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
Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for visiting Saint Martin. Consider a typhoid shot if you’re planning to eat street food. Ensure your routine vaccines (like MMR, DTP) are up to date. Check with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen 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 Martin, 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 MartinCulture & Customs
Respect local customs in Saint Martin by dressing modestly, especially in non-beach areas. Tipping is common; around 15% is appreciated for good service.
Do greet locals with a polite ”Bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants. Don’t photograph people without permission, particularly in more private or residential areas.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Saint Martin is generally welcoming, but discretion is advised in more conservative areas. Women should feel comfortable but remain cautious, as in any unfamiliar place.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Saint Martin.
- Johnny Cakes: These are deep-fried cornmeal cakes that are super popular across the Caribbean. You’ll find them on the breakfast table or as a side dish. They’re beloved for their simplicity and versatility, often served with saltfish or just butter.
- Conch Fritters: Made from the chewy conch meat mixed with spices, these are deep-fried to perfection. They’re a staple appetizer and offer a taste of the island’s seafood bounty. Pair them with a spicy dipping sauce for the full experience.
- Callaloo Soup: A hearty and nutritious dish, callaloo soup uses leafy greens, often combined with okra, and sometimes features crab or salt meat. It’s a nod to the island’s Afro-Caribbean roots and is beloved for its rich, comforting flavors.
- Guavaberry Liqueur: Although technically a drink, this liqueur is a must-try. Made from the local guavaberry fruit, it’s a traditional holiday treat but available year-round. Sip it to enjoy a unique taste of the island’s culture and festivities.
Tap water in Saint Martin is generally considered safe for locals, but tourists often prefer bottled or filtered water to be cautious. While many drink it without issues, if you have a sensitive stomach, sticking to bottled water is a safer bet.
The main language in Saint Martin 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 Martin includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Saint Martin,
English is widely spoken, particularly in the northern part of the island, which is governed by the French. The island is a popular tourist destination, and many locals in the hospitality and service industries, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, are fluent in English. This makes it easy for English-speaking visitors to navigate and communicate.
In the southern part of the island, which is Dutch Sint Maarten, English is the official language and is used in government, education, and daily life. Most residents are bilingual, often speaking Dutch or Papiamento alongside English.
While French is the official language in the northern French side, many locals also speak English, especially those involved in tourism. Overall, travelers will find that English is commonly understood and spoken, making Saint Martin a welcoming destination for English-speaking tourists. However, learning a few basic phrases in French or Dutch can enhance the experience and is appreciated by the locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Saint Martin is EUR (€).
ATMs: ATMs are pretty accessible on both the French and Dutch sides of Saint Martin, mostly clustered in urban areas and tourist spots. Stick to using ATMs at banks for better security.
Cash: It’s smart to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors and local markets. The French side uses euros (EUR) while the Dutch side uses Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG), but U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted on both sides.
Currency: Bring a mix of euros and U.S. dollars. Most places accept dollars, but having some euros can get you better deals on the French side.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller establishments may prefer cash, so don’t rely solely on cards.
Exchange: To exchange your money, check out local banks or currency exchange offices. Avoid airport exchange counters as they usually have less favorable rates.
In Saint Martin, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Many restaurants include a 15% service charge on the bill, but if it’s not included, a tip of 10-15% is customary. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, small tips in line with local currency are well-received.
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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.