Given that there is only about an 8% difference right now between the Euro and Dollar, what kind of exchange rate are restaurants and grocery stores typically offering now on the French side?

To be honest I've seen a lot of 1 to 1 with cash this week.

At 1.08 to1 it's a nice rate for CC purchases if they won't to 1 to 1 cash.

Would that incur an additional foreign currency transaction fee on your credit card bill?

It depends on your credit card. Some credit cards do not charge a foreign transaction fee. Some do. Check with your credit card.

All mine from Citi Bank and Barkly Bank have done away with the foreign transaction fee. But as Carol said call your issuing bank to verify yours. We also notify our CC issuing banks of travel plan dates to make sure there is no problems using it out of country.

Just came back from SXM this weekend and the rate was 1.05 if you paid cash at super U , french side !

That is better than the current rate. Good for you.

Good to know as that is where I buy my French wine.

Super U is 1.05 for cash in Hope Estates. LePiment was $1.15

Today's rate: $1.067

Yep. Good for us coming soon.

I use my Visa Credit Card and they have done away with any international fee usage charges.

Just a little off topic but still concerns the using a CC on island. Most CC's have done away with the collision coverage for rental cars, one of which is Citi Bank except for their Business card. Barclays bank still includes this for up to a 6o day rental. Prior to your trip inform the CC issuing company you'll be using it while in St Maarten to avoid a charge denial or hold on your acct.

And still falling. Today it's at 1.054