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The Fourth International Conference on Digital Society ICDS 2010 February 10-16, 2010 - St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles |
| Hotels and Travel |
Conference Hotel
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino
Maho Bay - Rhine Road 1
St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
Airport
Arriving: Airport Princess Juliana International Airport [SXM]
Getting from airport to hotel: about 10 minutes by taxi costing 6 to 10 euro.
Travel information
Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport [SXM]
Passports
Valid passports are required to enter St. Maarten.
Currency
The US dollar is the currency in the Dutch part of the island. Banks are open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an additional hour on the French side Monday to Thursday 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and on the Dutch side, Friday 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Tipping
Hotels on the French side typically add 5% occupancy tax per person, but a small gratuity is greatly appreciated for exceptionally good service. Restaurants also add a service charge to the bill. For taxi drivers it is customary to tip between 50 cents and a dollar, while porters at the airport usually get $1 per bag.
Clothing
Choice of clothing should be casual and comfortable but neat. Swimming attire is not appreciated in hotel lobbies or for walking around town. At night dress remains somewhat informal, but jackets and shawls are recommended since casinos and restaurants can get a little chilly.
Language
Officially, French is the language of St. Martin and Dutch in St. Maarten, but almost everyone speaks English, and many speak Spanish as well. French Creole and Papiamento, a Creole language of the Netherlands Antilles, is spoken here locally, especially in the southern parts of the island.
Driving
For getting around from place to place a car is virtually indispensable although most hotels offer shuttle service to the casinos on the Dutch side of the island. Rental agencies are located at both airports and at the major hotels. Driving is on the right side of the road, and most of the roads are in fairly good repair. Motorcycles and mopeds are also available for hire.
Telephone
Dialing from abroad, the country code for French St. Martin is (590)590 fallowed by the local number witch is six digits long. The country code for Dutch St. Maarten is (599)5 followed by the five digits of the local number. Calls between the two countries are also international. From St. Martin to St. Maarten, remember to use the prefix 00599 54 then the number for fixed phones or 00599 55 or 00599 5 the the number for cellular. Calling the other way requires the prefix 00 (590) 590 then the number for fixed phones or 00 (590) 690 the the number for cellular. Phone cards, which must be used for all public phones, must be prepaid and bought at the post office or at some stores in downtown Marigot.
Electrical Current
Electrical appliances run at at 110 volts (60 Hz), after the American standard, in St. Maarten. Visitors to the island should bring the appropriate converters if needed.
Poisonous Plants
The Manchionneel tree is extremely poisonous, and it grows all over the island but mainly along the beaches. It can be recognized by its deep green leaves and attractive green fruit that look like little apples. Both the sap and the fruit are caustic and will burn the skin. In case of contact or ingestion, contact a physician or a pharmacist immediately.
