TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Euro-dollar conversion at Papagayo - FYI

Was looking at a receipt for lunch we had on the 15th. The following is in euros: Mahi Mahi plate 16 quite good, pastrami sawndich 12 good, carib 3, chardonnay 5. Generous servings but wine pour is a little lite. Total with tax of 1.44 came to 37.44 euro. Conversion came to $43.06 which is x 1.15. Just an update for those interested.

Euro/US dollar in the last 6 months has been between $1.14 and $1.10. Probably easier to keep at $1.15 rather than change every month...(and a few % more in the till <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />)

Charge in Euro on a no exchange fee CC and solve the problem

This is not a terrible exchange rate.

What was the tax?

Somewhat higher at the Perch. �7 BBC was $8.50. But at happy hour 2 for 1 and Wiilie behind the bar "life is good".

One of the benefits of staying on property is that you can charge your meals & drinks to your room and then pay in Euros on checkout. However, there is that "sticker shock" when you get the final bill. Who drank all that???!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Got a great idea Kat <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />. Call ahead, get your room number, let me know, and I'll give your tab a good running start. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Food/drink sub-total was 36 euro, tax was 1.44 euro.

I understand the amount, just curious as to WHY there was tax. Is this something new or am I missing/forgetting something?

Possible the tax was on the drinks.

The tax appears to be the 4% TGCA sales tax. I believe most French side restaurants include it in the menu price, but some like Spiga add it on.

Thank you. I did some further research and I believe you are correct.

Maybe your next door neighbor? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Yea that " put it on me" phrase is a killer some times. But it's a short life, be the guy.

How 'bout we share? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Share we will, see you soon!

There is a 4% tax on virtually everything on the French side. Its called TGCA. In French it is: taxe g�n�rale sur le chiffre d'affaires.

Thanks and that is what I found in a discussion about a year ago.

Back to the conversion rate, not every restaurant will use the prevailing rate either. If it is not posted there is a good chance their rate may be higher or lower than the current exchange rate.

All we need now is a spirited "tipping/service charge included" on the French Side discussion!

Careful what you wish for. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

If you could tie that spirited tipping discussion in with your preferred rental car agency on the island than we would have an extremely lively discussion.

And maybe touch on beach nudity other than club o. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

If you tie all that together than you should be betting the Trifecta at the Belmont Stakes this year.

Does it make sense to bring euros instead of dollars?

How' this, is it smart to bring my rental car that is not from AAA, to Happy Bay to get some Au natural time in. BTW should we tip Danny for the food or just pay and assume service and tax is included. Does he do 1 to 1? I will try to figure out how to post some pictures of the best ribs on the island.
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Dude, you have so many tasks going on, in that post, that you have my head spinning. If you try to accomplish all of that on island time than you need to extend your vacation.

No that's just the first afternoon. We land at 11:30. All the really big plans are packed into the next 4 days that we are splitting between the French and Dutch sides.

1 Euro equals
1.09, so, no it makes no sense to bring Euros. And, at that exchange rate, I wouldn't worry about whether or not a restaurant does 1:1. No problem parking your rental car and walking into Happy Bay, just don't leave any valuables in it.