Sint Maarten Travel Forum

I'm about to move to the st. maarten area and I was hoping that I could get some helpful tips on moving there. I plan to stay there for a year if things go well.
Should I buy a used vehicle on the island or should I rent one?
What can I expect to pay for a monthly apartment rental?
What are some of the better areas to live in? which ones should i avoid?
can I ship my vehicle there or will it be too expensive?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
daniel

A 2nd hand car on a yearly basis will always be cheaper than a rental; it only needs some investment money, you will partly get back at the end.

For rentals look at:
http://www.sxmcars.com/
http://arthurscarrental.com/
http://www.avis-sxm.com/

For appartment rental see:
http://www.islandpropertiesonline.com/
http://www.stmaartenproperties.com/
http://www.stmaartenrealestate.org/
http://www.krebbers-sxm.com/

General info at:
http://www.dirckx.demon.nl/


PJ

You definatelly will need a car in St. Maarten. Dont hire one just buy a used one it will come out cheaper. Shipping your own car will be more expensive.

Housing is expensive on St. Maarten. Expect to pay about USD 400 / 500 montly !
Check the announcements in The Daily Herald. www.thedailyherald.com

The area around Phillipsburg is ok. Simpson Bay area is very nice. Sorry I cannot remember all the other ones that are ok.

Actually there are not so much areas that are not ok to live in.

And the most important.........every house that is situated "up the hill" is ok but that will be too expensive, those are the luxurious ones. There are actually not really areas you should "avoid".

You will love living in St.Maarten !

Thanks for the info,
How is it to have a motorcyclye or scooter there? I enjoy riding, but I haven't had my license here for a little while, are they strict on that sort of thing there? I'm looking forward to living there. I will be running a sushi place in the Ram supermarket on 20 Union Road. Stop by some time and try it out. I'll be there at the end of May.
thanks,
Daniel

I'm not sure anymore if you need a drivers licence for a scooter. I dont think you need one but to be sure ask the locals when you arrive.

But for a motorcycle or car you sure need one ! I have never been stopped by the police and being asked for a drivers licence but I know if you are being stopped you have to show one for sure !

I'm very interested in salsa clubs as well, are there many of them on the island?
I'm not very good so I will need lessons. Are there any instructional groups than are not too expensive?

There is just one Salsa bar I know of all the other clubs are discos or half outdoor dance clubs where they play all kinds of music and soca.

The Salsa Bar is right next to the entrance of Club One in Marigot (French side). Its fun there in the weekend, there you sure will find some information about lessons.

If you are also into Zouk you can go to the club just a little bit further down the road (from Club One) its located a dead end street. I forgot the name so just ask the locals at Club One.