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Martinique is an overseas territory of France and is takes approximately 8 hours travel time to arrive on the island from Paris.
Fondly known as the Isle of Flowers, Martinique is truly blessed with a bit of everything. From beaches to waterfalls and rainforests, there is something for every type of visitor to this Caribbean island.
The capital of Martinique is Fort de France, a city known for its fine French cuisine and architecture.
If you are preparing for an upcoming trip to Martinique, you may have some questions around what currency is best for the island.
The best currency to use in Martinique is the Euro. This is the official currency of the island as it is a French Overseas Territory. On a whole, the US Dollar Is not accepted on the island. Large businesses such as hotels, restaurants and supermarkets accept credit card payments.
What Is The Official Currency of Martinique
As an overseas territory of France, the official currency of Martinique is the Euro which is managed by the European Central Bank.
Bank notes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro dollars. Alternatively coins are available in 1 and 2 Euro dollars and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent pieces.
Do I need cash in Martinique?
Cash is required especially when doing transactions with small businesses and vendors.
Major businesses such as hotels, restaurants and supermarkets accepts credit card.
Can you use US dollars in Martinique?
US dollars are rarely accepted by businesses on the island. Martinique is unlike other Caribbean islands such as Anguilla and St Maarten where US dollars are treated as a secondary currency.
You may find instances for example a booth near the cruise ship terminal where items are quoted in US dollars. Kindly note that this is the exception than the norm on the island.
Can you use Canadian dollars in Martinique?
Canadian dollars are not accepted by businesses on the island. Holders of Canadian dollars will tend to be referred to the exchange office at the airport to have the currency converted by locals.
Commercial banks are available on the island where you may be able to have your notes converted. Major Banks on the island include Banque des Antilles Francaises (BDAF) and Banque Populaire.
Can you use British Pound Sterling dollars in Martinique?
Along the same lines as the Canadian dollars, businesses on the island will not accept British Pound Sterling as the rate fluctuates daily with the Euro.
Locals will tend to refer you to the exchange office on the airport to have the notes converted.
Can you use a debit card in Martinique?
Debit cards can be used on the island at the ATM machines in Fort de France. There are several 24 hour operated ATMs on the island and they are easy to access especially in Fort de France. You will receive monies in Euro dollars.
Kindly note that there is usually a fee that is charged by your bank for each transaction.
General Tips To Remember In Martinique
- Many small businesses on the island do not have credit card machines. If you plan on supporting small businesses during your stay, then have cash available.
- Tipping is not customary on the island. Nevertheless, locals are appreciative when they receive additional gratuity.
- Ensure and notify your banks prior to traveling to prevent credit cards from being blocked as you begin using it on the island.
- The US dollar is not often used in Martinique as on other islands such as Anguilla and St Maarten. Prices by businesses are usually quoted in Euro dollars.
- It is easy to island hop to other nearby islands such as St Lucia, Dominica and Guadeloupe by ferry. L’ Express Des Isles is the name of the ferry service.
- It may be challenging traveling around the island without basic French skills so try to learn some key words and phrases before your trip.
- Banks usually open on weekdays on Mondays to Fridays. There are banks that open on Saturdays for a few hours on the island.
Final Thoughts
As a general rule, the best currency to use in the Martinique is the Euro. US Dollars are not accepted by businesses on the island. Credit Cards and Debit Cards are easy to use at large businesses. There are many 24 hour operated ATMs on the island to use your bank cards to access Euro dollars.
If you are contemplating traveling to Martinique or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less.
This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less.
Need More Information?
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