Essentials

Banks and Exchange Services

The euro is the official currency in Martinique. U.S. dollars are accepted in some hotels but generally at an unfavorable rate. You can usually get the best rate by withdrawing euros from ATMs, which you'll find at the airport and at branches of the Crédit Agricole bank. Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, but some establishments accept neither credit cards nor traveler's checks, particularly once you get away from Fort-de-France and Pointe du Bout. Many establishments don't accept American Express in any case. There is a change office at the beginning of Ernest Deproge Street next to the Banque Francaise. Change Caraïbes is at 14 rue Victor Hugo and Le Bord de Mer. They will still exchange both dollars and traveler's checks and usually offer fair rates.

Electricity

220-volt outlets. North American appliances require a converter and an adapter.

Emergency Services

Ambulance (15 or 0596/71-15-75.)

Fire (18.)

Police (17.)

Passport Requirements

All visitors must have a valid passport and a return or ongoing ticket. A birth certificate and picture ID are not sufficient.

Phones

To call Martinique from the United States, dial 011-596-596 plus the local six-digit number (yes, you must dial 596 twice). To call the United States from Martinique, dial 001, then the area code, then the local number.

Mail

Airmail letters to the United States cost €0.95 for up to 20 grams and €1 to Canada; postcards cost €0.85, €0.95 to Canada. Stamps can be purchased from post offices, tobacco shops, and newsstands. Letters to Martinique should include the name of the business, street (if available), town, and postal code, as well as "Martinique, French West Indies." Mail is extremely slow, both ways.

Taxes and Service Charges

A resort tax varies from city to city. Each has its own tax, with most between €0.76 and €1.25 per person per day; the maximum is €2.25. Rates quoted by hotels usually include a 10% service charge.

Tipping

All restaurants include a 15% service charge in their menu prices. You can always add to this if you feel that service was particularly good.