Official languages are Dutch and Papiamento (native dialect), French and English are also spoken. For information on the language in the northern part of the island see Guadeloupe.
Public Holidays
01/01/2022 New Year
04/18/2022 easter monday
05/01/2022 Labor Day
05/26/2022 Ascension of Christ
06/06/2022 Whit Monday
07/14/2022 anniversary of the storming of the Bastille
07/21/2022 Schoelcher Day (Abolition of Slavery)
11/01/2022 all saints day
11/11/2022 St. Maarten Day
12/15/2022 Kingdom Day
12/25/2022 Christmas
12/26/2022 Christmas
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be brought into St. Maarten duty-free (persons 18 years and older): 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (3g each) or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 liter of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 22% or 2 liters of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of less than 22%; 50 g of perfume or 50 cl of eau de toilette; Gifts up to a value of €183.
Import regulations
If more than the specified quantity is imported, the entire quantity will be declared. If the value of the imported items is more than 500 NAG, a customs declaration should be completed. A declaration is required for items valued at US$10,000 or more. Leather goods and souvenirs from Haiti should not be imported.
Contact addresses
annotation
The Dutch southern part of the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten and the French north part of the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten does not maintain its own foreign missions. The embassies of the Netherlands and France are responsible.
Business
Business etiquette
Business meetings are quite formal. A light tropical suit or costume is appropriate. Appointments should be made in advance, punctuality is very important. Business hours: Mon-Fri 07.30-12.00 and 13.30-16.30.
Business contacts
St Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry 11 Cannegieter Street, PO Box 454, Philipsburg Tel: (05) 42 35 90.
Communication
Phone
Fully automated system with self dialing remote service.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Network operator is Telcell NV (email: [email protected]). Mobile phones can also be rented on site. East Caribbean Cellular operates digital and analog cellular networks (System B) (Internet: www.eastcaribbeancellular.com). The reception/transmission area is limited to St. Maarten, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Saba, the adjacent sea and the Anguilla Channel.
Internet
Main provider: TelNet (Internet: www.sintmaarten.net).
Post office
Airmail to Europe is 4 weeks on the way, by sea 6 weeks. Stamps are available in the shops where postcards can be bought. Hotel receptions accept letters for a tip of approximately US$1.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
