Island Fact: Sint Maarten and Saint Martin at a Glance
Sint Maarten is 37 square miles shared between two countries — the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint-Martin). That dual nature runs deeper than politics. Electric standards, phone codes, and regulations differ from one side to the other, sometimes within a few minutes' drive.
Time
Sint Maarten observes Atlantic Standard Time year-round and does not observe daylight saving time. When the US East Coast shifts to EDT in summer, New York and Sint Maarten are on the same clock. In winter, the island runs one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Electricity
Every building on the Dutch side — hotels, private homes, Airbnbs, shops — runs on 110 volts, 60 cycles with standard US outlets. No adapters needed. The French side runs on 220 volts, the European standard, so travelers with US appliances will need a converter and adapter plugs for anything they plug in on that side.
Phone
Dutch Sint Maarten uses the North American numbering system. Dial 1-721 followed by the seven-digit local number. For the French side, landlines use +590 590 and mobile numbers use +590 690.
Newspapers
The Daily Herald is Sint Maarten's English-language daily. The St-Maarten.com Weekly Edition covers island life, tourism, and local business — pick one up at hotels and marinas around the island.
Medical
Island Facts: Sint Maarten at a Glance
Sint Maarten is 37 square miles shared between two countries — the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint-Martin). That dual nature runs deeper than politics. Electric standards, phone codes, and regulations differ from one side to the other, sometimes within a few minutes' drive.
Time
Sint Maarten observes Atlantic Standard Time year-round and does not observe daylight saving time. When the US East Coast shifts to EDT in summer, New York and Sint Maarten are on the same clock. In winter, the island runs one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Electricity
Every building on the Dutch side — hotels, private homes, Airbnbs, shops — runs on 110 volts, 60 cycles with standard US outlets. No adapters needed. The French side runs on 220 volts, the European standard, so travelers with US appliances will need a converter and adapter plugs for anything they plug in on that side.
Phone
Dutch Sint Maarten uses the North American numbering system. Dial 1-721 followed by the seven-digit local number. For the French side, landlines use +590 590 and mobile numbers use +590 690.
Newspapers
The Daily Herald is Sint Maarten's English-language daily. The St-Maarten.com Weekly Edition covers island life, tourism, and local business — pick one up at hotels and marinas around the island.
Medical
Sint Maarten Medical Center in Cay Hill serves the Dutch side. The French side is served by Hôpital Louis-Constant Fleming in Marigot. For serious emergencies, airlift is available to Puerto Rico and the continental United States.
Both hospitals will treat visitors in an emergency regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Ambulances do not charge for emergency response. If something happens during your visit, get the help you need first — sort out the paperwork later.
Traveling with pets
Animals can be brought to the island temporarily with a health certificate dated no more than 10 days before arrival and proof of vaccinations including a rabies shot administered within the past 30 days.
Getting married
Non-residents can legally marry on Sint Maarten. Several operators specialize in island weddings for visitors.
