DAY ONE

COMMS & APPS

Download WhatsApp and set it up before you get here. It’s what everyone here uses to communicate because cellular data is expensive down in these parts of the world. If you need to keep in touch with family at home, have them install it, as well, so you can call/text without a $10+/day international phone plan.

While you’re at it, download the We Are SXM app. It’s a good reference. Not as good as this guide, but handy to have for things this guide doesn’t care to cover.

CASH OR CARD

They take the US dollar all over this island—god bless ‘merica. There’s no need to change money to Euros or Gilders. (We’ve never actually seen a Gilder.) When the Euro is outpacing the dollar, they’ll do the conversion, so it all stays easy.

Generally, we pay with credit cards for all restaurants and bigger activities.

You’ll need cash for:

• Taxis
• Buses
• Low-ticket beach services
• Grocery bagger boys — $1/bag-ish
• Beach boys, if you get chairs
• Bartenders

Tip the bagger boys as is expected here, tip beach boys reasonably if you get chairs or umbrellas, and tip waiters and bartenders reasonably if and when you feel inclined.

PASSPORT & BORDERS

Do NOT carry your passport around with you. Once you clear customs, you won’t need it again until you depart.

It’s an open border island. Vive La France!

[And a hat tip to the Dutch for making it possible for us to live here thanks to the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT).]

COCONUT RETRIEVERS

Do NOT worry about all the stray dogs. They are better cared for here than any other island we’ve been on in the Caribbean. They’re called “Coconut Retrievers” because they’re all mixed-breeds with the same Caribbean genes, typically a combination of retriever, dachshund, and bully breeds. Almost all of them have figured out how to find food or get someone to feed them. Almost all of them are friendly…especially the beach dogs.

SXM Paws

If seeing them wandering all over the place upsets you, make a donation to SXM Paws, or even better…adopt one.

Donate or adopt

SAFETY

AREAS TO AVOID AT NIGHT

We do not recommend walking around Philipsburg or Marigot after dark. While both are vibrant by day, they can get sketchy at night—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. These aren’t spots for late-night strolls.

Avoid the interior of the island at night too. That includes areas without well-lit roads or a strong tourist presence. You’ll stand out as a visitor, and that can make you a target—like walkin’ through West Baltimore at 1am in flip-flops. Just don’t do it.

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

You’ll notice a lot of local bikers on SXM—especially at night. Most are harmless, but some ride aggressively and try to intimidate drivers. Don’t engage. Just give them space and don’t escalate.

If a motorcyclist ever pulls up aggressively or threatens you in any way, you have every right to protect yourself. Be alert, stay calm, and prioritize your safety.

RENTAL CARS = TOURIST TAGS

Rental cars have identifiable license plates, and everyone on the island can spot them. In Sint Maarten (Dutch SXM), rental cars have a specific license plate prefix: “R”. This indicates that the vehicle is part of a rental fleet. That means people know you’re not from around here—and at night, that can make you a mark.

Be extra cautious where you park, don’t leave valuables in plain sight, and stick to the main, well-traveled roads on the perimeter of the island.