St Martin rental car

[skoi]

Has anyone rented a car in St Martin? If so, how is the driving there? We live in a big city so we're used to almost everything. Also, any rental agency anyone recommends?

Thanks,
Julie

 

[conny264]

We rented a jeep from Budget this Mayand went around the complete island.Dawn beach was very nice.Try the smaller roads,they are ok.Traffic is a "little" crazy,but not to difficult.The car was ok,but it´s a good Idea to compare rates,all the agencies are at one place at the end of the pier to the right side.
Conny

 

[SueEllen]

The roads are quite small and several are just dirt roads (off the main roads) but it is very easy to anvigate if you have a map of the island. We did the entire island with plenty of time to spare for some shopping.

We compared prices and found one that was willing to offer us a discount for the car. We really enjoyed see the island this way.

Sue Ellen

 

[abitjaded]

We rented from Hertz in advance, picked up the car right at the end of the pier. Easy, easy driving, bit hilly and narrow in spots, don't try to drive Front Street in Phillipsburg, park in the pay lot inland and walk to shop. Bring your copy of the rental agreement to prove the price, we had a bit of a problem with that. We had a van with no air conditioning vents in the back which just about roasted out the kids, so check.

Carla

 

[skoi]

Thanks for the replies. We have a couple different places we want to see, and when we added up the taxi fares, we saw it would be cheaper to rent a car.

Thanks again.

 

[FrenchRyourfriends]

Driving is fine in St Marteen. Remember it is half French / Netherlands. It is pretty safe compare to many other carribean islands. Obviously if you speak French, it helps to rent a car and not being rip-off .. You can rent almost anywhere, just make sure that you are paying CASH, Make sure they return your deposit and that there is no loop with gas and so on .. I have to warn you that the island is not very pretty compare to other islands, the beaches are dirty not mentioning "naked" people all over the place .. ))))) In case you did not know, St Marteen is famous for "naturist".
the best is to rent a jeep and have fun. You should stop at the French quarters and local groceries store, get some pictures where the sign says "boarder" between both countries. and if you like French food .. get some nice sandwiches with french bread & cheese, we certainely had lots of fun eating in the car - almost like if we were at home !!!!!
Can't remember if the currency was euro ? Which means if this is the case, almost double as US dollar these days ...

 

[chasbos]

The French side was Euro - Dutch side US$. But US$ is accepted everywhere.

We spent a week in St. MAarten and loved our days with the jeep. Very easy island to navigate and the roads are only really busy around 2-3 p.m.

I did not find the island that dirty - but it is quite run down in spots from there last hurricane and no money to fix the buildings.

They are enjoying better economic times and things are improving.

Have fun exploring on your own.