I am going to St Martin/Sint Maarten this summer. What do I need to know?

Question

I am going to St. Martin this summer with my family. We haven't picked the exact location, yet, but I think we will be based on the dutch side. Anyway, I have never been to St. Martin before and I don't speak Dutch or French. What are some basic things I need to know about the island customs and what is a good way to learn some Dutch quickly? I know they probably speak English, but I would like to take some effort to learn some Dutch.

Answer 1

Girl no need to worry about anything on both sides of the island u speak english that for sure....Dutch is just about government documents and so one...U will have a great time the beaches are to die for...and the shopping u can do endless on  the front street in the town is where u get alllllllll the jewel stores and cheap and the real stuff remember sxm is a duty free contry so which means u enter and leave with what ever u want meaning LEGAL stuff lol lol...About the learnign dutch you would hardly fine somone speaking that 24/7 on the road u will hear ebglish english trust me I AM A BORN ST>MAARTEN GIRL it's even in my name SXM......so hope u enjoy it and fell free to ask me anything about my lil sweet island sxm......OOO yea once you are there make sure u carry your family so Cheris cafe u wil lhave a good time enjoying caribbean music and dancing and having a blast

Answer 2

St.Marteen is the Dutch side. Everyone speaks English; Dutch is use in legal documents and in some school.

St.Martin is the French side. Everyone there also speaks; french is speaking widely.

So you dont have to worry about learning dutch.  Unless you personally like it.

The french side has nice cafe, restaurants and beaches.

also more expensive.

The Dutch side has a lot of casinos and jewelry store also more nightlife.

Good luck !!

Enjoy your Stay on "the Friendly island"