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Travel Information
A few details regarding local customs, language and travel options follow:
Getting There
Sint Maarten - St. Martin is served by many international air carriers. No Canadian airlines offer scheduled service at this time, but daily scheduled service is available out of Toronto - Pearson on American, Continental, Delta and U.S. Air (with connections to SXM in one of New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta or Charlotte). Another option is to fly Air Canada to Antigua, then take the half-hour flight from there to Sint Maarten on Continental or Liat. In addition, Canadian Charter service is available out of Pearson on a weekly basis (Air Transat and SkyService at the moment, plus Air Canada Vacations from December through April).
The best way to find out about currently available options is to contact the various Tour Companies that sell packages to St. Martin - Signature Vacations, Conquest Vacations and Regent Holidays, or to have a travel agent do this for you. Also, sell-off seats at attractive prices are often available through any one of the firms specializing in this business. A few of the more popular ones are:
Language and Currencies
Dutch is the official language in Sint Maarten, French in St. Martin, but English is spoken everywhere. By the same token, the official Sint Maarten/St. Martin currency is now the Euro, but the U.S. Dollar is the real currency of commerce on both sides of the Island. Also, please note, many establishments accept major credit cards, but not all do, as we are used to in North America. Make sure you take sufficient U.S. currency or Traveller's Cheques so you don't end up washing dishes somewhere. ATM's are available on the Island, but they do not operate with the degree of reliability that we are used to at home.
Travel Documents
There is no Customs check to worry about when entering S.M., since the entire Island is duty-free - a nice departure from what we are used to! However, proof of citizenship and proof of return airline tickets to wherever you came from are required. Officially, citizens of the U.S. and Canada need only carry proof of country of Birth and picture I.D. to gain entry to S.M. However, a valid Passport is much preferable and avoids any potential hassles.
Rental Vehicles
All the major rental companies are represented in S.M., plus several locally based enterprises. Car rentals in S.M. are expensive - especially in High Season. Let us know at the time of booking of the Villa if you would like us to obtain a vehicle rental quote for you as well.
Dress
Dress in S.M. is informal, cool and comfortable is the order of the day here. No need to pack a tuxedo, fancy evening dress or jacket. Bring shorts, lightweight tops and open collared shirts, lightweight summer dresses and skirts. Virtually all first-time visitors to S.M. bring much more clothing than they ever wear (especially visitors to Villa Sunrise, where laundry service is provided).
Electrical Appliances
Electrical service on the Dutch side is 110 volt - the same as in North America. Any appliance you bring from home will work in the Villa just as it does at home (unless, of course, power goes out on the entire Island, which happens from time-to-time - this is the Caribbean!)
Medical
There are good medical services available in Sint Maarten, and a modern, well-equipped hospital (at least by Caribbean standards). However, it is always a very good idea to arrange for out-of-country medical insurance. This protection can be arranged through Blue Cross, Green Shield, RBC Insurance or any number of other insurance providers.
Home The Island Villa Sunrise More Villa Pictures Travel Information Reservation, Rates & Contacts