Martinique Travel Tips

Social Conventions
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and informal. Casual dress is acceptable everywhere, but formal attire is needed for dining out and nightclubs.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
Martinique’s national airline is CTA Air Martinique.

Departure Tax
None.

Main Airports
Fort-de-France (FDF) (Lamentin) is 11km (7 miles) from the city. Facilities: Restaurants, banks and bureaux de change, shops, tourist information and car hire.

Getting There by Water
Main port: Fort-de-France. The Pointe Simon cruise dock, nearer the city center, accommodates larger cruise ships. Regular high-speed catamaran services run to Guadeloupe, St Lucia and Dominica. For more information, contact either Express des Îles (tel: (596) 631 212; e-mail: info@express-des-iles.com) or Brudey Frères (tel: (596) 700 850; fax: (596) 705 375). Caribbean Ferries sail to and from Dominique, St Lucia and Guadeloupe (tel: (596) 636 868).

Other ships sail from Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico).

Overview
The island of Martinique is an Overseas Department of France, and therefore duty-free allowances are the same as those for France; see France section.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Aeroplanes and helicopters may be chartered from Air Martinique.

Getting Around by Water
Scheduled ferries ply between Fort-de-France and the main resorts of Trois Îlets and Sainte-Anne via Anse Mitan, Pointe du Bout, Anse à l’Âne and Anses d’Arlet. Children’s tickets are half price.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. The road system is well developed and surfaced. Bus: A limited although inexpensive service is provided within the communes. Most of Martinique’s public transport is served by communal taxis, denoted by the sign TC. TCs depart at frequent intervals from Pointe Simon (by the waterfront in Fort-de-France) to destinations all over the islands, making stops along the way. Fares are fixed and are reasonable. TCs run from early morning until 1800. Taxi: Government-controlled, plentiful and reasonably cheap if shared. The majority of taxis are Mercedes-Benz. There is a 40 per cent surcharge at night (2000-0600). Main taxi stands are at major hotels, resorts and the airport. Car hire: The island has excellent car hire facilities. 50cc mopeds do not need a license. Bicycles can also be hired. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, but a national driving license is sufficient, provided the driver has at least one year’s experience. The minimum driving age is 21.


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