Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Vaccinations for Saint Barthélemy: Routine vaccines (measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot) are recommended. Hepatitis A and B are also advised. Consider typhoid if you’re planning to eat or drink outside major resorts. Always check with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirements When I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Saint Barthélemy, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Saint BarthélemyCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially when leaving the beach. Topless sunbathing is generally accepted but not on public beaches. Greet people with ”Bonjour” before diving into conversation. Handshakes are common; air kisses on the cheek are for familiar relationships.
Respect meal times; lunch is usually between noon and 2 PM. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless you’re close with the person. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory since service charges are often included.
The island is LGBTQ+ friendly, but public displays of affection might draw attention. Women should feel comfortable traveling solo but stay cautious at night, as you would anywhere.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Saint Barthélemy.
- Accras de Morue: These are deep-fried cod fritters, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re a staple appetizer in Saint Barthelemy and a nod to the island’s French and Creole influences.
- Boudin Creole: A spicy blood sausage, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. It’s popular due to its rich flavors and reflects the island’s Creole heritage.
- Lambi: Also known as conch, it’s a type of shellfish that’s often cooked in stews or grilled. It’s a local favorite, offering a taste of the ocean that’s integral to island life.
- Colombo: A curry-like dish typically made with chicken, goat, or fish, seasoned with a mix of spices. It showcases the island’s blend of French and Indian culinary influences.
- Bouillabaisse: This is a traditional fish stew, usually with a variety of fish and shellfish. It’s a reflection of the island’s French roots and its abundant seafood.
Tap water in Saint Barthélemy is generally safe to drink and locals do consume it. However, tourists might find it slightly chlorinated, so opting for bottled or filtered water could be more palatable. It’s always a good idea to have a reusable water bottle with a filter if you’re sensitive to taste.
The main language in Saint Barthélemy is
French. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your French skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Saint Barthélemy includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Saint Barthélemy,
English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The island is a popular destination for travelers from the United States and Europe, which contributes to the prevalence of English. Many locals, especially those working in the hospitality industry, are fluent in English and often speak multiple languages, including French, which is the official language.
While French is the primary language of the island, visitors will find that communication in English is generally easy and effective. However, it can be beneficial to learn a few basic French phrases, as this may enhance interactions with locals and show appreciation for the culture. Overall, travelers can expect a welcoming environment where English is commonly understood, making it convenient for tourists to navigate and enjoy their stay.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Saint Barthélemy is EUR (€).
If you’re backpacking through Saint Barthelemy, keep in mind it’s part of France, so the official currency is the euro (EUR). While U.S. dollars are accepted in some places, you’ll often get a better rate paying in euros. ATMs are available in Gustavia and at the airport, but they might be sparse elsewhere, so plan accordingly.
It’s a good idea to carry a mix of cash and cards. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but smaller places might still prefer cash. Visa and Mastercard are your safest bets; American Express isn’t as commonly accepted. Make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card issues.
For exchanging currency, banks in Gustavia can help, but it’s wise to exchange a bit of cash before arriving to avoid high fees. Keep an eye on exchange rates to get the most bang for your buck. And remember, Saint Barthelemy isn’t exactly budget-friendly, so keep an eye on your spending!
Tipping in Saint Barthélemy is usually included in the bill as a service charge, around 15%, so there’s no pressure to tip extra. However, if the service was exceptional, leaving a small additional tip in cash is appreciated. Always check your bill to see if the service charge is included before deciding to tip more.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.