Money Saver Info St. Maarten and St. Martin

10 Money Saving Tips
for Vacationers on St. Maarten / St. Martin

Some people claim, St. Maarten is expensive, even more St. Martin. Yes, and no! Compared to, let's say, Antigua, Turks and Caicos, or the Bermudas, this island has very moderate prices. Yes, it is more expensive than typical main land destinations, or the USA. There are still plenty of opportunities to stay within a budget. Here ten tips for reducing your expenses: Money Savers

Go local. Instead of calling a taxi, use a mini bus or "jitney". Just wait and wave at the road side. Typical fares are $ 1.50/person. Plan your trip, get a map!
Buy at Cost-U-Less* in the Dutch part, when you require bigger quantities. Good choice of wine, US food, ... It's a Sams Club type of outlet, no membership required.
Fill gas at CADISCO* at their discount gas prices at 1 Euro = $1. There are three stations, one next to Orient Bay, one at Marigot in direction to Nettle Bay, and one in Nettle Bay. It's about 10 - 20 cents cheaper than at other gas stations.
If you smoke, a carton of Marlboro is as low as $ 12.00 in Philipsburg at Tobacco Plaza*, side street, off Front Street 23 at Touch of Gems. If it has to be the US-version, PRIME Cash & Carry has them for $12.00 - $14.00 a carton.
Internet access at no cost? If you have a notebook with a WiFi card, try public access at the Philipsburg boardwalk area. Also some cafes offer free access, e.g. the "La Sucriere" Cafe in Marigot at the seaside boulevard, or the Sunset Bar and Grill*.
Can you say 'No' to a sales person? If so, get one of the timeshare promotion vouchers for a reduced rental car rate, or a free meal,and free drinks, often a value of $ 100. The flipside: You got to listen to the sales pitch for buying a timeshare slice. The vouchers are available at various locations, car rentals, along the road, on websites, who offer you freebies with the little string attached!
You need to load your cooler? Shop at Netter* in Marigot/Bellevue, and get inexpensive wine and water, or see Netco*in Cole Bay , and buy a case of beer (24) for less than $ 20.00.
Gamble with other people's bucks! Some of the casinos, e.g. Atlantis* , attract people by giving them chips for $ 10, when registering at the courtesy desk. No obligations, just use them as your start capital!
Several companies offer mobile phones for rent. Register with them and save phone cost. Another advantage is the connectivity, which some US-carriers do not provide.
Departure day has come, you are early at the airport, check in is done, what to do? Don't pay the high airport snack bar prices. Go right, like going back to Philipsburg, after 200 yards on the lagoon side, you find Turtle Pier*. This little oasis, right at the water, is a great dining and drinking place. Save and enjoy!

* All quoted companies are unrelated to us, and we don't get commission for referrals!