Question 1

What is the "Grand Case French Side Menu Switcharoo" scam in Sint Maarten / St. Martin?

Accepted Answer

Grand Case on the French side is lined with upscale lolos (BBQ shacks) and gourmet restaurants. Some establishments present laminated menus with one price and charge significantly more on the bill, exploiting the casual open-air atmosphere where tourists rarely scrutinize tabs closely after a long beach day. Always ask for a fresh menu at time of ordering, not the one left on the table from a previous sitting which may have outdated prices. Review the itemized bill before paying and question any line item you do not recognize. Euro and USD prices should always be clearly displayed — ask which currency applies.

Question 2

What is the "Maho Beach Plane Spotting Drink Minimum Scam" scam in Sint Maarten / St. Martin?

Accepted Answer

Maho Beach is world-famous for planes landing inches overhead, and bars and restaurants in the area charge mandatory drink minimums ($15–$25) for any beachfront spot, even for brief stops. Some operators rope off sections of public beach and charge access fees, which is illegal but loosely enforced. Maho Beach itself is a public beach and you cannot legally be charged for standing on it. The drink minimums are only enforceable if you sit at a restaurant table — standing on the beach near the fence is free. Check recent visitor reports before visiting any bar there.

Restaurant Scams in Sint Maarten / St. Martin

Grand Case French Side Menu Switcharoo

Maho Beach Plane Spotting Drink Minimum Scam

Experienced a scam here?