last edited Dec 11, 2019
Other Practical Information for Martinique
Location Map of Martinique
Martinique
Open the interactive map
Luggage and Equipment to Bring
At any time of year, pack light clothing plus a sweater for evenings, air conditioning, and "altitude". Don’t forget mosquito protection, sun protection, and rain gear in season, as well as proper walking shoes.
Communications
Phone
International dialing code: (00 +) 596.
To call from mainland France to Martinique: dial the 10-digit number of the person you’re calling, noting that all landlines on the island start with 05 96 and mobiles with 06 96. The same applies for calls within Martinique.
To call from Martinique to mainland France: dial the 10-digit number of the person you’re calling. For international calls from Martinique: 00 + country code + the number of the person you’re calling.
Internet
Post
Post offices can be found in almost every village. They are open on weekdays (8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00 PM–4:00 PM) and Saturday mornings. Mail to mainland France is charged at the same rate as within metropolitan France.
Time Difference
Local time: .
Martinique is on GMT-4. This means there are 5 hours less in winter and 6 hours less in summer compared to mainland France. There is also a one-hour difference between Quebec (GMT-5) and Martinique.
Electricity
220 Volt (50 Hz) with "French" plugs (officially types C and E), which will require an adapter for North American plugs.
Opening Hours
Generally, most shops open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Supermarkets stay open later in the evening, as well as all day Saturday and Sunday mornings. Government offices are open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with Wednesday afternoons closed. During carnival season, all these hours may change.
Laundromats
Local Tourist Offices
Weights and Measures
Martinique uses the metric and decimal system, just like mainland France.
French Language
French is the official language, so there’s no problem. Creole is also widely spoken on the island. Note that, while it has roots in French, Martinican Creole is specific to Martinique and the Antilles and may not be understood by speakers of Reunionese Creole, for example.