Question 1

What is the "Overpriced Airport Taxi with Indirect Routing from Princess Juliana" scam in Sint Maarten / St. Martin?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial and even some nominally licensed taxi drivers outside Princess Juliana International Airport quote flat rates verbally to tourists, then take indirect routes through the island to inflate what would otherwise be a short transfer, particularly to hotels in Simpson Bay or Maho Beach. Some drivers also quote in euros to French-side visitors while billing in Eastern Caribbean dollars, creating currency confusion that results in the visitor paying far more than the agreed amount. Agree on the exact fare in writing and confirm the currency before getting in. Ask your hotel in advance what a standard taxi fare from the airport should cost. Use the official taxi stand rather than drivers who approach you at the arrivals exit. The journey to most Simpson Bay hotels should take under 15 minutes.

Question 2

What is the "Water Taxi Driver Currency Confusion" scam in Sint Maarten / St. Martin?

Accepted Answer

Water taxis running between the cruise pier and Great Bay Beach quote fares in "dollars" without specifying whether that is USD or ANG (Netherlands Antillean guilder, roughly 1.80 ANG per USD). Tourists who misunderstand the currency end up paying nearly double. Clarify the currency explicitly — "US dollars or guilders?" — before agreeing to any fare. Water taxi official rates from the Philipsburg pier are posted in USD; any driver quoting another currency for that route is likely padding the fare. Keep small USD bills for these transactions.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Sint Maarten / St. Martin

Overpriced Airport Taxi with Indirect Routing from Princess Juliana

Water Taxi Driver Currency Confusion

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