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Headed back after long absence
#198678
06/26/2019 04:10 PM
06/26/2019 04:10 PM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166 Arlen, TX
BillDauterive
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166
Arlen, TX
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We are headed back to SXM later this year. We've visited the island about a half dozen times in the past. However, these visits were in the 1990's (we went to Dawn Beach and saw the post-Luis devastation of the timeshare resort.... it's a Westin now, I think). Also, there was no McDonalds (I think BK was there). And pre-Euro ....
Anyhow, here are our questions: - I remember having trouble getting gas. I recall pulling into the station and the guy spotted us as tourists, jumped up, put gas in, and took my money... and overcharged me. Are all stations full-service? Or do I pump myself?
- Are US dollars still accepted at a fair exchange rate? At restaurants, bars, grocery, etc?
- When departing the island, will we clear customs/immigration on the island, or at my arrival airport?
That's all for now. More to come later. ... Thanks in advance
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Re: Headed back after long absence
[Re: BillDauterive]
#198680
06/26/2019 04:18 PM
06/26/2019 04:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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Regarding gas, it is priced in guilders & litres so you have to do the conversion. The price on the pump is roughly double what you will pay in USD. There may be some self service but there is usually an attendant to pump the gas and I do not know of any price difference. 18.40 NAF is roughly $10USD.
USD are accepted everywhere and without much exchange problem on the Dutch side. On the French side they often set their own exchange rate with the euro and it is not always the going or current published rate.
When departing you will go through 2-3 security checks but you clear C/I at your first port of US entry.
J.D.
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Re: Headed back after long absence
[Re: BillDauterive]
#198723
06/27/2019 09:16 AM
06/27/2019 09:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887
Central Florida!
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As others have said, some places you pump your own gas now. Most places they do pump it for you, but as JD said, just watch the exchange rate, but gas will be twice what it is at home, and priced by the liter.
On the Dutch side, all prices are a fixed exchange rate against the dollar. Exchange rates against the Euro can fluctuate. A FEW places will give you 1 to 1 on the dollar on the French side, but not many. The only place I recall getting 1 for 1 this trip was at Hope Market.
Enjoy your trip!
Carol Hill
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Re: Headed back after long absence
[Re: deputydog1157]
#198741
06/27/2019 11:09 AM
06/27/2019 11:09 AM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
bran
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
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I used the Cadisco station on the way from Orient Village to the airport and the attendant said they charge 1 for 1 when paying in cash. Very nice young man, polite and helpful. Also in Nettles Bay a Cadisco station, 1 for 1 and they are cheaper than the dutch side plus have a very good supermarket albeit in French. Found the green Pic Mosquito coils there and not the black ones they sell for $1.00. Cheap yes, but they don't work, the Pic ones do. Amazon also sell them, so taking a few with me next time.
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Re: Headed back after long absence
[Re: bran]
#198763
06/27/2019 03:25 PM
06/27/2019 03:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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I used the Cadisco station on the way from Orient Village to the airport and the attendant said they charge 1 for 1 when paying in cash. Very nice young man, polite and helpful. Also in Nettles Bay a Cadisco station, 1 for 1 and they are cheaper than the dutch side plus have a very good supermarket albeit in French. Found the green Pic Mosquito coils there and not the black ones they sell for $1.00. Cheap yes, but they don't work, the Pic ones do. Amazon also sell them, so taking a few with me next time. Do those things really work for you? Do you use the terra cotta holder?
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Headed back after long absence
[Re: bran]
#198764
06/27/2019 03:44 PM
06/27/2019 03:44 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,583 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,583
St Maarten
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1:1 in Nettle Bay? That's new! We go to Cadisco Marigot also 1 for 1.
I meant the 1:1 is now, there's been a Cadisco there for a long time! Newly rebuilt post Irma with a really nice little grocery store on site.
Last edited by BillandElaine; 06/27/2019 03:45 PM.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Headed back after long absence
[Re: BeachKitten]
#198768
06/27/2019 04:40 PM
06/27/2019 04:40 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,819 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,819
Auburn, WA
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I used the Cadisco station on the way from Orient Village to the airport and the attendant said they charge 1 for 1 when paying in cash. Very nice young man, polite and helpful. Also in Nettles Bay a Cadisco station, 1 for 1 and they are cheaper than the dutch side plus have a very good supermarket albeit in French. Found the green Pic Mosquito coils there and not the black ones they sell for $1.00. Cheap yes, but they don't work, the Pic ones do. Amazon also sell them, so taking a few with me next time. Do those things really work for you? Do you use the terra cotta holder? We use those green coils up in Alaska fishing. Work great. I'll be using them starting tomorrow for my twice annual salmon fishing trip.
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Re: Headed back after long absence
[Re: BeachKitten]
#198772
06/27/2019 06:35 PM
06/27/2019 06:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
bran
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
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1:1 in Nettle Bay? That's new! We go to Cadisco Marigot also 1 for 1.
I meant the 1:1 is now, there's been a Cadisco there for a long time! Newly rebuilt post Irma with a really nice little grocery store on site. I don't think its new. Opposite Meza Luna in Nettles Baie [quote=deputydog1157]I used the Cadisco station on the way from Orient Village to the airport and the attendant said they charge 1 for 1 when paying in cash. Very nice young man, polite and helpful. Do those things really work for you? Do you use the terra cotta holder? No dont use the terra cotta holder. The trick is to get them going about 20 minutes before you sit where you place them.
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