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Re: Taxi or car?
[Re: JD_Midnight]
#88869
03/03/2016 09:55 PM
03/03/2016 09:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
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Re: Taxi or car?
[Re: JD_Midnight]
#88872
03/04/2016 12:45 PM
03/04/2016 12:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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JD,
No customs or immigration on the French side, assuming you are arriving through PJIA, where immigration is handled for most arrivals. I have no idea of the rules and regs if arriving at Esperance Airport on the French side.
In all our trips over all our years, we've always rented a car to have at our disposal if and when we wanted to do something without having to be at the mercy of a bus or a taxi.
That said, not too long ago we stayed at Grand Case Beach Club and for the four nights we were there we never used the car to go anywhere. But in all fairness, I have to add this GCBC stay was at the tail end of two weeks already spent traveling the island at our whim and we were ready to go no where, do nothing and just do some serious limin with no other agenda but to chill.
Car or not depends on lots of things - are you staying on a beach? Do you want to do nothing but relax in one place for most of your trip? Are there lots of meal choice options where you are without need of transport? And the list goes on and on.....
Cars on SXM are very inexpensive compared to other destinations and taxis really aren't all that convenient and can't always be where and when you want them unless you contract with a driver such as Mr. Brooks, a sponsor on this forum, or any of a few others who provide this service.
If you've been before and know where you're going, picking up a car at or near the airport isn't a bad idea and the island is a relatively easy drive, as long as you're able to deal with the suicycles and the traffic in general. That said, if you're arriving in the dark and don't know where you're going, I would pass on the car at the airport and have it delivered the next day if having one is your plan.
So many variables and so many options...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Taxi or car?
[Re: JD_Midnight]
#88878
03/05/2016 12:53 PM
03/05/2016 12:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,142 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,142
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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There are really no true major chains like you would know. Although they use the names, they are very different. It is best to use one of the local sponsors on the Sponsors page here. They will offer you the best service and price. Don't forget to mention you are a member of TTOL as some offer special discounts.
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Re: Taxi or car?
[Re: MORWAVES]
#88884
03/06/2016 12:18 PM
03/06/2016 12:18 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,646
Brookfield, CT.
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MORWAVES said: Don't know if I would rent from motel or not. Where we stay it is quite a bit more expensive than using the rental companies on the island. The OP suggested they would only be there for two or three days. Our experience has always been daily rentals tend to be about a third more expensive, in the $30 to $45 range depending on season, type and length of rental and truthfully, we haven't done daily on SXM in ages, but possibly still very much worth it depending on where you're staying. Or not? There are some areas where a car is just not needed - GCBC immediately comes to my mind because once we arrived, we didn't start it again until we departed several days later. The village of GC is very walkable and if you're at all skeptical, the little jitney service is a great alternative. And there are several properties in GC where a car just isn't needed because you're already where you want to be for dining and leisurely evenings. Areas of Orient Beach and their respective on the beach hotels would possibly be as convenient? We stay mostly on the Dutch side and you would never need a car at Maho and for only three days it might even be more of a nuisance to have one with the parking situation there..... Beachside Villas and that general area along Simpson Bay, as close as it is, a car would be necessary in my opinion. Each area is different so that really enters into the mix as far as I'm concerned. My daughter did a short trip to Maho and another to Cupecoy last year and didn't rent a car either trip and was perfectly happy without one both times. Her two week stay was a whole different story and she piled on some serious miles, but really, how much site-seeing can most of us do in three days? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> And I agree with all the other posters re Lesley Bruce - good guy, good service and very popular, so if the OP is considering using him, it's a good plan to book well ahead of your trip.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Taxi or car?
[Re: pat]
#88885
03/07/2016 01:23 PM
03/07/2016 01:23 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,093
CaptainJim
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,093
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If you're even going to have a glass of wine with dinner don't rent a car. The gendarmes will get you and it will cost you for DUI.
...Captain Jim... "I Will Grow Old..... But I Won't Grow Up"
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