Weather today: click here for intellicast weather forecast. Overview: . Accommodations: . Sleep: . Activities: . Time: The local time is GMT - 4h. There is a 5 hour difference with France in winter and 6 hours in summer. For example, when it's midday in St Barth, it is 5 pm in Paris in December or 6 pm in August. With regard to the United States, in summertime the East coast time is the same as in St Barths, and in winter St Barth "lives" one hour later. Location: island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico. Geographic coordinates: 18 05 N, 63 57 W. Highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m. Currency: Since January 01, 2002, the Euro ((EUR), €) has come into effect in the European Union, and St Barths. The US dollar is widely used and accepted. Euros per US dollar - 0.7345 (2007). Credit cards: . Costs of living: . Tipping: hotels usually add 5 % occupancy tax per person, but a small gratuity is appreciated for good service. Restaurants and hotels usually add a service charge of 10 to 15 % to the bill, and it is always best to check the bill. Taxi drivers and porters expect to be tipped, particularly if they have handled luggage. Entry Requirements: Nationals of the member countries of the European Union just need an ID card (we are indeed in Europe, although not being "within" the Schengen bounderies). For North American citizens, a valid passport, as well as a return ticket are compulsory. The citizens of some other countries (notably some Carribbean islands) should have a visa. Safety: Most visits to the island are trouble-free, however crime has been increasing in recent years and visitors should refrain from leaving valuables unattended on beaches, in cars and hotel lobbies. Burglaries and break-ins occur sometimes at resorts, beach houses and hotels and there have been incidents of armed robbery. Precautions should also be taken against car theft and insurance cover is advisable. Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). The airport is located 15 km (9 miles) west of Philipsburg in St Maarten. Departure Tax: . Flight Times: . Ports and harbors: . Ferry Terminal: . Electricity: 120 volts at 60 cycles; outlets use the standard European two cylinder plugs (diferent to Sint Maarten). Telephone: the international: country code is +596. Internet TLD: .mf assigned but not in use, .fr and .gp in use. Government type: Parliamentary Democracy. Legal system: the laws of France, where applicable, apply. Ethnic groups: creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), white, East Indian. Religions: Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu. Literacy: . Industries: tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry. Agriculture-products: . Natural resources: Salt. GDP - per capita: 14,500 euros (1999). Unemployment rate: 12.9% (2000).
|
