last edited Dec 11, 2019
Money, Budget, and Shopping in Saint Barthélemy
Location Map of Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy
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Money
Currency
- Currency: euro (100 cents).
- Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.
- Exchange:
Exchange
For those not in the eurozone, it’s possible to exchange money at banks, which accept major currencies, or use ATMs. Note that alongside the euro, the US dollar is widely accepted.
Payment Methods
You can, of course, pay in cash or by credit card (with no fees for euro-denominated accounts), just like on the mainland. However, checks from mainland France are often refused by merchants.
Budget
Saint Barthélemy has deliberately chosen a high-end tourism model, with the infrastructure and prices to match. As a result, staying here will be expensive, especially for accommodation (there’s nothing in the "budget" range) and even dining, not to mention any activities you might want to do. At best, you can expect to spend around 150 to 200 € per day per person (based on two people). That’s why, to save money, it’s worth considering a day trip to St. Barth—since the island isn’t very large—from the nearby island of Saint Martin (just 25 km away).
What Can Be Expensive
- Accommodation.
- High season (mid-December to mid-April).
What Might Not Be Expensive
- At most, a simple day trip from nearby St. Martin.
Price Range
- Double room in a "tourism" hotel:
- Snacks, meals at a "local" restaurant:
- Meals at a "tourism" restaurant:
- Budget car rental: around 40 € per day for the smallest models.
- Budget scooter rental: around 20 to 25 € minimum per day.
- Taxi:
Bargaining and Tipping
Shopping and Souvenirs
Saint Barthélemy is a duty-free zone, meaning no taxes on purchases. That said, much like the island itself, the shopping here is mostly high-end, luxury, and big-name brands.