Getting to St. Martin
You can reach St. Martin (also spelled St. Maarten) from just about anywhere, although you may have to take a detour through a major city (or two) before getting there. All major international and some regional airlines fly into the Juliana International Airport (PJIA), connecting through major international airports. You can also fly into L’Esperance airport from other Caribbean islands. Because not all airlines fly in every day, you may not get in on the same day you book to leave, so be alert for this.
Getting Around the Island
Though day-trips to neighboring islands is are a regular thing in St. Martin, unless you’re coming from St. Barths, Anguilla, Saba, Statia, or Tortola, it is only advised for you to travel to the St. Martin by boat if you’re connecting from one of those islands.
The island is divided administratively between the French (North) and the Dutch (South), but most things are shared among the population. For example, the you can use US dollars everywhere, euros on both sides, and the Netherlands Antilles florins (NAF), which has been replaced by the Dutch Caribbean guilder (XCG), mainly in the South. In some instances, even Eastern Caribbean dollars are accepted at specific stores; you just have to ask. The exchange rates for one USD range from 1.0 to 1.2 for euros and 1.78 to 2.0 for NAF/XCG.
If you’re looking to move around outside of the conference activities, depending on your destination, your best bet is via tax or bus. You can also rent a car from a number of car rental companies, many of which are located outside the arrival area and in the corridor between the airport and Simpson Bay Resort. For more information on ground transportation and tours, contact Ms. Shanice Theodule at csatravelandtours2025@gmail.com.
Other Information
Where your electronic devices are concerned, in the South, you’ll be plugging into 110-120V with the typical Type A/B plug. In the North, the voltage is 220-240V, with Type C/E plugs. Converters and adapters are sold just about everywhere.
The water on both parts of the island is safe to drink although bottled water is used everywhere.
Finally, the people refer to themselves as St. Martiners and to their island as “S’Maatn,” SXM, Soualiga, and at times Qualichi (indigenous names meaning Land of Salt and Land of Brave Women respectively). Be sure to say “good morning, good afternoon, or good evening,” when you meet folks in public; otherwise, they’ll think you are rude.