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Taxi or car?

Posted By: JD_Midnight

Taxi or car? - 03/04/2016 01:53 AM

We are looking as just a few days .... Planning on the French side ideally. Taxi from airport or rent a car? What about customs on the French side? Any suggestions appreciated.
Posted By: SXMWendell

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/04/2016 01:55 AM

Car

No customs

SXM Wendell
Posted By: JohnandBev

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/04/2016 02:28 AM

If the trip is just a few days and you have beach access ie staying at Orient Village, then go with a cab back and forth to the airport, no car, enjoy the beach - try Wilfred Brooks, a TTOL sponsor

If you are asking about exploring for a few days, then go with a car

J&B
Posted By: RonDon

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/04/2016 03:47 PM

where are you staying?
Posted By: pat

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/04/2016 04:45 PM

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="" />
Posted By: 4Driver4

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/04/2016 07:22 PM

I always discourage first timers from renting at the airport. Take a cab to your hotel and worry about a car once you get there. Tired travlers plus unfamiliar vehicle plus unfamiliar roads plus curtural driving differences can equal a bad situation.
Posted By: JD_Midnight

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 03:50 PM

Thanks. This would be our first visit.... Will be based in San Juan but have the chance for 3 day visit. Was,planning on somewhere on the French side and really would be happy just exploring restaurants,shops,beach some and walking. Was thinking Grand Case but really open to anything. Do you think it would be cheaper to rent or just plan the cab?
Posted By: NakedAsAJaybird

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 04:22 PM

Much cheaper to rent a car and a lot more fun to explore the Island. Very nice places to stay in Grand Case and Orient Village with restaurants close by. Beach is a short walk from each place.
Posted By: sail2wind

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 04:32 PM

A round trip taxi to the French side would be about the cost a rental car. Driving is driving, left side, right side, not a big deal.
Posted By: JD_Midnight

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 04:46 PM

Is there a 'best' local car rental agency or just go,with the major chains?
Posted By: islandgem

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 04:53 PM

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.
Posted By: NakedAsAJaybird

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 05:37 PM

Check SXM sponsors for this site. We love Kenny Car Rental. We have used Leslie, the owner, for 20+ yrs without problem. Pick up car and return car at the Airport. No hassle, great service.
Posted By: Sun4MnM

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 05:55 PM

Another vote for Lesley Bruce, owner at Kenny's Car Rental. Suggest also including his daily liability insurance coverage when making your reservation. Your credit card company may provide the comprehensive portion at no additional cost to you...check with them.
Posted By: thesimpsons

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/05/2016 08:50 PM

Another vote for Kenny's, Lesley Bruce (owner)is the best!
Posted By: 4Driver4

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/06/2016 02:56 AM

Stay at GCBC. Rent a car there for exploring.
Posted By: MORWAVES

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/06/2016 03:11 PM

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.
Posted By: pat

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/06/2016 04:18 PM

Quote
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.
Posted By: CaptainJim

Re: Taxi or car? - 03/07/2016 05:23 PM

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.
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