We have always rented a car when traveling to SXM but are thinking of just taking taxis when we need to go somewhere this time. Does anyone know what the following taxi costs are:
SXM airport to Orient Beach (with grocery shopping stop en route)
Orient Beach to Grand Case round trip
Orient Beach to Marigot round trip

LINK

Here's another source:
http://taxistmaarten.com/wp-content/uploads/SXM_Zones_and_Rates_Sheet_2014.pdf

When are you going? If you're going off season, the cost just for the taxi to and from the airport is probably going to be half the cost of renting the car for the entire week. Normally it's about $30 each way to Orient, plus bags, plus the cost to stop to wait for the grocery stop.

The other option, as far as groceries, is that Petit Casino is now delivering to Orient Village addresses for free, with a certain minimum grocery order, OR Jeannie at Shop N Drop will also deliver, again with a minimum grocery order.

If you are determined to do taxis, do check out TTOL sponsor Wilfred Brooks.

We have been considering the options of car rental vs. taxis for our upcoming trip.

Tipping the scale for us is that we like to have a few drinks with dinner or when out on an excursion. Since our understanding is that the legal limit on the French side is 0.05 (and regardless of the limit, don't want a problem), we are leaning toward Jeannie, Wilfred Brooks and walking.

While the posted taxi rates are accurate, we have found on previous visits, if you are staying in the Orient Bay area, you can catch a ride in the vans that transport cruise ship passengers for around $5 per person to Philipsburg.

If you want to go directly to Simpson Bay, however, we have found getting a taxi directly from OB is better as most of the taxis don't want to go to from Philipsburg to Simpson Bay as they are unlikely to get a fare back to Philipsburg.

Carol, you asked when we're going. We're going in February, which is definitely high season. We've rented from Alain at AAA for years, and we were just trying to compare renting a car vs. just taking a cab when needed. We're staying at L'Hoste. We've skipped the last 3 years or so. It's amazing to read about everything that's happened since we were there!