Catamarans are a popular way of reaching St. Bart's, including the White Octopus, Quicksilver and El Tigre. Other options include water trips to Saba, Anguilla, St. Bart's, deserted Prickly Pear Island and the stark French Tintamarre. Most hotels and guest houses add 10 percent to 15 percent service charge in lieu of tipping. Some also add an energy surcharge. Tipping Most hotels and restaurants add between 10 percent and 15 percent to the bill as a service charge, and this is almost always posted in writing at the entrance, on the menu, etc.
Travelers can tip more for special service.
As U.S. dollars are widely accepted on both the Dutch and the French sides, visitors do not need to exchange their U.S. money for a visit to the island. Official currency of the French side is the French franc, as in France or in other French holdings around the world. Nearly all prices are listed in U.S. dollars as well as the local currency, so there's no need for calculating exchange rates. Automatic teller machines are available at several locations throughout the island. Time St. Maarten is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round.