Currencies Accepted

[Desert Cruisers]

Are US dollars accepted on both the Dutch and French sides? I have heard that euros are preferred on the French side and, that if you use US dollars, the exchange rate is not very good. Any words of wisdom?:)

[Barflymon]

The OFFICIAL currency on the French side is the Euro. However the USA Dollar is gladly accepted, in fact SOME establishments on the French side offer a 1 to 1 exchange rate. Verify this as you enter the establishment.

 

On the Dutch side the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (NAF) is the official currency which is at a fixed exchange rate with the USA Dollar. 1.80NAF = $1.00US or 10.00NAF = $5.50US

[gtaylor]

<snip> in fact SOME establishments on the French side offer a 1 to 1 exchange rate. Verify this as you enter the establishment.

<snip>

 

Note that this is a GOOD thing. It is the equivalent of about a 26% discount.

 

My experience is that you are most likely to see this in food establishments.

 

Also note that you may very well receive any change in Euros, so have small bills available.

 

gary

[m steve]

they will accept it. Maybe hesitent about Rubles but they will take everything else. Wost case change your $ at a bank. Never had a problem on either side taking $.

[kal]

As a clarification, establishments that will take US dollars at a 1:1 exchange rate with the Euro will almost always do it on a cash basis. Rarely will they do it with a credit card purchase.

 

Many folks find the application of "service fees" for meal purchases to be a major issue. It's different between the French and Dutch sides. Do your homework as to what's included in the menu price, incoming tax, service fee and what would be a reasonable tip. French concepts in tipping are very different from US concepts.

[tocruzagain]

Do most of the shops there accept credit cards, and if so, do they put it through converted in US dollars or as Euros? Also, what about the bar eatery establishments on Orient Beach..will US dollars be an issue there as well? If we were to have a casual sit down lunch how much should we expect to spend on this?? Thanks for the insight on the money issue. It helps out a lot!!

[m steve]

They'll take whatever you have!

[kal]

You can expect credit card charges on the French side to be submitted in Euros. On the Dutch side, US dollars. In any case expect to see an international exchange fee on top of the purchase when you get your statement. That runs from 0% to 3% depending on the credit card used.

 

A casual sit down lunch at Orient could run from about $8 to $40 per person It depends on how you define "casual". Make sure you check the menu for pricing and also the automatic inclusion of service fees (upwards to 20%). Some of the bars have very expensive drinks. So add in 1 Euro: 1.2 USD, pricey menu items, fancy drinks, service fee, and credit card fees and you get zapped.

[tocruzagain]

Wow! Thanks for the fore warning about this. It's something that I haven't seen people post about previously...that I've seen anyway. Basically, buy on the Dutch side and all should be fine...French side could add up to be quite pricey!

 

Thanks again!!

[m steve]

Dutch food. You get what you pay for.

[gtaylor]

Dutch food. You get what you pay for.

 

Yep, that's why we love M's B's on Dawn Beach so much. Our favorite beach lunch spot on the island.

 

It's Dutch Side, so it's in dollars, has great food and drinks at a good price.

 

See pictures and menus from 2004 and 2005.

 

gary

[tg_lindo]

...and I've found cheap STRONG drinks at Orient.....

 

Compared to home (California) I found the price / quality balance on French side to compare favorably.