TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Slightly OT

Going to London's Heathrow Airport later on in the year, not leaving the airport but from there going direct to France and it suddenly occurred to me that I will have no Euro's and wont change currency at the airport as will get robbed. I then realized well, I will be going to SXM soon and mostly staying on the French side, know quite a few restaurant owners who take in a lot of dollars and perhaps they could help me out with dollars for euros. Yes I can order it from the banks here in the US but the exchange rate wont be favorable and who knows what Brexit could do to the rate. In St Martin or the dutch side would appear my best deal. What do you think? Any ideas appreciated. Also perhaps approach the places that give 1 for 1, offer them a slight incentive or maybe there could be a money exchange place I am not aware of that is reasonable? TIA.

London takes the pound currently. We went last year and got robbed on the exchange rate at the airport. Just change as little as possible.

You could just use a credit card as an alternative. Or, when you get to St. Martin there are at least two Banque de France's that I am aware of that should exchange U.S. Dollars to euros for you. One is in Marigot and the other I think is in Grand Case. There's also a currency exchange place in Marigot, but they would most likely take a bigger cut (percentage) than a bank would. Just a few ideas that come to mind.

When I was in Dublin I just got euros from an ATM. I have Chase and no fees so it worked perfectly.

I have Chase as well, but sure at Airport ATM its another story....will find out. Also its not so much the fee but the exchange rate!

I received the exact going rate every day I withdrew from my checking account from the ATM’s.

We have found that the ATM at PJIA has the best rates on Euro's. We also used our bank cards at all the restaurants with no problem. Now with only a few beach restaurants on Orient beach and none of the original little vendors that it was best to pay in Euro's. I don't see it to be a hassle with your cards. Have a great trip!