Here is my takeaway (from the responses here) on the "chip and sign" vs "chip and pin" situation as it pertains to St. Martin. Please correct me where I am wrong.

1. Businesses are slowly but surely upgrading credit card terminals. Most (if not all) of the upgraded terminals will only accept "chip with pin" cards.

2. "Chip and sign" cards can be used at any business that does not have a new "chip and pin" only terminal.

3. Only "chip with pin" cards can be used at an unmanned kiosk terminal. "Chip and sign" cards will not work at these locations.

Question: Will cards with no chip work with the new "chip and pin" only terminals and/or unmanned kiosks? If so, it seems we would be better off with a no chip card (rather than a chip and sign card) when on the island.