Language: French is the official language, but Antillean Creole (Créole Martiniquais) is mostly spoken amongst islanders. English is typically spoken only in the larger hotels and tourist areas.
Currency: The local currency is Euros but US Dollars, traveller's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Time: Local time is UTC/GMT -4 hours.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for Martinique is +596. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). As there are no coin phones, a Télécarte (phone card) makes local and international calls easier and less expensive. They are sold at Post Offices and other outlets marked Télécarte en Vente Ici and are used in special booths marked Télécom found all over Martinique. Many phones now accept VISA, MasterCard or other credit cards for long distance calls. Instant Internet connection is not yet widely available in Martinique.
Tourist OfficeComité Martiniquais du Tourisme: +(596) 596 61 61 77.
EmergencyFire: 18, Police: 17, Ambulance: 15
Embassies
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Martinique): +1 (202) 944 6000.
French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Martinique): +44 (0)207 073 1000.
French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Martinique): +1 613 789 1795.
French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Martinique): +61 (0)26 216 0100.
French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Martinique): +27(0)12 425 1600.
French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Martinique): +353 (0)1 277 5000.
French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Martinique): +64 (0)4 384 2555.
United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
Irish Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4417 6700.
New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4501 4343.
