TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Concerned Traveler

Upon reading between Trip Advisor and this thread I am becoming concerned about my upcoming trip. I do understand that crime occurs everywhere but I am wondering if I have to stick to resort or can we walk/drive around freely? Every time I read these threads I get a mixed bag of opinions but for those of you who do live there what should we expect when visiting? We have visited before about 15 years ago but we have traveled to many caribbean islands and understand areas of concern. We travel frequently to Mexico (and most won't go) but also want an honest idea of what is doable. We would like to go to Anguilla and St Barths as day trips (maybe even spend an extra night there). Just when I can't wait to arrive I read about an incident and then I'm feeling not so sure. Thanks for your suggestions - I appreciate all of your time.

As anywhere you go, be aware of your surrounding. Don't leave anything in car and lock the car.

We've being going to SXM for over 40 years. I don't carry a pocketbook, don't wear fancy jewelry, don't flaunt anything. But I do that in most places. We've stayed in Grand Case area and have walked to restaurants from the Grand Case Beach Club. The only thing we carry is a flashlight. Not that streets are dark but in some places lights are far between. Besides we use it so cars can see us.

We have driven during days & nights and it is more difficult at night. Lots of traffic at any time but especially in early evenings.

You mentioned side trip to Anguilla or St Barts. Lots of places require a minimum nights stay. One week in SXM you'll have lots to see and do.

Where you stay may be an area without sidewalks so night walking is usually discouraged.

You'll have a great time---better if you just take precautions and not worry that something might happen.

Thank you so much for your input. Are taxi's readily available at night as well?

Depends on the time of night and where you are. Many resorts, restaurants, etc. will have drivers they work with. Be sure it is licensed taxi/driver. Check the license plate and they should also have identification.

We stay at villas at Simpson Bay Resort have have no concerns walking around the general vicinity day or night. If it’s a distance we take a licensed taxi. Your Hotel or the restaurant you are at can call a taxi. Was there in April and getting a taxi was easy. I would not consider driving to the French side at night. If we want a meal in Grand Case it’s a taxi.

I may have missed something but the op didn't say where she was staying? We stay French side & I wouldn't drive a car to the Dutch side after dark. Would taxi.
We didn't feel unsafe in January & we went to Marigot several nights for dinner driving. The gendarmes patrol.
Enjoy your trip!

Day trips to Anguilla are easy by ferry.

Day trips to St Barth can be done by ferry, but I suggest flying on St Barth Commuter through the airport in Grand Case.

On Anguilla, I always take a taxi - I'm too easily confused by driving on the left, especially after imbibing any alcohol at all. Be safe.

For St Barth rental cars I recommend either Gumbs Car Rental http://gumbs-car-rental.com/ or Top-Loc http://www.toplocstbarth.com/ Both agencies are owned by local people who have excellent reputations.

I can't speak to overnighting in Anguilla. I've never stayed there for less than 5 nights.

If you want to try overnighting on St Barth then two possible options are the Sunset Hotel in Gustavia - (warning - it's a walk-up 2-3 floors) or Hotel Le Village in St Jean. I don't have a website for the Sunset, but Le Village can be found at https://levillagestbarth.com/ (warning, it's spread over a hillside, and access to some of their rooms can be the equivalent of a 2-3 floor walkup). I've been successful in booking 1-2 nights at both in the past, but their willingness to book short stays will depend on time of year and their booking level.

We stay on the Dutch side but spend most days and a lot of nights on the French side (Grand Case) We always take the car. Years ago i avoided going over to the french side at night, cause honestly i HATED driving through the golf course and the lowlands after hearing about the car jackings, and robberies...but since the causeway was built it no longer is a problem....and getting over to Marigot and Grand Case takes no time. Last couple of years, the golf course was lit at night...but the last incident reported the lights were out. Would check first to see when you are there. The trick is...don't make yourself a target. Leave fancy clothes, and JEWELRY at home. If you make a purchase on front street...leave it back in the room in the safe. Also, don't go flashing money around in the restaurants or the casinos. People notice. Stick to the main roads, and you will be fine....One thing i will disagree with Ro nDon (with total respect) is leave your car UNlocked. Check with your rental agent...but most of the rental agents agree it is better to leave the car unlocked but ALWAYS EMPTY. If it's locked, and they break in, it will cost you for a new lock!!!! Again, common sense, leave NOTHING in the car at any time. If it is left in the car, or trunk, it probably won't be there when you return!!!!

Ed wrote, "If it is left in the car, or trunk, it probably won't be there when you return!"

I disagree. Circumstances sometimes require us to leave a few possessions in the trunk of our rental car when we park. In eight visits to St. Maarten, we've never had a car break-in or any kind of incident. Of course one could happen tomorrow -- in Boston or St. Maarten. Driving at night on either side of the island has never worried me.

Agree, we just spent 2 weeks on the French Side, driving over to AUC some nights to have dinner with our daughter in Simpson Bay or Cole Bay, never worried at all. We always pay attention to our surroundings, but to be honest, I've been more worried driving some places at home at night.

We stay on the French side and often drive to the dutch side in the early evening for dinner, returning after dark and have never encountered a problem. We always have traveled through the south side of the island. Our rental car person recommended leaving the glove box open and don't even leave a bag of trash/beach towel ect. in the car to temp. We have left luggage in the trunk at the Maho beach parking lot while having lunch before our flight with no issue.

One thing when driving through the golf course keep your eyes open never stop for anything ,if you see a car on the side of the road just be careful and drive on don’t stop .we have been going to SXM for over 30 years just be aware for your surroundings if you leave anything in the trunk most likely it won’t be there

This was many years ago, but we rented a car and went shopping in Phillipsburg, on our way back to the French side we stopped at a small beach (I don't remember the name). We had put everything in the trunk and walked down to the beach. When we got back the trunk had been broken into and everything was gone, except the cheap T-shirts that they give away, they left those behind.

That was my first and last trip to St. Martin.

Too bad that happened to you, and too bad that you let that prevent you from returning to SXM.

And I have been in the airport and witnessed a couple sobbing hysterically whose luggage was stolen from the car when they went to Maho pre-flight. It's the risk you take if you do that IMO.

I have had my car rifled through in Maho at night. Back when there was nightlife at Sunset and the place behind it. Came back and the trunk and doors were open, glove box open. This was 1995. Even back then we were taught to leave the car unlocked.

Yes, absolutely agree. No WAY a person should leave their luggage in the car, coming FROM the airport, or going TO the airport.

That wasn't the only thing that stopped me from going to SXM, but it didn't help.

BVI travelers are often a different type of traveler than SXM travelers, and vice versa..

If you travel to Mexico just use the same common sense. You shouldn’t have any issues and you should have a wonderful trip. About taxis... I can attest I’ve had many issues getting taxis at night, after 20:30-21:00. I collected cards from various drivers (at least 20) over the years but after a certain hour they just didn’t answer their phones. I was always in Cupecoy trying to get to Simpson Bay. I wasn’t staying at a hotel so there wasn’t a Concierge to help. Sometimes I would wait on the side of the road for cheap vans but even they stop working after a certain hour. I often resorted going to the casino to find a security guard who charged me $20 to make the 8 minute drive. Best advice, at the airport, go to the taxi dispatch and get their telephone number. There are taxis there until the last flight of the day. It worked many times for me.

AUCspouse.....you can disagree with me if you want. BUT.....so far you have been very lucky if you haven't been broken into. if you leave stuff in your car, and haven't been broken into you are one of the very few on the island. Just don't complain, the next time you do, and all of a sudden your possesions are gone. Same with the post about leaving luggage in the car during lunch. If one wants to disagree with the majority of us that have gone to sxm for well over twenty years....so be it. Friends of ours that have been ''regulars'' for over twenty years ..., two years ago, they had their entire front end removed from their rental vehicle...while being parked during the day at Mullett Beach!!!! If one wants to play the odds about leaving stuff in the car, either in Boston or in St. Maarten, the odds are AGAINST you. Even people that have played ''Russian Roulette" sometimes win......mostly lose. I dare anyone to keep luggage in your car, and go eat lunch ANYWHERE on island, and go to a place that you can't see the car, and i bet within 3 or 4 times, you won't do it again.

I did a day trip to St. Barths with my son who was 9 at the time. We had a great trip, it’s totally worthwhile. The morning that we left, the sea was a bit rough. The Captain, a Dutch woman with dreadlocks, refused to carry a pregnant woman and an elderly couple. But it was a fun ride and a great day in St. Barths. We went to the airport there to see the crazy landings (it’s another famous airport like SXM) and also to the incredible beach that begins just at the end of the runway. Gorgeous!!! We just used a taxi between both places easily- between the port and airport. It’s a beautiful place. Would totally return.

Not smart at all. Wondering if its only folks that have been going for years, and know the changes. Of course theres theft... and being aware of that fact, will keep you safe. common sense does not need a college degree. But boy lots have none. When we started going to sxm years ago!!!! We realize the thing we did then and would not now are huge... for the most part day or night? No seclusion on beaches. leave nothing in car that you want to see again, many car thefts on Island. If you do drive at night??? Make sure your route is well lit, and I mean well lit. If you see anyone in a car trying to block you??? I would keep going, would rather trash the car then have a car behind or in front and not stand a chance... Hopefully most people stay in secure places, if not make sure they are or leave... Sure this does not mean anything will happen, but having your eyes in back of your head is much better than being in harms way... We have changed our way of spending time on Island. Are we happy about this? no, but its what it is..;. and again. for those that compare u.s destinations and crime??? i really do not get it? there is no comparison... this is a small Island with police that are very hard to even reach let alone come and help. thats the real problem. police and getting the theives and throwing the key away. too lienent.

I would NEVER leave anything in the rental car that you want to see again. I don't even do that at home here in the States. Our rental car guy always tells us to leave the car unlocked with NOTHING in it. So far, we have followed his smart advice. Better safe, than sorry.

Where is the golf course you are talking about located?

We have been going to SXM for 28 years and a few years in we had all of our luggage stolen. We decided to stop for a swim at Cupacoy before we flew home. At least we were smart enough to keep our money, airline tickets and passports with us. When you go home to New England in February in shorts and flip flops, you tend to smarten up!

On the Dutch side between Maho and Cupecoy.
George

We’ve been visiting the island at the very least once a year and often more every year since 1973 and you can count me among those that never had our rental car breached. Until........

Perhaps seven or eight years ago we finally had it happen. We never leave anything in the car - not in the glovebox, the car itself or the boot so at least we weren’t out any personal belongings. But our car was undriveable. We had to summon Lesley Bruce to come help us and he was typically Lesley - more worried about us and the inconvenience than he was about the needless and senseless damage done to his car.

We have to accept the Island has changed and is no longer the sleepy little utopia it once was. I do remember the days when you could leave anything in your car or unattended on the beach and it would be safe. I remember going to bed at night with our windows and sliders open without fear of intruders. And I remember giving my beautiful girls the full run of our resort when they were in their early teens, knowing full well they’d be safe and the Resort staff would help them if a situation arose.

Those days are done. But it’s not just on St. Maarten - sadly, it’s everywhere today. We can no longer go to bed at night here in our sleepy little Connecticut home town with the windows open and the doors unlocked, or leave the keys or personal belongings in our cars in our own driveway due to a rash of thefts. And while our quiet little town doesn’t seem to have a lot of major crimes we’re less than a half hour away from bigger towns and cities that do.

IMHO, the OP should have a great trip if they stick to the same rules of thumb they use in Mexico or anywhere else they travel. Leave the expensive jewelry at home and save yourself the worry. Stay out of dark alleys or dimly lit areas; don’t carry excessive amounts of cash and use your room safe instead; don’t leave valuables in your car anywhere; use legal taxis if you have concerns about nighttime driving. A romantic day in a remote beach sounds wonderful, but think twice since there’s definitely more safety in numbers. Don’t set yourself up as a victim and the chances are pretty darned good you WON’T become one. But always remember, bad things can and do happen to good people everywhere, even on vacation.

And lastly, please don’t leave your luggage unattended in your parked car while you enjoy a leisurely final lunch. Too many people have done this in too many populated areas of the island and lived to write about it here and regret that last lunch and piña colada before hitting the airport.

And one more thought - years ago our car rental company used to tell us to leave nothing in the car and keep it locked up tight. After our little beach misadventure his recommendation changed somewhat to leave nothing in the car anywhere and keep it locked except at the beach. These days when at any of the beaches we leave nothing in the car and leave the windows rolled down. - our thinking being at least if they’re determined to get into the car there won’t be any damage done. And when we park at our resort at night, we lock it completely and leave nothing in it.

Thank you all for your insight - I really appreciate all the input and suggestions. I feel more relaxed about going after reading all the hints of do's and dont's. I know it is a sign of the times and all of us no matter where we live want it not to be but unfortunately crime is everywhere. We have been looking forward to going and enjoying our vacation.

Pat, I wonder how leaving the car open affects the insurance. If someone can just lean in and flip the trunk release, and steals the jack and tire, I wonder if the insurance company will pay, given that the car was not locked.

The insurance will NOT PAY for any damages to an unlocked car. I hope the rental agents are aware of this when advising their clients to leave the cars unlocked. Unlocked cars are also much easier to steal.

It probably would invalidate the insurance assuming you took it in the first place and assuming they could prove the car was unlocked, but really, I doubt the tire and jack are worth worrying about. Personally speaking, if my rental agent told me to leave his car unlocked, that’s good enough for me. But I know who I’m dealing with and I know he’d not penalize me for following his instructions.

Isn't it amazing how the dregs of society have forced us to be tolerant of their behavior? It doesn't matter whether you are in the Caribbean on Saint Martin or in Florida at Saint Petersburg. I personally think the biggest difference is the deterrent(s) or lack there of. In the states we expect that the police force will act upon ongoing problems. Before I retired I remember a local beach was experiencing a rash of vehicle break ins but rather than telling people to leave their cars vacant and unlocked, we had a task force working the area to watch the cars and arrest anyone we found breaking into cars. we also went after those that used the stolen credit cards at Walmart/Target etc. Then they were arrested and faced jail time not a slap on the wrist like I see these criminals getting when I read the SXM paper.

Quite awhile back there was a poster here who said he always requests the most damaged car, throws an old t shirt in the back seat along with some garbage like candy wrappers, food boxes and left the car unlocked. His thinking was no one wants this slob's car.

Deputydog. I absolutely share your sentiment. I discussed the slap on the wrist scenario regarding the Car Jacking thread a couple of days ago. For a country that heavily survives on tourism they need to get serious on crime. Not to do so will result in hardship for the Good hardworking islanders. Forget about the threat to tourism for a moment, they need to do this for the wonderful islanders that are preyed upon as well.

Not sure what you mean by this, I'm different because I locked my stuff in the trunk of the car and it was stolen and I wasn't happy about that? Are SXM travelers okay with this?

No, I mean BVI travelers want different things in a lot of cases than SXM travelers do. The comment was totally separate than the question of getting stuff stolen from your car. You said that the theft wasn't the only reason why you didn't go back to SXM.

Oh, that makes sense, I agree.