Currency, Money & Tipping in St. Martin/St. Maarten
By St. Martin Sotheby’s International Realty · August 31, 2024 · Updated November 10, 2026
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USD a St. Martin and St. Maarten accepted currency
The U.S. dollar is accepted on both sides of the island, making it an incredibly convenient option for American tourists. Whether you’re shopping in Philipsburg on the Dutch side or dining in Marigot on the French side, you’ll find that many businesses price their goods and services in dollars, or at least accept dollars as payment.
This widespread acceptance of the U.S. dollar reduces the need for visitors to exchange large amounts of money into guilders or euros, especially for short stays. However, it’s important to be aware of the exchange rates offered by individual businesses, as they may not always match the official rates. In most cases, paying with U.S. dollars is straightforward, but it is advisable to carry smaller denominations to avoid receiving change in a less familiar currency.
EURO a St. Martin (French side) accepted currency
The French side officially runs on the euro, since France (and by extension its overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin) is part of the European Union. Most restaurants, shops, and hotels post prices in euros, and card terminals will typically charge you in euros as well.
That said, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourism-heavy spots like Marigot, Orient Bay, and Grand Case. A few things to keep in mind:
Quick tip: to estimate the USD cost of a EURO price, multiply by roughly 1.15. A €50 dinner runs about $57.
XCG a St. Maarten (Dutch side) accepted currency
The Dutch side’s official currency is the Caribbean Guilder (XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) in 2025 as part of a currency modernization across Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The guilder is legally pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of $1 = 1.79 XCG, so unlike the euro, this exchange rate never fluctuates (Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten). It is worth noting that real estate in Sint Maarten is rarely if ever transacted in Guilders as most sellers prefer U.S. dollars or euros.
In practice, the US dollar is used so heavily that most businesses price directly in USD and accept it without a second thought. As a tourist, you’ll rarely see guilder pricing at all. What this means for you:
Quick tip: If you do spot guilder pricing at a local shop or supermarket, divide by 1.79 to get the USD equivalent.
VISA and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere on the island, restaurants, villa bookings, rental car agencies, excursions, and boutiques. American Express is less common but still accepted at many establishments.
A practical card strategy for the trip:
Expect a foreign transaction fee of 1–3% on most US or EU cards, plus a $2–5 fee per ATM withdrawal. Some cards waive both for international travel; worth checking before you fly.
ATMs are readily available in the main towns and tourist areas, including:
Most machines accept Visa and Mastercard, and daily withdrawal limits typically run $300–500 depending on your bank. Plan ahead rather than relying solely on ATMs, especially over weekends and if you’re not sure where the nearest one is, your villa’s front desk can point you in the right direction.
As of early September 2026, the euro is trading at roughly €1 = $1.16, though it moves daily with the broader forex market.
Because USD is so widely accepted, you don’t need to convert cash into euros at all. If you’re arriving with a different home currency and want cash on hand:
Quick tip: pull USD from an ATM at the airport on day one. Exchange counters in tourist zones almost always offer worse rates than your home bank or an island ATM.
Use your card
Bring cash
Villa rentals
Market vendors
Restaurants and bars (especially upscale)
Tips
Rental cars and taxis
Parking attendants
Boutiques and shops
Street food and juice stands
Gas stations
Small beach bars
Boat charters and tours
Cards give you no currency confusion, fraud protection, a locked-in exchange rate, and a clean receipt trail. Cash matters for small businesses that prefer it, and for tips (which land better in hand than on a bill).
Quick tip: Bring $200 in mixed denominations, mostly $20s and $10s.
Tipping is genuinely important here, service workers depend on it as a significant part of their income. Here’s what’s appropriate across the situations you’re most likely to run into.
Situation
Suggested Tip
Casual restaurant
15%
Mid-range/upscale dining
18 - 20%
Bar (per drink)
$1 -2 USD or €1 - 1.50
Delivery/takeout
10 - 15%
All-inclusive resort
Check if gratuity is already included
Some upscale restaurants add a 15% gratuity automatically, please check your bill before tipping again on top of it.
If you’re renting through St. Martin Sotheby’s Realty, here’s the going rate for villa staff who make your stay run smoothly:
Role
Suggested tip
Housekeeper
$10–20 per day, per room
Personal concierge
$100–200 per week
Villa manager
Optional; $200–300 per staff member, per week
Villa chef/cook
10 - 15% of the food budget
Private driver
10 - 15% of transportation costs
If you’re staying a week or longer, a single lump-sum tip at the end for housekeeping or the chef is perfectly acceptable — and genuinely appreciated over piecemeal daily tips.
Service
Suggested tip
Taxi drivers
10% or round up
Tour guides
$15 - 25 per person (for group tours)
Boat charter captain/crew
15 - 20%
Spa therapist
15%
Regardless of the side, go with USD: local staff generally prefer it since they can use it island-wide.
Navigating the different currencies in Saint Martin and Sint Maarten is relatively simple thanks to the island’s flexibility in accepting multiple forms of payment. Whether you’re using guilders, euros, or U.S. dollars, you’ll find that businesses across the island are well-prepared to accommodate international visitors. The widespread acceptance of debit and credit cards further enhances the convenience, allowing you to enjoy your stay without worrying about currency complications. As you explore the island’s beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine, you can focus on enjoying the experience, knowing that your financial transactions will be smooth and hassle-free.
Contact us today with any questions pertaining to your upcoming vacation to Saint Martin and Sint Maarten.