Passports and Documents

Martinique, being a French territory, is a part of the European Union.

European residents need only carry Identity Cards to enter Martinique.

You are, however, advised to bring your passport with you if you intend to visit neighboring islands or go cruising outside of the territorial waters of the island.
 

A valid European Driving license is all that is required for car and motorbike hire.

Those wishing to visit the Island from the US or Canada may stay for 3mths with Valid US or Canadian travel documentation, demonstrating their residency in the US or Canada.
Other non EU nationalities will need to complete the standard immigration formalities (passport and Visa) required to visit France.
An international driving permit is advised for car motorbike hire.
 

Currency, Payments and Credit Cards   

The Euro (€) is the official currency of Martinique.
All major credit cards are generally accepted as payment for hotels, restaurants, shops etc.
It is possible to make cash withdrawals from Automated Teller Machines subject to your bank’s conditions.

Cash withdrawals are not permitted on foreign cards or bank accounts from local banks on the island.

Outside of Martinique’s territorial waters, on nearby islands, the Caribbean Dollar is used. Local banks are able to exchange all major currencies. (1Euro = 3,1887 EC$)

Languages Spoken

The official language of Martinique is French, though locals often use Creole amongst themselves.
English is often spoken proficiently, especially in the tourist areas.
Regardless of your native language, the local’s friendliness and willingness to help ensures that with a bit of effort and a sense of humor anything can be achieved.
 

Climate  

The island’s tropical climate has two distinct seasons :
- the Dry Season, from mid November to mid May, has rarely any storms and consistently pleasant temperatures between 29-29° Celsius. During this period the climate is generally cooler and less humid in contrast to the rest of the year.

- the Hot and Humid Season, from mid May to mid November. The “Alisei”, dominant easterly winds diminish as the season progresses and the rain becomes more intense and frequent. Temperatures reach 30-31° Celsius in the afternoon.
 

Plan your trip   Local Radar   Detailed Forecast

Time Differences  

5 hours behind Italy, 6 hours during daylight saving. For example, when it is 20.00 in Italy it is 15.00 in Martinique(14.00 during DST)

Public Holidays 

Apart from the major Catholic days of celebration, Martinique also celebrates the following:

Ascension (40 days after Easter)
Pentecost (the 8th Monday after Easter)
Abolition of Slavery Day 22nd May.
Bastille Day 14th July
Birthday of Schoeler 21st July
Assumption Day 15th August
All Saints 1st November
Armistice Day 11th November
 

Have a look at the calendar of events in Martinique!

Office and Shop  

Banks and most offices are open from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm with a 2 hour lunch break. On the eve of public holidays banks close at midday.
Shops are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 6pm and on Saturdays close at 1pm.
Shopping complexes and supermarkets are generally open Monday to Saturday with continuous hours of trading from 8.30 am to 8pm as well as Sunday mornings.
It should be noted that most shops close on Wednesday afternoon as a local custom.
 

There are no particular difficulties to be encountered with telephones in Martinique. Visitors are advised to use public payphones with international dialing cards .
These international dialing cards are widely available and allow you to make international calls at much more economical rates and with greater clarity than possible with roaming mobile phones.
Internet is widely established throughout Martinique with internet cafes and internet points easily found in all tourist area.
 

To call
UK 0044…
Australia 0061 ….
Etc
Martinique from outside the island 00596
 

220Volts , 50 Hertz

Martinique has a highly developed heath system, considered the best in the Caribbean.
There are public hospitals as well as private clinics.
Chemists and Pharmacists follow the European standards and at least one can be found in every principal centre.
As in all tropical locations, it is necessary to take a few minor precautions, most of which are commonsense to the informed traveler.

Water from the tap is suitable for drinking unless otherwise indicated.
You should avoid stagnant water and treat even the most minor cut or abrasion as soon as possible. Mosquito repellant is widely available.
A few mosquitoes have been known to be carriers of the Dengue Virus (symptoms are likened to a heavy flu).
To avoid the mosquito’s bite it is recommended that you purchase a repellent from the ample range available on the island.
Be aware of the scolopendre, a centipede, who’s bite is likened to that of a scorpion.
Avoid the mancinelle, all parts of this plant are highly toxic and dangerous to the touch: leaves, trunk and fruit (similar to small green apples).
On the more popular beaches, the plants are normally marked with a red band.
Please be careful of sexually transmitted diseases. Aids is unfortunately as much a reality of life on Martinique as everywhere else in the world.
 

Over the past few years the authorities responsible for transport on Martinique have made considerable efforts to improve the island’s infrastructure.

All of the major towns are connected by bus and taxi, but unfortunately the services continue to be irregular. This above all the case in the more remote countryside and during public holidays.

Within the urban band of Fort de France there is a local bus service.

Taxi’s on Martinique are quite expensive. For example a taxi from the airport to Le Marin by day is about €60.

Car Hire:

To be able to move freely around Martinique we highly recommend hiring a car.

We suggest JumboCar, with a professional service, low prices and a large choice of cars, an agency at the airport and 6 agencies on the island.

Ferry Trois Ilets - Fort de France
Between Fort de France and Trois Ilet, to the south of the island, operates a convenient ferry service which saves you time and money when traveling between the two towns.

Traditions and celebrations

Have a look at the calendar of events in Martinique!