St. Martin and Sint Maarten share the same small island but operate under two very different tipping cultures — one French, one Dutch — and knowing which side you’re on genuinely changes what’s expected. The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) follows American tipping norms closely, with servers earning low base wages and depending on tips as a primary income source. The French side (Saint-Martin) operates under European law, where service is legally required to be included in menu prices and tipping is genuinely optional. Both sides accept US dollars, which at least keeps the currency simple.
Restaurants: Dutch Side (Sint Maarten)
On the Dutch side, tipping norms mirror the US: 15–20% is the standard for good service at sit-down restaurants. However, there’s an important warning worth knowing before you go. Many restaurants on the Dutch side add a 15% charge to your bill labeled as “Tax.” This is not a tax. There is no such tax on Sint Maarten. It’s a service charge, and critically, it may not reach the server — the restaurant often keeps it. If you want your tip to actually reach the person who served you, ask directly before paying whether staff receive the service charge, or simply leave cash directly to your server with a word of thanks.
Restaurants: French Side (Saint-Martin)
On the French side, European law requires service to be included in advertised menu prices. Legally, you owe nothing beyond the printed price. In practice, the situation is nuanced. Most French-side restaurant owners have adopted a hybrid approach, counting on American visitors to tip as they would at home. French and European visitors typically round up or leave a few euros as a gesture, while American guests are often expected to follow their home tipping norms. The practical upshot: rounding up or leaving 10% is a warm and appreciated gesture on the French side, and nobody will think less of you if you don’t.
Hotels
Hotel tipping follows standard Caribbean resort norms on both sides of the island:
- Porter/bellhop — $1 per bag
- Housekeeping — $2–5 per night, left daily
- Concierge — $10–20 for meaningful help with reservations or arrangements
Hotels on the Dutch side sometimes add an occupancy tax to the bill — a separate small gratuity for staff you interact with directly is still appreciated alongside this charge.
Taxis
Tipping taxi drivers 10% of the fare is the standard on both sides. For airport porters helping with bags, $1 per bag is expected. Always use marked, reputable taxis booked through an official service — unmarked taxis targeting tourists are a known issue, particularly around Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side. The taxi association on Sint Maarten can be reached at +1-721-543-7815 if you need to verify or book a legitimate service.
Tour Guides
Tipping tour guides 10–15% of the tour cost is customary on both sides of the island. St. Martin offers a variety of excursions including island tours, sailing trips, snorkeling, and day trips to neighboring islands like Anguilla and St. Barts. Given the island’s small size and strong hospitality community, word travels — good tipping builds genuine goodwill.
Grocery Baggers
One uniquely local custom: at many grocery stores on the island, young locals bag your groceries and bring them to your car. A small tip of $1–2 for this service is customary and genuinely appreciated.
Cultural Notes
The island uses different currencies on each side — the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) on the Dutch side (pegged to USD at approximately 1.78–1.80 ANG per dollar) and the Euro on the French side. Fortunately, US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island regardless of which side you’re on, making tipping in USD practical throughout your stay. ATMs on the Dutch side dispense guilders and dollars; ATMs on the French side dispense euros.
Tipping in cash is strongly recommended on both sides. Card tip systems on the Dutch side in particular are inconsistent, and the “service charge kept by the restaurant” issue makes direct cash tipping to your server the most reliable way to ensure your gratuity reaches the right person.
| Situation | Dutch Side (Sint Maarten) | French Side (Saint-Martin) |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | 15–20% (check for hidden service charge) | Round up or 10% (service legally included) |
| Hotel porter/bellhop | $1/bag | $1/bag |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night | $2–5/night |
| Taxi | 10% of fare | 10% of fare |
| Airport porter | $1/bag | $1/bag |
| Tour guide | 10–15% | 10–15% |
| Grocery bagger | $1–2 | Not common |
Currency Converter
US dollars are widely accepted on both sides of the island. The Dutch side uses the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) and the French side uses the Euro, but you can tip in USD throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping the same on both sides of the island?
No — the Dutch side follows US norms (15–20% at restaurants), while the French side has service legally included in menu prices. Rounding up or 10% is appropriate on the French side.
What is the “tax” on my Dutch-side restaurant bill?
It’s not a tax. There is no restaurant tax on Sint Maarten. A 15% service charge is being labeled as “tax” by some restaurants. Crucially, this charge may not reach your server — leaving cash directly is the most reliable way to ensure your server benefits.
What currency should I tip in?
USD is accepted on both sides and is the most practical option. The Dutch side uses guilders, the French side uses euros, but neither side will refuse a US dollar tip.
Is the grocery bagger tip really expected?
Yes — young islanders who bag groceries and bring them to your car at local supermarkets rely on small tips as part of their income. $1–2 is a thoughtful and customary contribution.
More Caribbean Tipping Guides
Traveling elsewhere in the Caribbean? Check out our other tipping guides: