Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Sint Maarten, or should I carry local cash?
I noticed that while major taxi operators accept cards, some independent drivers in Sint Maarten prefer cash, especially in quieter areas. I stayed near Oyster Pond, where taxis were mostly cash only. It’s a good idea to have cash for tips and short rides, but cards cover most airport and resort trips.
Sint Maarten’s taxi scene is convenient if you prefer card payments. Most drivers near the cruise docks and Maho Beach use POS machines. When staying at places like Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, cards were widely accepted. For quick trips or in less touristy spots, cash is still necessary.
I found taxis in Sint Maarten pretty flexible-cards worked at most airport shuttles and bigger taxi companies, like those near Princess Juliana International Airport. However, smaller local taxis sometimes insisted on cash. I kept a mix of cash and card handy, especially when heading to areas like Simpson Bay.
In Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten, many taxis accept credit and debit cards, especially around the cruise port and airport. I used my Visa multiple times for rides to Great Bay Beach without issues. Still, carrying around $40 in small bills helped with tip and for smaller drivers who preferred cash.