Economy

The economy is entirely dependent on tourism. In 1996, about 249,000 tourists visited St Martin, 40% of whom came from North America. Owing to its status as a free-trade zone, St. Martin has become a paradise for duty-free and tax-free shopping in the West Indies.

Bank Opening Hours

Banking hours are from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, and close an hour later on Friday at 4:30 pm with a one and a half hour lunch break on Friday.

Credit Cards

Credit cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted. (Credit card transactions are usually in US dollars.)

Currency

The currency of the French Antilles is the Euro; however, the US dollar is accepted in St. Martin. There is no limit to the amount of traveler's checks and letters of credit being imported, although a declaration of foreign banknotes in excess of $500 US must be made.

In Dutch St. Maarten, the currency is the Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAF), which exchanges at a fluctuating rate.

Tipping

If the itemized bill says "Service Compris", no tip is necessary.