Rental cars are the primary mode of transportation for visitors staying on island. If any driving is expected off the major roads (such as to some of the more secluded beaches), a four-wheel drive is recommended. Traffic on the island, however, has become a major problem; long traffic jams between Marigot, Philipsburg and the airport are common. Taxis and jitney vans link both sides, seamlessly crossing the imperceptible border.
![find flights to St. Maarten/Martin [SXM]](images/airplane.jpg "find flights to St. Maarten/Martin [SXM]")
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English-Speaking?: YES
Weather: The average yearly air temperature is 27 degrees C (min 17 degrees C, max 35 degrees C) and sea surface temperature 26.4 degrees C. The total average yearly rainfall is 995 mm, with 99 days of thunder.
Customs/VISA: St. Martin's Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, exotic drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and plentiful casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and rich French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
Lifestyle sets St Maarten/St Martin apart from other Caribbean islands. It is not only the luxury of grocery stores overflowing with gourmet products from around the world, the more than four hundred restaurants, the vibrant nightlife and the fabulous, frequently clothing optional beaches. More importantly, the island is home to a truly multicultural community, with little ethnic boundries and a wonderful level of tolerance and respect amongst its members. Eighty different nationalities living peacefully together on 37 square miles - the most cosmopolitan little island on earth. St Maarten/St Martin is an active place - not a dreamy backwater. It is a destination with attractions to suit almost everyone's taste and desires
Currency: Euro
