Martinique Basics

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The Basics

Time: Local time is UTC/GMT -4 hours.

Electricity: Electrical current in Martinique is 220 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs are in use.

Money: The local currency is Euros but US Dollars, traveller's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: French is the official language of Martinique, but Antillean Creole (Créole Martiniquais) is mostly spoken amongst islanders. English is typically spoken only in the larger hotels and tourist areas.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a passport. A visa is not required for endorsed British Citizen passport holders. Visa exemption is for three months for passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen and British Subject with the right of abode in UK.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must hold a passport for entry to Martinique. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 1 month.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport and a Schengen visa for travel to Martinique.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note: Martinique is part of the French Antilles and visitors, other than EEA state members, are advised to hold a return or onward ticket, documents for next destination and proof of financial means. Schengen visa is also valid for French West Indies, provided the Schengen visa is endorsed 'also valid for French West Indies' and the endorsement must also specify the French Overseas Department the visa is valid for the next destination.

Travel Health: Medical and health care facilities in Martinique are on a par with those of France and are considered to be some of the best in the French West Indies. Specialist treatment is also available. There are around 20 hospitals and clinics located on the island, the largest of them being Hospital Pierre Zobda Quikman, which has 24-hour emergency room. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations like Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and measles boosters before travelling to Martinique. Medical insurance is advised.

Tipping: As in France, tips are usually included in restaurant bills in Martinique and taxes and service charges are included in hotel rates.

Safety Information: There is very little crime in Martinique but visitors should take sensible precautions and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark and not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should, where possible, be left in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

Local Customs: Unlike many tropical islands, Martinique has a thriving economy and is not solely dependent on tourism. Relaxed, informal clothing is acceptable around town, but scanty beach wear and short-shorts are considered improper in urban areas. The only officially designated clothing-optional beaches in the French islands are in Guadeloupe and St. Martin. At hotel pools and at beaches near hotels, topless swimming and sunbathing is common.

Communications: The international dialling code for Martinique is +596. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). As there are no coin phones, a Télécarte (phone card) makes local and international calls easier and less expensive. They are sold at Post Offices and other outlets marked Télécarte en Vente Ici and are used in special booths marked Télécom found all over Martinique. Many phones now accept VISA, MasterCard or other credit cards for long distance calls. Instant Internet connection is not yet widely available in Martinique.