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Banks & Tipping
Banks are normally open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturday, some banks open from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants add between 10 percent and 15 percent to the bill as a service charge; this is almost always posted in writing at the entrance or on the menu. Travelers can tip more for special service. Taxi drivers expect 50 cents or $1 for short runs and more for an extended narrated tour. Airport porters should receive $2 per bag
ATMs Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available at many locations throughout the island.
Bank hours Banks on the Dutch side are normally open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Credit Cards Major credit cards –American Express, Visa and MasterCard- are accepted in most places. Visitors need to check with individual merchants, as some stores and restaurants may not accept credit cards. U.S. Dollar traveler’s checks are accepted everywhere with identification
Below you will find a listing of some of the banks on St. Maarten that could inform you on different impediments such as the exchange rate, interest rates for loans etc.
Bank van de Nederlandse Antillen (Central Bank)
P.O. Box 193, St. Maarten, Philipsburg. Netherlands Antilles.
Tel: 599-542-3520
Fax: 599-54-24307
Bank of Nova Scotia
P.O. Box 303
Philipsburg, St. Maarten,
Netherlands Antilles.
Tel: 599-542-2262
Fax: 599-54-22435
First Caribbean International Bank LTD
St. Maarten,
Netherlands Antilles
Philipsburg
Tel: 599-542-3511
Fax: 599-542-4531
Windward Island Bank Ltd.
P.O. Box 220
St. Maarten, N.A.
Tel: 599-54-22313 or 22335
Fax: 599-54-24716
RBTT
P.O. Box 295
Philipsburg St.Maarten,
Tel: 599-54-23505 or 23344
Fax: 599-54-22564
Budget Advisor
If you are traveling on a tight budget traveling in the off-season saves a lot of money on hotels and transportation, but there are other pluses too, such as fewer lines at museums, activities and restaurants.
In the St. Maarten (Caribbean) the off-season is the summer and fall hurricane season – mid April to mid December, which means that hotel offer discounted and special rates.
Use public transportation as much as possible it cost less and can also be ‘green” helping the local community keep open streets and clean air. It also allows you to get to know the flavors and fine distinction of the local people.
The conscious traveler should picnic instead of eating every meal in restaurants, visit markets, bakeries, local shops and delis. Also shopping at local markets is not only a less expensive way to eat, it can be healthier.
Eat your biggest meal at lunch and eat lighter at dinner. Lunch prices at restaurants are amazingly low compared to dinner prices and offer a major savings opportunity. Try the inexpensive beers like Carib and Red Stripe or pick up a bottle of local rum and mix your own drinks for a fraction of the price that you will pay at a bar. If you are planning on an extended stay consider lodging that includes kitchen.
Ask your hotel concierge about insider tips: free days at museums, matinees, free parking, dining specials and happy hours. Wednesday nights at most clubs and the movies are Ladies Night, which means entrance fees, are lower than usual.
Local city guides, nightlife magazines and even newspapers also can be a valuable resource for bargain hunting.
Stay at all-inclusive resorts where you pay one-price that include all your food and drink. Most full-service hotels in St.Maarten have an in-room refrigerator for storing your dinner leftovers for lunch.