Communications on St. Martin can be mildly difficult due to the dual autonomy of the small island. St. Martin and St. Maarten have different area codes and use different phone systems. St. Maarten uses the area code plus seven-digit system used in the United States. St. Martin uses a European area code plus six-digit format. Calling from one side to the other, as a result, is considered a long distance call. There are no pay phones on the French side, though calls can be made from public phones using a credit card.

St. Martin press has a few dailies that keep locals and tourists up-to-date with current events. The Dutch part of the St. Martin press consists of two local newspapers, the Daily Herald and Today. Later in the morning, the Miami Herald is available throughout the island in addition to St. Martin press releases. St. Martin press on the French side represents only one paper, This Week. If St. Martin press is not enough to keep your news demands met, the New York Times can be found at specialty newsstands.

Sint Maarten real estate investment opportunities have never been better. There are very few restrictions when investing. You do not need to become a resident to own real estate on the island.
Real estate transactions are always closed using the European system where the Civil DCR Notary (appointed by the queen) is responsible, by DCR, to both parties and is obligated to do a proper title search to insure a clear title transfer. A personal attorney is not necessary. St. Maarten real estate closings are in English within the time frame set by the purchase agreement and closing costs are minimal.
It is hard to imagine a better place to make a real estate investment - but it is quite an endeavor to find your way trough all the red tape involved with the process. Do not despair; you can get professional help. The Island has numerous experienced real estate agencies.

St.Maarten, St.Martin is the only island in the Antilles group apart from Curacao which has achieved success in developing an offshore financial services industry and offers highly international banking, communication and professional services that are geared at promoting the island as an international business center.

The vibrancy and diversity of art in the Caribbean is astounding and St.Martin is an island with a deep heritage of fascinating and diverse cultures. It is home to a veritable colony of artists of different backgrounds and from many parts of the world.