Organize your stay Martinique
Money Martinique
A French overseas department and region (DROM), Martinique is part of the euro zone. This means you can make withdrawals and payments by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) just as you would in mainland France. There's no need to carry large amounts of cash. All card payments are free of charge, and withdrawals are subject to the same conditions as in mainland France (i.e. they are free of charge for most bank cards). What's more, ATMs and payment terminals are just as secure as in mainland France, and most payments are validated by PIN code.
In the event of loss or theft of your card outside France, your bank will offer you appropriate solutions to ensure that you can continue your stay in complete peace of mind. Before you leave, make a note of the assistance number printed on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 24/7. In the event of a stop payment, this is immediately confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number. Otherwise, the opposition is recorded, but you must confirm the cancellation to your bank by fax or registered letter.
Don't forget to tell your bank advisor about your trip. He or she can check with you whether your payment and withdrawal limits have been set. If necessary, ask for an exceptional authorization to increase your limit.
To find the nearest ATM, geolocation tools are available on :
visa.fr/services-en-ligne/trouver-un-distributeur or mastercard.com/en/particuliers/trouver-distributeur-banque.html.
If you have reached your withdrawal limit or your card is malfunctioning, you can benefit from a cash advance. Offered by most major banks, this service enables you to withdraw cash simply by presenting your bank card at the counter of any bank, whether your own or not. You will often be asked for proof of identity. In general, the cash advance limit is the same as the withdrawal limit, and the two are cumulative (if your limit is €500, you can withdraw €1,000: €500 at the ATM, €500 in cash advance). As for the cost of the operation, it's the same as for a withdrawal abroad.
Please note that most establishments on the island refuse to accept cheques out of the country.
Budget & Tips Martinique
The cost of living in Martinique is 30% higher than in mainland France for some basic foodstuffs. For your daily purchases, Martinique has supermarket chains identical to those in mainland France. It is rather the bill that will surprise you! Food is much more expensive. This is due to the cost of transport and various taxes, including dock dues. However, VAT is lower (8.5%). To reduce your budget, turn to local products, especially local vegetables. The problem is knowing how to cook them, which is not easy for beginners!
Passport and visas Martinique
A valid passport is necessary to visit the West Indies. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years). Those who wish to continue their journey in the former British islands (Saint Lucia, Dominica…), a valid passport is necessary, as well as a return or continuation ticket.
Citizens of Canada and the United States are admitted without a visa for a stay of less than 3 months on simple official proof of identity. Minors must be in possession of a passport.
Beware of entry conditions for your pets. Find out before your departure how they can accompany you: www.vosdroits.service-public.fr, or the website of the Société Centrale Canine www.scc.asso.fr.
Before leaving, remember to photocopy all your documents (passport, license). In case of loss or theft, it will be much easier to renew them with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). All you have to do is create an account and scan all your identity documents and other important documents into the confidential area.
Driver's license Martinique
A valid driver's license is required in Martinique.
Health Martinique
Mosquitoes are the main enemy of your trip to Martinique. Wipe yourself down with DEET-based repellents in concentrations of 25 and 30%, especially if you're usually fond of these delicate critters, and wear light but covering clothing. You can take some with you, but Martinique pharmacies are very well equipped. Sleep under a mosquito net.
Of all mosquitoes, only one is a disease-carrier:Aedes aegypti, which carries the dengue virus. This virus causes high fever, headaches and body aches. Most of the time benign (but very distressing), dengue fever can become dramatic in 1% of cases, transforming into dengue hemorrhagic fever, a dangerous form in the Caribbean that can cause severe bleeding, shock and even death.
Chikungunya is also present in Martinique. It is transmitted from human to human by mosquitoes. After an incubation period averaging four to seven days, a high fever suddenly appears, accompanied by joint pain. The course of the disease is usually favorable, with no after-effects.
Finally, since 2015, the South American subcontinent has been on alert for the zika virus epidemic. Transmitted by infected mosquitoes and likely to have arrived in Brazil during the 2014 Football World Cup, this virus with flu-like symptoms is believed to be the cause of thousands of cases of fetal microcephaly in infected pregnant women. By the end of 2015, all regions of Brazil were affected, as well as neighboring French Guiana, Suriname, Paraguay, Colombia and Venezuela. Central America (El Salvador in particular), Barbados, Martinique and Guadeloupe have been affected since January 2016, although the epidemic has since subsided.
In addition to mosquitoes, there are also yen-yens, tiny midges that look like tiny mosquitoes, which bite non-stop and are very annoying.
Other species to be feared in Martinique, apart from mosquitoes, are the "matoutou-falaises" (so much cuter than the term mygale, to which it is related, although less dangerous) and scolopendres, those delicious centipedes that cause a high fever and love damp places, showers, greasy grass... Another of nature's misdeeds is the mancenillier, a tree that grows at the edge of certain beaches: don't touch its leaves or fruit, as this can cause burns and itching. Given the risk of cigattera (a disease transmitted by eating fish), don't eat your catch without authorized advice. Finally, the West Indies' only venomous snake, the trigonocephalus, hides in the sugarcane fields. It's also known as the spearhead of Martinique. It is very dangerous to humans if bitten.
Beware of the mancenillium, a highly toxic and irritating tree. Ingestion of its fruit, which resembles a small apple, can be fatal. Located along the beach, it is usually indicated by a red sign.
With regard to COVID, we strongly advise you to visit the Martinique Prefecture's website for the latest information on entry to and exit from Martinique, which may change depending on the health situation on the island: www.martinique.gouv.fr
Mandatory vaccination Martinique
No specific vaccination is required.
Yellow fever vaccination is not compulsory for travellers from Europe or the USA, but may be required for those arriving from countries where the disease is present (sub-Saharan Africa, but especially South America: Guyana, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru).
However, you are advised to ensure that your recommended vaccinations are up to date: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, whooping cough.
Security Martinique
There are no particular problems to report in Martinique. That said, a few common-sense rules are in order: don't leave anything lying around in your car, especially anything valuable, and don't wander alone at night in isolated areas or in certain districts of Fort-de-France.
Time difference Martinique
There is a 5 hour difference during winter time in mainland France (when it is 6pm in Paris, it is 1pm in Fort-de-France) and 6 hours in summer, from March to October.
Spoken languages Martinique
Of course, the official language in Martinique is French! But the vast majority of Martinicans speak Creole. Creole is a linguistic fusion of different cultures (French, English, Spanish, Indian, African and indigenous). A parallel can be drawn with the similarities between French and Latin. Creole has a French lexical base, resembling French but with its own vocabulary.
In Creole, we write as we speak. Creole knows neither conjugation nor formal address. Here, everyone is on first-name terms.
Creole is spoken throughout the Lesser Antilles, but each island has its own "Creole".
Communication Martinique
Martinique enjoys excellent telephone and Internet coverage. All hotels and many restaurants, bars and even some public areas have free wifi. Better than 3G and 4G connection.
Electricity and measurements Martinique
You will find 220 volts on the whole island, as well as French plugs.
Luggage Martinique
Among the essential accessories to put in your suitcase: swimsuits of course! Don't hesitate to bring several of them because they will be your main outfit. Flip-flops and a hat or cap will complete your holiday outfit.
Take light clothing with you: shorts, tee-shirts, skirts and light dresses. The temperature varies between 25 and 30 °C. Don't forget your sunglasses, which will protect your eyes from the glare, which is particularly blinding near the sea.
An essential is the anti-mosquito spray to fight against the many insects that appear at the end of the afternoon. They are extremely small and numerous… A high index sun protection cream should also come in handy. Don't hesitate to choose a special product to protect children's skin. It is even advisable that they keep their T-shirt on the beach. Put on after-sun lotion or Biafine© after a good sunbath. That being said, pharmacies and supermarkets offer all these product ranges.
Lastly, bring closed shoes, or even hiking boots, more suitable than flip-flops for your excursions in the north, without forgetting the unavoidable masks and snorkels.
