Packing list for Sint Maarten, travel insurance for Sint Maarten and taking your belongings

What to take to Sint Maarten: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. Many European travelers do not require a visa for a tourist visit. The official currency is the Antillean guilder (XCG) in the Dutch part and the euro in the French part. US dollars are also accepted everywhere and are often even preferred. Credit cards work almost everywhere.
• Clothing: airy and light tropical clothing for the warm climate. A thin cardigan can be pleasant in restaurants and hotels where the air conditioning is sometimes turned up intensely high. A smarter outfit for evenings in fancy restaurants. And, of course, beachwear and swimwear.
• Shoes: flip-flops or sandals for the beach and the promenade. Water shoes are handy because of coral, rocks, and sea urchins. Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are only necessary if you want to explore the more remote parts of the island.
• Personal care and hygiene: reef-safe sunscreen with a high SPF. Due to the combination of sun, wind, and sea, many travelers burn faster than expected.
• Packing and protection: a dry bag or waterproof bag for boat trips, snorkeling trips, and unexpected tropical rain showers.
• Insects and animals: a set of mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridine.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a first-aid kit with ORS, bandages, painkillers, and something for insect bites.
• Outdoor items and handy tools: sunglasses, quick-drying towel, cap or hat, and a reusable water bottle.
• Technology and equipment: Sint Maarten has type A and B (American model) power outlets on the Dutch side, and type C and E (European) on the French side. So bring a universal adapter.

To consider

• A snorkel set.
• UV-protective swim shirt.
• Waterproof phone case or underwater camera.
• International driving license for a rental car.

Are there mosquitoes on Sint Maarten?

• Mosquitoes are a known problem on Sint Maarten, especially after rainfall and around the salt pans and large lagoons.
• Active warnings are issued because diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika occur on Sint Maarten or have occurred in the past. Good protection against mosquitoes is therefore actively recommended by the local government, especially during the day and around sunset.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies on Sint Maarten?

• Sandflies can occur on some beaches and sheltered coastal areas, especially around sunrise and sunset.
• They particularly love windless days, so extra caution is advised then.
• Their bites can be quite itchy, even though you often barely see the critters. Fortunately, your set of mosquito repellents can offer a solution.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, on Sint Maarten?

• Sint Maarten attracts large numbers of (American) tourists. DEET, picaridine, and other mosquito repellents are therefore easy to obtain at pharmacies, supermarkets, and tourist shops.
• Popular brands include OFF! and Cutter.

Can you buy a joint or weed on Sint Maarten, or bring it to Sint Maarten?

• Sint Maarten might be relaxed, but on both parts of the island, cannabis is still prohibited in all forms.
• It is sometimes offered openly in tourist areas, but this is not without risks.
• The rules, risks, and consequences differ per part of the island. On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), they are discussing (partial) legalization of cannabis in the future (so it is still illegal!).