Dutch St. Maarten vs. French St. Martin: What's the Difference?

St. Maarten and St. Martin look like one island on the map — because they are. What surprises a lot of first-time visitors is that this single 37-square-mile island is shared by two entirely different countries, with no border checkpoint, fence, or passport control between them.

One Island, Two Countries

The island has been divided since 1648, when the Dutch and French agreed to split it under the Treaty of Concordia. Today the southern two-thirds is Sint Maarten, a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the northern third is Saint-Martin, an overseas collectivity of France. You can drive from one side to the other in minutes; the only sign you've crossed is a small monument on the road and a change in road signs.

Currency: Guilders, Euros, and US Dollars

The Dutch side's official currency is the Caribbean guilder (XCG), introduced in March 2025 to replace the Netherlands Antillean guilder. The French side's official currency is the euro. In practice, US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tour operators across both sides of the island, but it's still a good idea to have some local currency on hand, especially on the French side away from the main tourist areas.

Language

Dutch and English are the official languages on the Dutch side, and English is what you'll hear most day to day. French is the official language on the French side, though English is widely spoken in restaurants, shops, and hotels in the main tourist areas like Marigot, Grand Case, and Orient Bay.

Which Side Should You Visit?

Most visitors end up seeing both, and honestly, that's the appeal — Dutch-side beach clubs and the cruise-ship energy of Philipsburg feel very different from the French-side charm of Marigot's market and Grand Case's restaurant row. It's exactly why our "Two Islands, Twice the Fun" tour covers highlights on both sides in a single day.

See Both Sides with Sunita Tours

Sunita Tours runs private, guided day tours covering the Dutch and French sides, plus private airport transfers and taxi service island-wide. Call or WhatsApp +1-721-550-5213 to plan your day.