate to Saba, St Barts and St Kitts & Nevis.
OverviewThe following may be imported into St Maarten by tourists over 15 years of age only without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g tobacco;
2l of alcoholic beverages;
gifts to a value of ANG100.
The import of souvenirs and leather goods from Haiti is not advisable.
Internal Travel:Getting Around by WaterSmall boats may be chartered for fishing trips, scuba diving, water-skiing or visits to neighboring islands. Daily ferries run to and from Anguilla, whilst a catamaran serves St Barts. There are marinas at Oyster Pond, Philipsburg and Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Getting Around by RoadMost roads are good. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: These run regularly between Philipsburg and Marigot. Minibuses serve the more popular destinations.
Taxi: There are good services on the island running from the airport, main hotels and towns. Taxis do not have meters but fares are fixed. There is a 50 per cent surcharge after midnight. There is a taxi station at Wathey Square. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
Car hire: There are plenty of car hire firms in the city and at the airport. Chauffeur-driven cars are also available.
Documentation: A national driving license is acceptable.
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