Getting Around · R&R's Guide To SXM

HOW TO GET A TAXI

Need a lift, mon? Here’s how ya hail a cab around de island…

No Uber or Lyft here. Don’t bother checkin’ ya app—SXM doesn’t run on Uber or Lyft. All taxis are old-school, so keep a number handy or find a stand. We DO have a new app that they’re trying to get traction on, but it’s hit or miss. Feel free to give it a try.

sxmtaxi.com

BEST WAYS TO GET ONE

Find a taxi stand: You’ll see official stands at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM), Philipsburg cruise terminal, Marigot waterfront, and popular hotels.
Ask your hotel or restaurant: Most staff are happy to call a trusted driver for you.
Call direct: Save a few numbers in your phone.

+1 (721) 542-2359 +590 690 74 55 17

WHAT TO EXPECT

No meters—fares are fixed, but can vary. Ask before you get in.
Cash is king. USD accepted everywhere.
Taxis can be pricey for longer distances—sharing with others is common and totally cool.

TIPS

You can also pre-arrange return pickups, especially at night or in remote areas.
Don’t be shy to ask for WhatsApp contacts—many drivers prefer it.
Be polite, and tip if you feel they went above and beyond.

HOW DE BUSES WORK

Want to move around like a local? SXM’s bus system is simple, affordable, and a bit of an adventure, mon!

WHAT TO KNOW

No set schedule – Buses don’t run on a tight timetable. They operate on island time. You’ll find minibuses driving main roads between major hubs: Philipsburg, Marigot, Maho, Simpson Bay, and Orient.
Just flag ‘em down – If you see a van with a “BUS” sign in the window or license plate, wave it down from the side of the road. They’ll stop for you.
Tell de driver where you goin’ – When you hop in, let the driver know where you want to stop. They’ll pull over when you get there.
Pay in cash – Most rides cost $1–$2 per person. Pay when you exit, and have small bills or coins ready.
Look for white vans – They’re not marked like city buses, but they’re safe, locally run, and used by locals every day.

TIPS

Buses mainly run during daylight hours—don’t count on them after dark.
No app, no map—just ask locals or drivers. Everyone knows the routes.
Don’t be shy—just say “Bus?” and someone will point you in the right direction.

RENTAL CARS

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”. 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.

That said, a car is what makes this island easy. If one beach is sargassum-covered or packed, another is fifteen minutes away.