For those who are afraid of flying :)
1. Princess Juliana International Airport, o. Saint Martin
This post has been translated and compiled specifically for Pikabu.ru (you should finally go to it :))), just kidding :) in fact, we are growing and thriving)
Princess Juliana International Airport serves Sint Maarten, the Dutch part of the island of St. Maarten. It is the second busiest airport in the Eastern Caribbean. The runway is only 2,180 m long - barely enough for large airliners. Pilots have to land very low, right over Maho Beach.
That's why this place is so popular among plainspotters. It is difficult to believe the authenticity of the photographs of giant airliners flying at an altitude of 10-20 meters above sunbathing tourists, however, they are real. Despite the difficult take-off and landing conditions, not a single accident has been recorded at this airport.
Here's a video of the landing:
2. Juancho Airport - Irauskin, Saba Island
Juancho Airport is the only airport on the Caribbean island of Saba, Netherlands Antilles. It is widely known among experienced pilots for its runway size.
Juancho Airport occupies quite a large area small island Saba. Some experts are of the opinion that the airport is one of the most dangerous in the world, despite the fact that no accidents have occurred here. There is an X on each side of the runway, indicating that the airport is closed to commercial aviation.
The location of the airport poses a threat. On one side there are high mountains, and on the other - the sea and steep cliffs. The danger is that the plane may go off the runway when landing or taking off.
3. Courchevel Airport
Courchevel is the largest ski resort in the world, located in the French Alps. Courchevel Airport is notorious in aviation due to its short runway, 525 m (1,722 ft) long and with a slope of 18.5%. You have to approach and take off on a slope to set the required speed.
Who can land here? Well, Pierce Brosnan would be on that short list. This is the airport shown at the beginning of the movie Tomorrow Never Dies. For others, the only way to get here is by private planes, helicopters, charter flights. Pilots undergo extensive training to land at the CVF.
You can skip straight to the 4th minute, before that there is a lot of talking and flying. And judging by the video, it’s really very difficult to land...
4. Gustav III Airport, Saint Barthélemy
Gustav III Public Airport is located in Saint-Jean on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy. Most passenger planes, such as the Twin Otter, carry fewer than twenty passengers and are designed to give vacationers a view of the island from above. The short runway runs along the slope and ends right at the beach. Planes take off over the heads of tourists, there are signs everywhere prohibiting standing at the end of the runway.
And here crash plane at this airport
5. Barra International Airport
Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where planes land on a beach. The airport is located on the wide beach of Tri Moor, on the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. If you want to travel here by commercial plane, you can book tickets with British Airways, with flights to Barra from Glasgow and Benbecula.
The airport is literally flooded by high tide once a day. If you arrive in the evening, you will notice several cars in the parking lot with their headlights on. This is additional lighting since the airport is not designed for night flights. You probably won't want to walk along the beach at Barra Airport unless you're an aviation fan. For such cases, signs are placed everywhere: “When the windsock is raised and the airport is operating, it is prohibited to be on the beach.”
landed right on the beach)) it looks so unusual)
6. Madeira Airport (Portugal)
Madeira International Airport, also known as Funchal Airport and Santa Catarina Airport. It operates national and international air services on the island of Madeira. Madeira Airport is considered one of the most dangerous due to its short runway surrounded by high mountains and the ocean. This arrangement and length of the runway makes landing very difficult even for the most experienced pilots.
Previously, the length of the runway was only 1400 m, but after a plane crash in 1977, it was decided to increase the length of the runway by 400 m. In 2003, the runway was completely rebuilt, almost doubling the original length due to an external structure over the ocean, which is located at 180 reinforced concrete pillars about 70m high
For the extension of the new runway, Funchal Airport received the Outstanding Structures award from the international association IABSE. In Portugal, this award is considered the "Oscar" of engineering structures.
7. Lukla Airport, Nepal
A huge mountain on one side, and a kilometer-long cliff on the other. And this is at an altitude of 2900 m, not much depends on you here.
Lukla Airport is a small airport in eastern Nepal. In January 2008, the Nepalese government announced that the airport would be renamed in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the summit of Everest. The airport is very popular as the city of Lukla is where many people begin their climb to Everest. You can read more about this airport
Saint Martin is a small island in the Caribbean archipelago, which is washed in the east by the turbulent Atlantic Ocean and in the west by the quiet Caribbean Sea. Saint Martin is the smallest inhabited island in the world, and it is governed by two independent states - Holland and France. So, its southern part belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is called Sint Maarten. But the northern territories and a number of adjacent islands are a French overseas community and part of the European Union. Moreover, this peaceful coexistence of European powers has lasted for 350 years. Perhaps this was influenced by the friendliness of both peoples and the carefree atmosphere, as evidenced by the symbiosis of cuisine, architecture and philosophy of the islanders. The life of the island is filled with harmony, and the borders between these two neighboring states are rather arbitrary. The French influence on Saint-Martin mostly relates to cultural heritage, but the Dutch side takes an active part in popularizing the island, which is why many resorts are located on its territory and gambling is allowed.
In both capitals ( Marigote And Philipsburg) there are many gourmet restaurants, fashionable shops and a variety of entertainment venues, so you won’t get bored here. In addition, guests of the island have a large number of magnificent beaches with white sand, which are perfect for relaxation and active entertainment.
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Marigot (France) and Philipsburg (Netherlands) |
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Population |
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Population density |
853.448 people/km² |
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French and Dutch |
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Religion |
Christianity |
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Form of government |
overseas community of France (France) and constitutional monarchy (Netherlands) |
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euro (France) and Dutch Antillean guilder (Netherlands) |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
590 (France) and +1721 (Netherlands) |
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Domain zone |
Mf, .sx (France) and .an, .sx (Netherlands) |
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Electricity |
220 V (France) and 110 V (Holland) |
Climate and weather
The island has a tropical climate, so the weather here is dry and very warm all year round. In the summer season, daytime air temperatures fluctuate between +27...+32 °C, and in winter they almost never fall below +24...+25 °C. The average annual rainfall on the island is about 1000-1150 mm. The rainiest months are September and November, and the driest months are February, March and April.
The most favorable time to travel to Saint Martin is from mid-December to April.
Nature
The island of Saint Martin is located in the Caribbean Sea and is part of the Lesser Antilles. Saint Martin is the peak of an ancient underwater volcano, which has a rounded shape. Its coastline is framed by a series of small coral reefs with shallow lagoons.
In general, the topography of Saint Martin is hilly, its highest point being Mount Paradise Peak.
The island's landscapes are predominantly green, but the soils are dry: palm trees, cacti and hibiscus make up most of the local flora. Although there are several small forests in the central regions. Also on Saint Martin there are more than 30 snow-white beaches with clear water.
The fauna of the island is quite poor and is represented mainly by birds and lizards, as well as wild domestic animals.
Attractions
Despite the fact that Saint Martin is under the control of two different states, their borders are conditional, so tourists can freely explore all the sights of the island.
The only city on the Dutch part of the island is Philipsburg, whose buildings are recognized as classic examples of early colonial architecture.
These are mainly buildings with red and white facades and steep tiled roofs. The main attractions of the city include Queen Wilhelmina monument, nine small churches and Watney Square. No less interesting Fort Willem And fort amsterdam.
Also worth a visit Museum Saint Martin, within the walls of which ancient finds and a collection of objects from the sunken frigate are stored “ Proselyte».
Well, the main source of pride for the residents Philipsburg are Botanical Garden and a small but very beautiful zoo.
Outside the city you can also find noteworthy places and objects. First of all, this is an observation tower Cole Bay Hill and a magnificent beach Dawn Beach.
The French part of the island is less noisy, and its capital is a city Marigot- is a true example of elegant style. The most popular place in the city is Republic Street with charming buildings creating a romantic atmosphere.
The main historical monument Marigot recognized as an ancient fortress called Fort Louis, from the walls of which a stunning view of the coast opens.
Among other interesting objects the most popular Museum of History and Culture of Saint Martin, courthouse Rue de la Liberté, gallery " Lulu"and cultural-historical museum" In the footsteps of the Arawaks».
Well, in the vicinity of the city you should definitely see the remains of a sugar plantation La Sucreriere and picturesque Paradise Peak and also visit a typical Creole village Colombier, the gastronomic capital of the island Grand Case, small forest reserve Lottery Farm and amazing Butterfly farm.
Despite the fact that the island is shared by two states, they have one common attraction that symbolizes their peaceful coexistence. She represents Border Monument, which is installed on the top of a small mountain Concordia.
Nutrition
The cuisine of Saint Martin is as interesting as the island itself. It is based on a mixture of European, Creole and Caribbean traditions, and its basis is the seafood that abounds in the surrounding waters. Thus, the most popular and common dishes here are prepared from lobsters, shrimp, lobsters, various shells, sea fish and algae. The most interesting treats of local culinary specialists are charcoal-fried snapper, boiled shrimp with herbs, and fish-coconut soup Soapy-dee-squeaky, fish balls croqueches, wine soup sopi-di-binja and roasted whole wahoo.
Among the meat dishes, pies are the most common pasteshis, stewed lamb cabrito-stoba, meatloaf ayacas, cactus and fish soup hobi-duchie, spicy steak with lemon. Well, as a side dish they are most often offered fresh vegetables, green beans, boiled rice and a variety of sauces.
Local desserts, such as muffins, are also interesting johnny cake, flatbreads pan-bati, potato pudding puddin di potato, caramel kesio and lollipops cockatoo. Wash down all these treats with tea and freshly squeezed juices. Speaking of alcohol, all types of local and imported drinks are available here. The island also produces first-class beers such as Heineken, Balashi and Amstel. However, the main local drink is Guavaberry liqueur, which is made from Caribbean rum, sugar and rare berries that ripen only in August.
Oddly enough, the best restaurants on the island are not in Marigot or Philipsburg, and in a small town Grand Case, which is recognized as the gastronomic capital of Saint Martin. This is where the best restaurants in Saint Martin are located, offering exquisite French cuisine and the best French wines.
Accommodation
The choice of hotels in Saint Martin is simply huge, but during the high season (from December to April) rooms should be booked in advance, as otherwise you may have problems finding accommodation. Also, at the height of the season, one should not be surprised at the rather high prices, since this place is a popular international resort.
Almost all hotels in Saint Martin can boast of impeccable quality of service and excellent living conditions. Moreover, the most luxurious establishments are located not in cities, but outside them on the coast. Such hotels are large complexes with swimming pools, restaurants, spas, etc.
If you wish, you can not check into a hotel, but rent an apartment in one of the capitals (from $1,200 per week) or a villa on the coast (from $3,500 per week).
Entertainment and relaxation
First of all, guests of Saint Martin are offered a stunning selection of active entertainment: windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, diving, boat and sailboat trips, jungle safaris, fishing, horse riding, tennis, golf, picnics in nature or just relaxing on the beach.
The island’s “party” life is also very diverse, as nightclubs and bars begin their lives here closer to night, and there are also casinos on Dutch territory. Moreover, local clubs are so diverse that you can even hear such styles as merengue, jazz and zouk, and in the best restaurants you can hear classic compositions by Frank Sinatra and other famous performers of all times.
The island's snow-white beaches deserve special mention. Among them, the most popular are Great Bay, Long Bay, Anse Marcel, Cupecoy, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay and many others. In total, there are about 40 beaches on the island, many of which are replete with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. In addition to the beaches, the island has large resort areas with all the infrastructure accompanying a wonderful holiday. On French territory you can find beaches for nudists, among which the most famous is considered Orient Bay.
Another advantage of a holiday in Saint Martin is duty-free shopping in both capitals of the island, which are simply replete with a wide variety of shops and boutiques. Finally, it is recommended to take part in one of the local holidays, for example, February Carnival.
Purchases
Saint Martin is recognized as one of the most popular shopping destinations in the region. The fact is that both parts of the island are duty-free zones. Thus, there are more than 500 Duty Free stores here, which offer a huge selection of electronics, watches, jewelry, crystal, French perfumes, fashionable clothes, Havana cigars and the best vintage wines.
IN Philipsburg the main place for shopping is the street Front Street, where there is a huge number of shops and shops that beckon with their bright shop windows. There are also fashion boutiques with clothes from the world's leading brands. And on Sundays Philipsburg There is a market where traders offer interesting products of folk craftsmen.
French city Marigot It also abounds with many interesting shops, fashion boutiques and luxury jewelry stores offering watches and jewelry from the most prestigious brands. In addition, in Marigot There is a huge market where you can buy the most unusual tropical fruits, fresh seafood and aromatic spices. They also sell original souvenirs made by local artisans.
Transport
Located on the island Princess Juliana International Airport(on its Dutch part). It should be noted that it is not entirely convenient, since it is located close to the beach, as a result of which planes often fly literally right over the heads of vacationers.
Traffic in Saint Martin is on the right, the roads are quite narrow, and sometimes not of very good quality.
Public transport on both halves of the island consists of taxis and buses. Minivans are used as buses, which, regardless of borders, can get you to any part of the island for a very small fee. However, the border between Dutch and French territories is rather arbitrary. Well, by taxi you can travel around the entire island for just $25. This is relatively low price This is explained not by low tariffs, but by the very small size of Saint Martin. In addition, most local taxi drivers are happy to provide their services as a guide (about $50 per hour).
You can rent any car from one of the international companies, of which there are quite a lot here. Also, if desired, it is possible to rent a yacht, scooter, motorcycle, ATV or scooter.
Connection
The island has a high-quality and well-developed communication system. Telephone machines from which you can make an international call are installed in all populated areas and in all in public places. All machines operate from several types of calling cards. The most common cards are CaribTel, which fit almost all phones. Such cards are sold in post offices, supermarkets, newsstands and telephone company offices. Also, any call can be made from a post office or from a hotel, but in the latter case the cost of an international call will be much more expensive. Please note that calls between the French and Dutch parts of Saint Martin are considered international.
Cellular communication in Saint Martin operates in the GSM 900/1800 standard, it has good quality and covers the entire island. The international roaming service is available to all subscribers of major Russian operators.
Internet access is provided in an Internet cafe; the cost of a session depends on the connection speed and averages $5-10 per hour.
Safety
In general, Saint Martin has a fairly low crime rate, but pickpocketing does occur here.
For this reason, all generally accepted safety rules should be observed, especially for beaches, airports and public institutions. Theft from cars is also common on the island.
No special vaccinations are required to travel to Saint Martin. Vaccination against polio, typhoid and hepatitis is recommended, although there are no natural foci for the spread of these diseases.
Urban tap water undergoes purification and is safe for consumption, but in the first days of stay it is recommended to drink bottled water.
Business climate
The advantage of Saint Martin is its economic security and stability, as well as the fact that the entire island is a duty-free zone. The economy of both parts of the island as a whole depends on the tourism business, so considerable funds are invested in infrastructure development.
It is this area that is the main source of income for the French territory. And the Dutch part of Saint Martin is an offshore zone where a large number of different foreign companies are registered. There is also no tax on any real estate and income from its sale.
Real estate
The island of Saint Martin offers a wide selection of different real estate, which is intended for both personal use and for organizing a business. Moreover, here it can be owned not only by local residents, but also by foreign citizens.
On Dutch territory there are no restrictions on the purchase of real estate by non-residents of the country, and to complete the transaction it is enough to present a passport. The transfer of ownership of any real estate is carried out through a professional notary. This applies to both the French and Dutch parts of the island.
The most prestigious and expensive real estate on the island are the luxurious villas on the coast. The cost of such objects starts from $750,000 and can reach up to $3,000,000. Typically the price depends on the location and size of the villa.
The apartment market is also quite in demand. The cost of a two-bedroom apartment starts at an average of $400,000.
The amount of exported and imported currency is not limited in any way, but the amount of more than 7,000 € must be declared.
Duty-free import of 1 liter of strong alcohol (over 22°), up to 200 cigarettes, 100 grams of any tea, 500 grams of natural coffee and 50 milliliters of perfume is allowed.
The import and export of items of historical value, psychotropic substances, drugs, ammunition and weapons, endangered plants and animals is prohibited. The import of plants, animals, any animal products and vegetables from Haiti, as well as silver items and coins from Suriname and Holland are prohibited.
Visa information
Citizens of the Russian Federation to travel to Saint Martin need a visa, which can be obtained from the embassies of France or the Kingdom of the Netherlands (depending on which country the hotel is located in).
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is located in Moscow at the address: per. Kalashny, 6. You can also contact the Consulate General in St. Petersburg: Moika embankment, 11. However, a visa issued for visiting Saint Martin does not give the right to visit the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and holders of Schengen visas for travel You must apply for a separate visa for Saint Martin.
The French Embassy in Moscow is located at: st. Bolshaya Yakimanka, 45. The Consulate General is located in St. Petersburg at the address: emb. Moiki, 15. A visa issued for a trip to Saint-Martin does not give the right to stay in France and the Schengen countries.
The island of St. Martin is divided into two parts, Dutch and French, by the way it is the smallest inhabited island in the world, governed by two independent governments. The northern part of the island is the French overseas community of Saint-Martin, and the southern part is a self-governing state within the Netherlands called Sint Maarten. The island is divided between France and the Netherlands approximately 60/40, the French own an area of 53 square kilometers, the Dutch 34, but both parts of the island are approximately equal in population.
History of Saint Martin
It is believed that the Arawak Indians came here in 800 BC from South America, later the Kalinago tribe came here and gave the island the name Soualiga or Land of Salt. Christopher Columbus discovered the island on November 11, 1493 and gave it the name Isla de San Martin. The French settled here in 1624, and the economy was based on growing tobacco. In 1631, Dutch colonists arrived here. The further history of the island is an endless transfer of power from the French to the Dutch and the British, and so on ad infinitum. In 1816, the zones of influence of the Netherlands and France were restored, and there was no place for Great Britain.
Population of Saint Martin
The latest census showed that the island has 77,741 inhabitants, of which 40,917 live on the Dutch side and 36,824 on the French side.
Geography of Saint Martin
The Dutch side of the island is more populated, with the largest city of Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side. The highest point of the island is Pic Paradis, 424 meters high, located on the French side, however, both sides are hilly with mountain peaks, which surround the valley in which the entire population is located. There are no rivers on the island, the problem is drinking water can be solved with the help of special roofs of houses that collect rainwater. Saint Martin is located south of Anguilla and is separated by a canal.
Weather and climate in Saint Martin
The climate of Saint Martin is trade wind, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from August to December. Temperatures remain stable throughout the year, approximately 34 degrees Celsius during the day. The temperature of coastal waters is also constant at 27 degrees all year round.
Strong hurricanes almost completely destroyed the island in 1960, 1995, 1999. In 2003, the French part of the island separated from Guadeloupe to form a separate overseas community of France. October 10, 2010 - The Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist, St. Martin became one of the four constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Beaches on Saint Martin
There are only 30 sandy beaches on Saint Martin, they are evenly distributed throughout France and the Netherlands. Many beaches are plagued by sea grass that washes up on the shore. The danger of storms exists in late summer and early autumn. From the shores of Saint Martin in good weather, the neighboring islands of Saint Barthelemy (France), Anguilla (Great Britain), Saba and Saint Eustatius, Saint Kitts are clearly visible, but Nevis is no longer visible.
Economy of Saint Martin
The GDP per capita in Saint Martin today is around US$15,400. Today, the island's economy is based on tourism, with one million foreign tourists visiting Saint Martin annually. The tourism sector employs 85% of the population.
Culture, holidays and entertainment in Saint Martin
The Dutch side of the island is attractive for lovers of nightlife, casinos, parties, rum is produced here, and there are many jewelry shops. The French side is famous for its nudist beaches, clothing boutiques, and numerous markets. The most interesting restaurants are also located on the French side and offer, in addition to their traditional French cuisine, Creole cuisine.
Language of Saint Martin
As you understand, in the French part the official language is French, in the Dutch part it is Dutch. In addition, on both parts of the island the locals speak Creole English language, in the Dutch part Spanish and English are also widespread.
Currency of Saint Martin
In the French territory the official currency is the euro, and in the Netherlands the Netherlands Antillean guilder. Foreign tourists travel to Saint Martin easily with American dollars; prices on both sides of the island are duplicated in American dollars, which they gladly accept.
Banks and currency exchange Saint Martin
Here it is necessary to take into account the side in which the tourist will spend more time and spend money; it is better to go to the Dutch part of the island with American dollars, to the French part with euros, the same applies to the currency of credit cards, which are accepted everywhere. Remember that you can get cash dollars at ATMs installed in large banks and in major cities. It is better to take travel checks in American dollars.
VAT and tax-free Saint Martin
The offshore zone is the Dutch part of the island; the price of goods and products includes a sales tax of 3%, so from the point of view of shopping, the Dutch part of St. Martin is more profitable.
Shopping, shopping and shops Saint Martin
Stores are open as usual. The French side boasts an abundance shopping centers and boutiques with clothes, however, in terms of taxes, the Dutch side is more profitable, but shopping there is more modest.
Visas to St. Maarten
Citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan will need a visa to travel on vacation to Sint Maarten. If you choose, you can apply for it at the consulate of France or the Netherlands; there is no border on the island as such, only on the road crossing the border you can see a sign informing you that you are entering the French or Dutch side.
Naturally, happy holders of multiple-entry Schengen visas can safely enter the island. You can also apply for a single visa for the Caribbean islands and Aruba, including for visiting St. Eustatius, Saba, Bonaire, Curacao, and the Dutch part of St. Maarten. The visa will indicate the main island of stay; tourists who want to visit several islands will receive a stamp in their passport with the island where they are expected to spend the most time. It must be remembered that a Caribbean visa does not give the right to visit the European Union or the Netherlands. Short-term visas from Schengen countries are not allowed into the Caribbean.
Documents for a short-term visitor visa for the Caribbean Islands and Aruba
To obtain a visa to Saint Martin, tourists submit a standard package of documents, as for a Schengen visa. You must provide a passport, which will be valid for another 3 months after returning home. The form can be filled out in English, Dutch and French, French assumed if documents are submitted to the French consulate. One photograph 3.5x4.5 cm is pasted into the form, another is attached. A photocopy of the pages with personal data in the international passport and internal one is submitted. A hotel reservation is made and e-tickets on a plane, tickets must indicate exact dates, this applies to flights and hotel stays.
A certificate from the place of work with the specified salary is submitted. A bank statement is suitable as proof of financial solvency. Remember that a trip to St. Maarten is very expensive and consulate staff may be more harsh on tourists in this regard than on a similar trip to Europe.
Students and schoolchildren submit student and school ID cards, permission from educational institution for missing classes if the trip occurs during school hours.
Pensioners show their pension certificate and bank account statement. Unemployed people, housewives, students and pensioners can submit a letter of guarantee from the sponsor with his work certificates, bank statements and a copy of his internal passport. Traveling with minor children will add problems. A notarized permission for a child to travel abroad is required from the remaining parent or parents.
Each traveler requires a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
Transit visa
There is no need to obtain a transit visa if the transfer to the next flight occurs within one day, and the tourist can even leave the airport, but not the island itself.
Formalities and rules for entry to Sint Maarten
Customs regulations Saint Martin
Cash amounts over the equivalent of US$7,000 must be declared. Citizens who have reached the age of 15 can transport alcoholic beverages or cigarettes; the norms for travelers from Russia or Ukraine are the same as in the European Union, for example, you can carry 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of strong alcohol without duty. alcoholic drinks or 2.25 liters of wine, or 3 liters of beer. It is not recommended to bring a lot of expensive gifts and things with you; there will be no problems with bringing a personal camera and computer.
At the airport on the way back you will have to pay 7 US dollars if the next destination is the Netherlands, including in the Caribbean, in any other case 22 dollars, exceptions for children who do not occupy a separate seat on the plane and transit passengers.
Life of people in Saint Martin
Saint Martin is one of the most civilized and democratic islands in the Caribbean, there are many white Europeans here, high level life, there is no poverty and misery and the troubles associated with this moment. European culture reigns everywhere and moral values. The standard of living of local residents is high, prices are often even higher than in Europe. The rules of conduct on the beach are looser, European.
Standard of living in Saint Martin, people's lives
Saint-Martin has a higher standard of living than in Europe, at least this concerns prices, which bite hard in almost the same way as in Saint-Barthélemy. Dutch side in last years turned into an offshore zone, any legal entities that don't lead on the island entrepreneurial activity exempt from taxes, including on real estate and profits from its sale.
Saint Martin, unlike other Caribbean islands, has a huge airport that you can fly to from Europe or North America. Rich people from all over the world not only fly here, but also sail on their yachts or on a round-the-world cruise.
The French and Dutch parts of the island are strongly denounced, for example, on the French part the shops also widely stock cheeses or wines, just like in France itself. The capital of the French part of the island, the city of Marigot, presents slightly shabby colonial architecture. Slightly dilapidated dwellings contrast brightly with the futuristic yachts on the seashore.
Transport to Saint Martin
The island is home to one of the most dangerous airports in the world - Princess Juliana Airport. Planes fly over the heads of vacationers on Maho Beach, and the road leading from the airport is constantly plagued by traffic jams. The only mode of transport is taxi or car rental.
