Key takeaways
Saint Martin is a unique divided island where French-side phones connect to Orange, SFR and Dauphin Telecom, and the island shares infrastructure with Dutch Sint Maarten. A Roamix eSIM connects to Orange Caribbean or SFR on the French side with good 4G and emerging 5G coverage in Marigot and Grand Case. Connectivity is excellent on both sides of this borderless island. Download offline beach maps before exploring the more remote bays.
- Orange Caribbean is the primary French-side operator with up to 5G coverage in Marigot and main tourist areas.
- The island has no border controls between French Saint-Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten, so connectivity roams seamlessly between operators.
- A Roamix eSIM activates on arrival at Princess Juliana or Grand Case Airport and covers the full island through French-side networks.
- The Euro is the currency on the French side; the US dollar dominates on the Dutch side and is accepted everywhere.
- Saint Martin is an overseas collectivity of France, so EU SIM holders benefit from EU roaming rates on the French side.
Best way to get data in Saint Martin
For non-EU visitors, a Roamix eSIM on Orange Caribbean is the most convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected across the full island without visiting a store in Marigot.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most visitors | Instant Orange Caribbean activation on arrival at SXM or SFG. Covers the full island as it roams to Dutch-side networks when you cross the invisible border. |
| EU SIM card with roaming | Best for: EU travellers already on a roaming plan | EU SIMs benefit from EU Roam Like At Home rates on the French side. If you have an EU plan already, this may be the most convenient option. |
| Local physical SIM (Orange or Dauphin Telecom) | Best for: Longer stays needing a local number | Available from the Orange store on Rue du General De Gaulle in Marigot. Not sold at SFG airport. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short stays with no setup time | US and non-EU carrier roaming on the French side can be expensive. An EU-roaming or Roamix plan is significantly cheaper. |
Virtually all hotels and villas on Saint Martin offer Wi-Fi, and the restaurant strip in Grand Case and Marigot waterfront cafes have solid connections. Public beach areas rely on mobile data.
How much data you need
Data needs on Saint Martin are moderate. The island is small and most attractions are close to strong Orange 4G or 5G coverage, but beach navigation and offline maps are useful for the more remote bays.
4 to 5 GB
One week beach and restaurant holiday
Navigation around the island's beaches, social uploads from Orient Bay and Grand Case, restaurant bookings and daily messaging.
5 to 8 GB
Full-island exploration with day trips to Anguilla and Saint Barths
Multi-island ferry navigation, accommodation checks, offline beach maps for two extra islands and video calls home.
4 to 6 GB
Sailing and water sports week
Weather and wind forecasts, marina booking updates, navigation charts and keeping in touch while on the water.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline maps for the entire island including access tracks to Friar's Bay, Happy Bay and the nature reserve beaches before heading out.
How to set up a Saint Martin eSIM
Install your Roamix Saint Martin eSIM over Wi-Fi before departure. It activates on arrival at Princess Juliana or Grand Case Airport and connects to Orange Caribbean or SFR for immediate coverage across the French side.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Saint Martin eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over Wi-Fi before boarding.
- 3
Label the line 'Roamix' and keep your home SIM active for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming on the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land at SXM or SFG and the eSIM activates on Orange Caribbean or SFR.
Works on eSIM-capable unlocked phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
If landing at Princess Juliana (Dutch side), you may connect briefly to a Dutch-side operator before switching to Orange or SFR when you cross to the French side. If no data appears, manually select the network and restart.
Visa and entry for Saint Martin
Saint-Martin is a French overseas collectivity and part of the EU. Citizens of EU and Schengen countries enter freely. US and Canadian citizens can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. The island has no border controls with Dutch Sint Maarten.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- No pre-arrival eTA is required for US, Canadian or EU citizens. Non-EU nationals who would need a Schengen visa for France also need one for Saint-Martin. Check requirements at the French consulate in your country.
- Passport validity
- EU citizens can enter with a national identity card. Non-EU visitors should carry a passport valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond the planned departure date.
- Onward ticket
- Immigration may ask for a return or onward ticket on arrival. Having your booking accessible on your connected phone speeds up the process.
The island has no internal border between French and Dutch sides. Keep all travel documents accessible on your phone for the international check-in at Princess Juliana on departure.
Entry rules change. Confirm current requirements with the French Embassy or your country's foreign affairs authority before travel.
When you land in Saint Martin
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How people message here
WhatsApp is universal on Saint Martin for both sides of the island. French-side businesses often use SMS and French messaging norms, while Dutch-side contacts skew toward WhatsApp and iMessage.
Do you need a local number?
You do not need a local number for most tourist activities. Restaurant bookings, tour operators and taxi services all accept WhatsApp reservations.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data. Note that calling from a French-side number to a Dutch-side number is technically an international call (+1-721).
Airports in Saint Martin
SXM
Princess Juliana International Airport
Simpson Bay, Dutch Sint Maarten
Free Wi-Fi available at Princess Juliana Airport. Note this is on the Dutch side of the island, so your French-side eSIM may initially connect to a Dutch-side operator before switching to Orange or SFR.
Even though SXM is on the Dutch side, your Roamix eSIM roams to Dutch-side networks seamlessly. Drive across the invisible border to Marigot and it switches to Orange Caribbean automatically. Great for Maho Beach plane spotting on arrival.
SFG
Grand Case - Esperance Airport
Grand Case, French Saint-Martin
Small terminal with limited Wi-Fi. Serves regional routes to Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Barthelemy. Orange 4G is strong at this French-side airport.
Arriving at SFG puts you directly on the French side. Your Roamix eSIM connects to Orange Caribbean immediately for the short drive or walk into Grand Case village.
SBH
Saint Barthelemy Gustaf III Airport
Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy
If day-tripping to Saint Barths from Saint Martin, this tiny airstrip uses the same French-side telecom infrastructure. Signal can be intermittent on the approach.
For the short hop to Saint Barths on Winair or Saint Barth Commuter, download accommodation and beach maps over Roamix data at SFG before boarding.
PTP
Guadeloupe Pole Caraibes Airport
Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe
If connecting through Guadeloupe on the way to Saint Martin, free Wi-Fi is available at the modern Pole Caraibes terminal.
On multi-island Caribbean itineraries, ensure your Roamix eSIM is active before landing at any connecting airport to manage transfers and navigate to connecting gates.
Apps and internet access in Saint Martin
Saint Martin has a fully open internet. The French overseas territory benefits from EU-standard internet freedom, and all apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There are no content blocks or restrictions. Social media, streaming, VoIP and messaging all work without limitation.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available and widely used by both French and Dutch island residents.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi.
Google Maps and Search, works
No restrictions. Works on both sides of the island seamlessly.
Social media, works
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X all work without any restriction.
Getting around Saint Martin
Saint Martin is a small island easily covered by rental car, scooter or taxi. The French and Dutch sides are connected by a seamless open road with no border stop. Data is essential for navigating the beach access tracks and the network of small roads between villages.
Rental car
The most popular way to explore both sides of the island. The ring road and main routes are well-maintained. Use Roamix data for navigation and to confirm which beaches have parking available before heading there.
Taxi
Taxis operate from both airports and in Marigot and Philipsburg. Agree on fares in advance. Use WhatsApp to pre-book trusted drivers for airport transfers and evening restaurant outings.
Water taxi and ferry
Ferries to Pinel Island depart from Cul de Sac; day trips to Anguilla leave from Marigot dock. Use Roamix data to check schedules and book seats via WhatsApp.
Scooter or bicycle
Scooters are available for rent in Marigot and Philipsburg. The flat terrain around Orient Bay and the Dutch coast is well-suited to cycling. Keep navigation active on your Roamix data.
Driving is on the right on both sides. The invisible Franco-Dutch border is crossed freely on the main roads. Download offline maps before exploring the remote northeast coast roads, which can be rough tracks.
Money and payments in Saint Martin
The Euro is the official currency on the French side. US dollars are also universally accepted across both sides of the island, and many prices are quoted in USD. The Dutch side officially uses the US dollar.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and tour operators on both sides. Carry some Euro and USD cash for beach bars, lolos and local market vendors.
- ATMs
- ATMs are available in Marigot, Grand Case and Philipsburg. Use bank ATMs to minimise fees. Note whether the machine charges in EUR or USD depending on which side of the island you are on.
- Payment apps
- Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many French-side businesses. Contactless Visa and Mastercard are accepted more widely across both sides.
- Tipping
- A service charge of 10 to 15 percent is often added at restaurants. When it is not, tipping 10 to 15 percent is appreciated. Dutch-side restaurants typically add a 15 percent service charge.
Daily budget
Saint Martin is a relatively expensive Caribbean destination. Budget around 150 to 200 USD per day for a mid-range trip. Grand Case restaurant meals average 50 to 80 EUR per person. Budget beach-bar days are considerably cheaper.
Local tips for Saint Martin
- Language
- The French side uses French as the official language, with English widely spoken in all tourist and business settings. Dutch, Spanish and Saint Martin Creole are also heard. English is effectively universal island-wide.
- Food
- Grand Case's restaurant strip is the finest dining on the island, with French Creole cuisine, fresh lobster and seafood complemented by local lolos grilling corn, ribs and whole lobster on open charcoal stoves on the beach. The Marigot waterfront market sells fresh tropical fruit and spices.
- Plugs
- 220V, Type C and E plugs (French side); 110V, Type A and B (Dutch side)
Apps worth having
WhatsApp
messaging
Essential for booking restaurants in Grand Case, arranging taxis, confirming ferry times and communicating with local tour operators.
Google Maps
navigation
Navigates both sides of the island well, including the beach access tracks and the switchback roads between the coasts.
Windy
weather
Wind, wave and rain forecasts for kitesurfing at Orient Bay, sailing day trips and timing beach outings in changeable Caribbean weather.
Safety and health in Saint Martin
Saint Martin is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas. The French side tends to have a calmer atmosphere than parts of the Dutch side. Keep valuables secured at the beach.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active and use 112 for all French-side emergencies. If crossing to the Dutch side, 911 reaches Dutch emergency services. Share your beach location with a travel companion before exploring remote bays alone.
- Health
- The French side has a hospital (Centre Hospitalier Louis-Constant Fleming in Marigot) with European-standard care. Travel health insurance is recommended as charges apply to non-EU visitors.
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink on the French side. Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it. Ocean currents at some north-facing beaches can be strong, so heed local advice on swimming conditions.
Networks and coverage in Saint Martin
Saint Martin's French side is served by Orange Caribbean, SFR Caraibe and local operator Dauphin Telecom, all running 4G and in Orange's case early 5G in the main towns. The island has no border controls with Dutch Sint Maarten, so your French-side eSIM can roam to Telcell and TelEm on the Dutch side, giving effective full-island coverage. A Roamix eSIM connects to Orange Caribbean or SFR on arrival at either airport.
Orange Caribbean
Dominant French-side operator with 4G LTE and emerging 5G across Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Bay and Cul de Sac. Also extends coverage into Dutch Sint Maarten through inter-operator agreements. 98 percent French-territory coverage.
SFR Caraibe
Second French operator with solid 4G LTE across the main tourist areas. 95 percent coverage of the French side. Roams on TelCell for Dutch-side coverage when needed.
Dauphin Telecom
Local operator based in Marigot with a 4G network covering both the French side and Saint Barthelemy. Offers free roaming on the Dutch side via TelCell and competitive prepaid plans.
- Typical speeds
- Orange 4G Plus delivers 20 to 60 Mbps in Marigot and Grand Case. Orange 5G reaches up to 150 Mbps at peak in strong coverage zones.
- 5G
- Orange Caribbean has deployed 5G in Marigot, Orient Bay and the main French-side tourist corridors.
If your French-side phone roams to a Dutch-side operator in Sint Maarten, you may be on TelCell or TelEm rather than Orange. This is normal and gives you full-island connectivity for activities like Maho Beach plane spotting and Philipsburg visits.
Some of the more isolated beaches in the northeast and the ridge roads between the two sides of the island can have lower signal from all operators. The tiny offshore island of Tintamarre (Flat Island) is off-grid. Orange Caribbean uses standard European LTE and 5G bands compatible with all recent unlocked smartphones. EU-spec and US-spec iPhones from XS onward all work correctly.
Where to go in Saint Martin
Saint Martin packs extraordinary variety into its 87 square kilometres, with 37 beaches, world-class restaurants in Grand Case, dramatic Maho Beach plane landings and a seamless Franco-Dutch cultural blend. A Roamix eSIM keeps you navigating and sharing from the moment you land.
Best time to visit
December to April for dry season weather, calm seas and the best beach conditions. May to November is hurricane season, with the highest risk in September and October.
Marigot and the French Capital
Marigot is the charming French-side capital with a waterfront market, Fort Saint-Louis above the bay, boutique shops and a mix of Caribbean and metropolitan French cafe culture. Wednesday and Saturday mornings bring the open-air produce market.
- Fort Saint-Louis
- Marigot Waterfront Market
- Marina Port La Royale
- Marigot Ferry Terminal
- Marigot Town Centre
Excellent Orange and SFR 4G and 5G coverage throughout Marigot. The waterfront and market area have strong signal ideal for navigation and live sharing.
Grand Case and the Gastronomic Strip
Grand Case is known as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, with its restaurant-lined main street offering everything from Michelin-quality French cuisine to local lolos (barbecue shacks) serving lobster and ribs on the sand.
- Grand Case Restaurant Strip
- Grand Case Beach
- Lolos Barbecue Shacks
- Grand Case Airport
- Creole Rock Snorkel Site
Strong Orange 4G and 5G coverage along the Grand Case strip and beach. Dauphin Telecom also has good coverage in this northern village.
Orient Bay and the East Coast
Orient Bay is Saint Martin's most famous beach, a wide crescent of golden sand backed by bars, restaurants and watersport operators. Ile Pinel (Pinel Island) just offshore offers calm snorkelling waters and a day-trip beach bar.
- Orient Bay Beach
- Ile Pinel (Pinel Island)
- Kontiki Beach Club
- Cul de Sac Bay
- Le Galion Beach
Good Orange 4G coverage along Orient Bay beach and at Cul de Sac where ferries depart for Pinel Island. Signal is absent on Pinel Island itself.
Maho Beach and the Dutch Border
Maho Beach on the Dutch side is world-famous for jet blast from incoming aircraft at Princess Juliana Airport, where planes pass just 10 to 20 metres over swimmers' heads on the famous SXM approach. The Dutch border town of Simpson Bay has casinos and nightclubs.
- Maho Beach Plane Spotting
- Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
- Simpson Bay
- Sunset Beach Bar
- Causeway to Philipsburg
Dutch-side operators TelCell and TelEm cover Maho Beach and the Juliana Airport area. French-side eSIMs roam freely here on TelCell via inter-operator agreements.
Friar's Bay and the Northern Beaches
The French side's quieter northern beaches stretch from Friar's Bay past Grandes Cayes to the remote Baie Orientale wetlands. Friar's Bay has a relaxed vibe, good snorkelling and one of the island's most popular beach bars.
- Friar's Bay Beach
- Happy Bay (clothing optional)
- Grandes Cayes
- Baie Orientale Nature Reserve
- Loterie Farm Zipline
Orange provides reasonable 4G coverage at Friar's Bay and Happy Bay. The more remote beaches accessed via rough tracks can have lower signal.
Off the beaten path
The world's most famous plane-spotting beach, where jets on the SXM approach fly just 10 to 20 metres above swimmers' heads at the runway's threshold, creating an extraordinary and slightly terrifying spectacle.
Signal: Strong Dutch-side TelEm and TelCell coverage at Maho Beach. French-side eSIMs roam freely here. The Sunset Beach Bar runs live flight arrival boards visible from the sand.
A tiny offshore nature reserve island reachable by a 5-minute ferry from Cul de Sac, with calm turquoise water, excellent snorkelling around the reef, two beach restaurants and no vehicles or development.
Signal: No mobile signal on Pinel Island itself. Use your Roamix eSIM to check ferry schedules at the Cul de Sac dock before crossing and download a snorkel guide map before boarding.
A private nature reserve in the Pic Paradis rainforest offering zip-lines, a hidden swimming pool fed by a natural spring, forest hiking trails and guided bird watching at the highest point on the island.
Signal: Limited Orange signal in the forested hillside. Download the Loterie Farm trail map and activity booking confirmation before heading into the interior.
One of the French side's most relaxed and authentic beaches, where Friar's Bay Beach Bar serves the legendary Saturday rum punch, beach barbecues happen on weekends and expats mix with visitors in a low-key, local atmosphere.
Signal: Orange provides decent 4G at Friar's Bay. Signal is weaker on the access road through the neighbourhood.
Saint Martin's most famous and lively beach, a long crescent of white sand with consistent trade winds ideal for kitesurfing, a string of beach clubs from laid-back to upscale and a designated clothing-optional section at the southern end.
Signal: Excellent Orange 4G and partial 5G coverage along the full length of Orient Bay. All beach bars and watersport operators have strong signal.
The legendary Grand Case lolos are a row of local barbecue shacks on the beach where whole lobster, ribs, chicken and corn are grilled over charcoal and served at picnic tables at a fraction of fine-dining prices. This is Saint Martin at its most authentic.
Signal: Strong Orange 4G on the Grand Case main street. Good signal for checking menus, sharing food photos and navigating between fine dining and lolo beach shacks.
A small but well-preserved 18th-century French fort above Marigot Harbour with sweeping views over the bay, the Dutch side and the neighbouring island of Anguilla on clear days. Free to visit and largely crowd-free.
Signal: Strong Orange 4G and 5G at the fort and all along the Marigot waterfront. Excellent signal for live panoramic sharing from the battlements.
A small volcanic rock formation just offshore from Grand Case beach that serves as a thriving reef habitat for parrotfish, angelfish, barracuda and hawksbill turtles. Accessible by a short kayak or boat trip from Grand Case beach.
Signal: Orange 4G covers the Grand Case beach area where boats depart for Creole Rock. Underwater is obviously off-grid, but signal returns on the return to shore.
The Dutch-side capital, Philipsburg, offers duty-free shopping along Front Street, a bustling cruise ship waterfront, the Sint Maarten Museum and the wide Great Bay Beach backing the town centre.
Signal: Dutch-side TelEm and TelCell provide coverage throughout Philipsburg. French-side eSIMs roam freely here, so your Roamix connection continues working on the Dutch side.
The exclusive Terres Basses (Lowlands) peninsula on the French side holds Long Bay, one of Saint Martin's longest and least crowded beaches, backed by luxury villas and with shallow, calm Caribbean waters ideal for swimming.
Signal: Orange 4G covers most of the Terres Basses peninsula and Long Bay beach. The western tip toward Baie Rouge is slightly weaker but still serviceable.
Events and seasons in Saint Martin
January
Miss Saint-Martin Pageant
Marigot
A popular cultural pageant celebrating Saint-Martin identity, heritage and beauty, with contestants representing the island's diverse communities in an evening gala at the main cultural venue in Marigot.
Late February to early March
Heineken Regatta Saint Martin
Simpson Bay and island-wide waters
One of the world's most famous sailing regattas and one of the Caribbean's biggest parties, the Heineken Regatta draws hundreds of yachts from around the world to race in the waters around Saint Martin over four days of competition and nightly beach parties.
February, before Lent
Saint Martin Carnival
Marigot and French-side villages
The French-side Carnival in Marigot features the traditional Caribbean pre-Lent celebration with costume parades, calypso competitions, the burning of Vaval (the Carnival king effigy) and vibrant street parties through Marigot's streets.
February
French Food Festival Grand Case
Grand Case
A gastronomic event celebrating the refined French Creole cuisine that makes Grand Case famous, with special tasting menus, cooking demonstrations and wine pairings at the island's best restaurants over a weekend.
April to May (post-Easter)
Sint Maarten Carnival (Dutch side)
Philipsburg, Dutch Sint Maarten
The Dutch-side Carnival is one of the largest and most colourful in the Caribbean, running for three weeks after Easter with pageants, jouvert, parades and nightly concerts building to the Grand Parade through Philipsburg.
June 21
Fete de la Musique
Marigot and Grand Case
France's national music day on June 21 is celebrated with free outdoor concerts across Saint-Martin, with musicians performing jazz, soca, zouk, classical and Caribbean folk music in the streets of Marigot and Grand Case.
July 14
Bastille Day Festival
Marigot, French Saint-Martin
French National Day on July 14 is celebrated in Marigot with fireworks over the harbour, music and a festive atmosphere at the waterfront, as Saint-Martin observes the French national holiday with typical Caribbean flair.
November
Saint Martin Book Festival
Marigot
An annual literary festival celebrating Caribbean French literature, with author readings, workshops and cultural events focused on Creole language and the island's rich literary heritage, held at the Mediatheque in Marigot.
November
Saint Martin Sprint Triathlon
Orient Bay and Grand Case
A Caribbean sprint triathlon combining an open-water swim at Orient Bay, a cycle through the French-side hills and a run through Grand Case, drawing regional athletes to the island's dramatic east coast setting.
Year-round, monthly events
Loterie Farm Twilight Hike Series
Pic Paradis, French side interior
A monthly guided twilight hike through the Loterie Farm nature reserve to the Pic Paradis summit (424 m), the highest point on the island, with sunset views across both sides and the surrounding Caribbean islands.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May offers ideal sailing and kitesurfing conditions as trade winds are strongest. The Dutch-side Carnival in April brings a festive atmosphere to Philipsburg.
- Summer
- June to August is warm and humid with periodic showers. Lower hotel rates, fewer tourists and the Heineken Regatta aftermath. Hurricane season begins June 1 with peak risk in August and September.
- Fall
- September and October are the highest-risk hurricane months. The island significantly quiets down. Some businesses close. Travel insurance is essential.
- Winter
- December to April is peak season with dry sunny weather, the best beach conditions and the Heineken Regatta in late February. Accommodation prices are highest and properties book out months in advance.
Working remotely from Saint Martin
Saint Martin is a pleasant but expensive remote work destination. Grand Case and Marigot offer cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, and hotel broadband is generally solid at the higher-end properties.
- Connection
- Orange 4G and 5G in Marigot and Grand Case handles video calls and tethering well. For a full working week, choose a villa or hotel with dedicated fibre Wi-Fi and use Roamix data as a backup.
Cafe Artisan and several Grand Case waterfront restaurants offer solid Wi-Fi for working lunches. Avoid peak midday hours when tourist Wi-Fi usage peaks.
