Locate some common sense and bring it with you when vacationing anywhere in the Caribbean. Here...
Sun You can burn within a remarkably short time; use sunscreen or block frequently depending on how long you're exposed. Do not fail to reapply it as recommended depending on where you are (e.g., swimming, on boat, beach walking), with special attention to feet and backs of knees and neck. Brimmed hats and umbrellas can offer further protection.
Crime Though the island is generally a safe place, like everywhere else in the world there is crime, and you should be aware of your surroundings at all times. Obviously you should lock your doors, avoid unpopulated areas and do not flash your money and jewelry around. Remember that this is a foreign country, and act accordingly. Tourists report many instances of parked rental cars being rifled. Organized teams can break in effortlessly. Best advice: Leave nothing of value in them at any time.
Drinking Be aware that drinking is practically a national pastime in St. Maarten, and it is relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain alcoholic beverages ($1.25 ice cold Heineken's are available almost everywhere including McDonalds and gas stations) and therefore extremely easy to over-do it. Driving while impaired on the island is very risky as there are many places where you could end up in the ocean or down the side of a cliff. When in doubt, call a cab.
Drugs Like most places, drugs are readily available for those interested, but despite what someone may tell you Marijuana is not legal and certainly is not regulated as in certain parts of the Netherlands.
Parking Take care in Philipsburg...there is very little parking and the tow zone areas are very poorly marked. If the spot is free and you think it shouldn't be then it is probably a tow area.
Jet blast If you're on Maho Bay, watch out for approaching and departing planes. Get too close and a jet engine from a plane taking off can blast a lot of air, sand, or water into your face, or worse cause serious injury or death.
GLBT travelers If you are GLBT be careful of your surroundings, as with many Caribbean islands the local culture doesn't have the same level of acceptance found in other countries. While not a large problem, each year there are reports of attacks based on sexual orientation. If you are considerate of your environment you won't have a problem but it should be noted that public displays of affection by GLBT individuals (especially on the Dutch side) may not be well tolerated.
Pharmacies are denoted by a cross symbol, usually in neon and there are Hospitals with ambulance service on both sides of the island.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Saint Martin
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Saint Martin - updated Apr 2024
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Saint Martin Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
