Understanding the Currencies of St. Martin and St. Maarten

The U.S. Dollar (USD)

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted on both sides of the island, making it an incredibly convenient option for American tourists. Whether you’re shopping in Philipsburg on the Dutch side or dining in Marigot on the French side, you’ll find that many businesses price their goods and services in dollars, or at least accept dollars as payment.

This widespread acceptance of the U.S. dollar reduces the need for visitors to exchange large amounts of money into guilders or euros, especially for short stays. However, it’s important to be aware of the exchange rates offered by individual businesses, as they may not always match the official rates. In most cases, paying with U.S. dollars is straightforward, but it is advisable to carry smaller denominations to avoid receiving change in a less familiar currency.

The Euro (EUR)

On the French side of the island, Saint-Martin, the official currency is the Euro (EUR). As a part of the European Union, the French Overseas Territory of Saint Martin uses the euro, which is the standard currency across most of Europe. This makes the French side of the island particularly convenient for European travelers who are already familiar with the currency.

The use of the euro on the French side means that prices in stores, restaurants, and other establishments are typically quoted in euros. However, much like on the Dutch side, many if not all businesses also accept U.S. dollars. It’s common for shops and restaurants to display prices in both euros and dollars, and visitors can pay with either currency. If you choose to pay in dollars, you might receive change in euros, depending on the establishment.

The Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)

On the Dutch side of the island, Sint Maarten, the official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), which is soon to be replaced by the Caribbean Guilder - the new currency for the countries of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The guilder has been the currency of the Dutch Caribbean territories since 1940, and it remains in use today despite the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010.

The Netherlands Antillean Guilder is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.79 ANG, as will be the new Caribbean Guilder ensuring that the Netherlands Antillean guilder and the Caribbean guilder are of equal value. This fixed rate simplifies transactions for tourists, as many businesses on the Dutch side accept U.S. dollars interchangeably with guilders. Visitors on the Dutch side may encounter prices listed in both currencies, and change may given in guilders, particularly if the transaction involves smaller denominations. It is worth noting that real estate in Sint Maarten is rarely if ever transacted in Guilders as most sellers prefer U.S. dollars or euros. 

Debit and Credit Cards

In addition to the three main currencies, most businesses on the island accept major debit and credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. This makes it easy for visitors to pay without worrying about carrying large amounts of cash or exchanging currency.

Using a card is particularly convenient for larger purchases, such as dining out or shopping for souvenirs. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your card provider about foreign transaction fees, which can add to the cost of your purchases. Additionally, while cards are widely accepted, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors or in more remote areas where card machines might not be available.

Cryptocurrencies

While it is far less common in Saint Martin and Sint Maarten compared to many other parts of the world, cryptocurrencies are also accepted at a variety of establishments such as Lotus Night Club and more. As major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum become more widespread throughout the world, it is likely that more businesses on the island will follow the trend and begin accepting them too.