Dutch side vs French side: one island, two countries
St. Martin is often called the smallest inhabited island in the world shared by two nations. The south is Dutch Sint Maarten, the north is French Saint-Martin, and you can drive between them without showing a passport. Here is what actually changes when you cross.
The short answer
Why is the island split in two?
The Dutch and the French both settled the island in the 1600s. On 23 March 1648 they signed the Treaty of Concordia and divided it peacefully. The line has held ever since, and the Border Monument marks it today.
Sint Maarten, the Dutch side, covers about 34 km² in the south and is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its capital is Philipsburg.
Saint-Martin, the French side, covers about 53 km² in the north and is an overseas collectivity of France, which makes it part of the European Union. Its capital is Marigot.
Together the two sides make up just 87 km² (34 sq mi), so a 5 to 6 hour island tour comfortably covers both.
Side by side
What changes when you cross
| Topic | Dutch side · Sint Maarten | French side · Saint-Martin |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Philipsburg | Marigot |
| Part of | Kingdom of the Netherlands | France (and the European Union) |
| Currency | Caribbean guilder (Cg); US dollars accepted everywhere | Euro; US dollars widely accepted |
| Languages | Dutch and English official; English everywhere | French official; English widely spoken |
| Electricity | 110–120 V, US-style plugs | 220–240 V, European plugs |
| Phone code | +1 721 | +590 |
| Airport | Princess Juliana International (SXM) | Grand Case L'Espérance (SFG), regional flights |
| Shopping | Duty-free Front Street: jewelry, watches, liquor, electronics | European boutiques and the Marigot market |
| Food | International restaurants, beach bars, long happy hours | French bakeries, bistros, Grand Case and its lolos |
| Night out | Simpson Bay strip, Maho Village, casinos | Dinner in Grand Case, Les Mardis de Grand Case |
| Famous beaches | Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, Great Bay | Orient Bay, Baie Rouge, Pinel Island |
| Public holidays | King's Day (27 April), Emancipation Day (1 July) | Abolition of Slavery Day (28 May), Bastille Day (14 July), Schoelcher Day (21 July) |
Both sides drive on the right and celebrate St. Martin's Day on 11 November.
Which side is for you?
Pick by what you love
There is no wrong answer, and most visitors see both. Here is how we match our guests.
Shopping, buzz and planes
Duty-free shopping in Philipsburg, plane spotting at Maho Beach, the beach bars of the Boardwalk and Simpson Bay's nightlife. The cruise port and the main airport are here too.
Philipsburg guideFood, calm and beaches
Croissants in Marigot, dinner in Grand Case, long lunches on Orient Bay and quieter beaches such as Baie Rouge. It feels a little slower, a little more European.
Marigot guideCan't choose? Do both
Our island tours cross the border several times in one day: the shared tour loops the whole island for $50 per person, and the private tour lets you pick the stops.
Compare our toursCrossing over
Practical tips for both sides
- No passport check. There is no border control between the two sides. Cruise guests still need their ship card and photo ID to get back on board.
- Carry US dollars. They work on both sides. On the French side prices are in euros, so ask which exchange rate a shop uses.
- Pack an adapter. US plugs work on the Dutch side; the French side uses European plugs and 220–240 volts.
- Check your phone plan. The two sides use different country codes, and your phone may switch networks as you cross.
- Mind Sunday. On the French side many shops close on Sundays; beaches and restaurants stay busy.
Dutch vs French side questions
Quick answers
Do I need a passport to go from the Dutch side to the French side?
No. There is no border control between Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin, so you can drive or walk straight across. Cruise passengers still need their ship card and photo ID to get back on board.
Which side of St. Martin is better, Dutch or French?
It depends on what you enjoy. The Dutch side has duty-free shopping in Philipsburg, Maho Beach, nightlife and casinos. The French side has Marigot's market and bakeries, the restaurants of Grand Case and beaches such as Orient Bay. Most visitors see both in one day on an island tour.
What currency should I bring to St. Martin?
US dollars work on both sides. The Dutch side's currency is the Caribbean guilder (Cg) and the French side uses the euro, so on the French side ask which exchange rate a shop uses before you pay.
Why is St. Martin divided between France and the Netherlands?
Both nations settled the island in the 1600s and divided it peacefully with the Treaty of Concordia, signed on 23 March 1648. The Border Monument marks the line today.
Can you see both sides of St. Martin in one day?
Yes. The whole island is only 87 km² (34 sq mi), so a 5 to 6 hour tour covers both sides. Sunita Tours' shared tour loops the whole island for $50 per person, and the private tour is $450 for 1 to 4 passengers.
Do the Dutch and French sides use the same plugs?
No. The Dutch side uses 110–120 volts with US-style plugs, and the French side uses 220–240 volts with European plugs, so bring an adapter if you are staying on the French side.
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- Best of St. Martin Private TourPrivate vehicle for your group only · $450 for up to 4 passengers, +$50 each extra
- Two Islands Twice the FunShared bus with other travelers · $50 per person · full 360° island loop