Martinique / Island Essentials

All travellers to Martinique will need to know the essential island facts. The information on Martinique shown below is current (2011).

Airport

Martinique Aimé Césaire international airport (FDF) is located in a suburb of Fort-de-France and is well connected with the Caribbean as well as with international destinations.

Check-in/Check-out

As a general rule check-out times are at around 12 noon and check-in is some time after 2pm. This may not be inconvenient because the majority of international arrivals into Martinique touch down in the early or mid afternoon. Some properties may be flexible on check-in or check-out times by prior arrangement. If you are arriving on-island earlier in the day let them know and they may be happy to provide a day room/shower facilities subject to availability

Departure Tax/Taxes

An airport security tax of €13 is payable by all passengers leaving Martinique. This is usually included in the price of your air ticket.

Electricity

The voltage in Martinique is 220 AC and runs on 50 cycles, the same as in the French mainland in Europe. Electrical sockets on the island take only round pin plugs, so you will need to bring a French plug converter and possibly a transformer to use your electrical items.

Embassies/Consulates

There are no foreign embassies or diplomatic missions in Martinique, however there are honorary consuls or full political representation in either St Lucia or Barbados. 

Canada 
Canadians can obtain consular assistance and further information from theCanadian High Commission in Barbados at Bishop's Court Hill, St Michael, Bridgetown, t 1 246 429 3550 bdgtn@international.gc.ca 

United Kingdom 
British citizens can obtain consular assistance and information in Martinique from the Honorary British Consul located at 96 Route du Phare, Fort-de-France, t 05 96 61 88 92. There is a High Commission Office in nearby St Lucia t 1 758 45 22484/5 postmaster.castries@fco.gov.uk and the British High Commission in Barbados t 1 246 430 7800 

United States 
The US Embassy in Barbados has jurisdiction over the French West Indies and is located in Wildey Business Park, St Michael. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services during regular office hours call t 1 246 227 4193 or email BridgetownACS@state.gov The emergency contact out of hours is t 1 246 227 4000 – please ask for the duty officer. There is also a US Consular Agent in Martinique, Henry Ritchie, who is located at the Hotel Valmeniere #615, Avenue des Arawaks, Fort-de-France, t 05 96 75 67 54 - available during regular office hours only. hritchie@sbcglobal.net

Emergencies

Police – 17 
Medical emergency – 15 
Fire department - 18 
Doctor - 05 96 63 33 33

Nudity

Unlike the rest of the Caribbean, where it is mostly illegal and frowned upon, toplessness is perfectly acceptable on the beaches on Martinique. There are no official nude beaches on the island other than a clothing optional area at the Club Med. Swimwear and revealing clothing however should be reserved for the beach and you are asked to cover up when in the towns.

Service Charge/Tipping

As with metropolitan France, service is included in restaurant and hotel bills on Martinique. However with so many American visitors, for whom tipping is the norm, the issue has become a little clouded – at any rate, a gesture will be appreciated if you feel that you've received excellent service. Taxi cab drivers may expect a tip, especially for longer trips.

Time Zone

Martinique is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is four hours behind GMT (Britain in winter) and five behind Europe and mainland France. During the winter the island is an hour ahead of the eastern seaboard of the USA. 

Martinique has no daylight saving time, so when the clocks go forward in summer in the northern hemisphere the island is five hours behind Britain, six behind France and Europe and on the same time as Eastern Standard Time in the USA.