Martinique
| Frequently Asked Questions
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
FAQs What is the population? The population of Martinique was estimated at 429,510 in 2004.
How big is the country/island? Martinique is 50 miles by 22 miles at its longest and widest points for a total area of 425 sq miles.
Can I drink the tap water? The tap water is safe to drink.
What are the best things to buy here? Look for luxury items such as designer perfumes, accessories, leather items, jewellery, watches, crystal, china and wine.
For souvenirs with local flavour look for coral and Creole gold jewellery, wooden carvings, wicker items, pottery, tapestries, Creole dolls dressed in madras, bamboo knickknacks and local rum and liqueurs.
Sainte Luce has a traditional market.
Are there nude beaches? Although there are no official nude beaches topless bathing is common.
What are the main industries? The main industries are construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, bananas and tourism.
What native dishes should I try? Local dishes to try include accras (cod or vegetable fritters), roast wild goat, stewed rabbit, red snapper, kingfish, sunfish, soudons (small clams), z'habitants or cribiches (freshwater crayfish), stewed lambi (conch, pronounced conk), crabes farcis (stuffed land crab), oursin (sea urchin), langouste (clawless Caribbean lobster), pâté en pot (sheep offal soup), boudin (Creole blood sausage), broiled dove and colombo (curry).
Can I use my calling card from here? AT&T: Service is available from pay phones and/or select hotels for country-to-country calls. Dial 0-800-99-00-11 + area code + local number and follow the voice prompts. Calls can be made using your ATT Calling Card, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and Discover card.
BT: Dial 0-800-99-02-44, input your account number and PIN, then dial the number you require.
Canada Direct: Service is available from public pay phones with calling cards from Bell, MTS, Aliant, SaskTel and Telus. Dial 0-800-99-00-16 to reach a Canadian operator directly.
MCI MinutePass: Dial 0-800-99-00-19 and follow the voice prompts for country-to-country calls.
Sprint: Dial 0-800-99-0087 and follow the voice prompts.
For more information see the section in General Info: Telecommunications.
How should I dress to go out? Dress in fashion-conscious Martinique is smart casual. It is unacceptable to wear bathing suits, short shorts and short tank tops in public. You may want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver? Electricity is 220-volts, 50 Hz, which is the same as in France. Visitors from North America will require an adaptor and converter.
How much should I tip? Tip waiters and taxi drivers about 15%. Some hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10-15% service charge to the bill. It is not necessary to leave an additional tip unless you feel the service was above average.
Disclaimer:
Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All information should be verified prior to travel.
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