If you’re staying at a resort with a kitchenette, you might find yourself tempted to whip up a meal or two. Luckily, if you’ve got a rental car, you’re all set to explore some fantastic grocery options on the island
If there’s a supermarket within walking distance of your resort, be prepared for higher prices. Instead, check out where the locals shop! You’ll find small convenience stores run by friendly Chinese families at nearly every corner. These little gems often have great prices on everyday items, including some familiar US brands. Just keep in mind that you probably won’t find any fancy cheeses, wines, or specialty meats here.
For a broader selection, Carrefour is a fantastic international supermarket chain with several locations on Sint Maarten. You’ll find a large store in Philipsburg and another in Cole Bay, along with smaller ones in Jordan Village and Porto Cupecoy. Carrefour has an amazing range of US and European products, and if you’re visiting from the US, why not step outside your comfort zone? Trying out some European goods, especially dairy products, could be a delightful surprise!
And don’t forget about baked goods! Europeans really know their bread, and there are some lovely bakeries on the island. Check out Cafe Atlantico in Simpson Bay or Baccus in Nettle Bay for unique and delicious bread options you may have never encountered before.
Now, let’s hop over to the markets on the French side of St. Martin! Super-U is a favorite among locals and offers unbeatable prices. It’s such a popular spot that even residents from the Dutch side come here to shop. You can find a large Super-U at the Howell Center in Marigot and another in the Hope Estates commercial district on the east side of the island. Plus, they carry lots of delightful French products!
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, Monoprix is the place to go for fine foods. While it may be a bit pricier, the quality is absolutely top-notch. You'll find it at the Bellevue shopping center right as you enter Marigot from the Dutch side.
Those little "Chinese" supermarkets that everyone talks about also offer a pretty similar range of products as the ones on the Dutch side. When shopping here, it’s best to pay in US dollars, as that’s what most locals do. The supermarket chain Cadisco also sell their item for USD to Euro one to one. Do not pay by credit card in these stores, offering one to one exchange, because your card would be charged in Euro. You just overpaid by 15%!. So stick to dollars to save some cash. Super-U and Monoprix markets usually convert euros to dollars at the daily exchange rate, so you won’t have to worry about being caught out.
Now, let’s chat about those prices! Take a look at the images below—it's eye-opening! For example, a package of mozzarella cheese may cost you USD 10.43 on the Dutch side, but just Euro 2.75 (about USD 3.30) at Super-U on the French side.
This kind of price difference isn’t unusual! For instance, you’ll pay about USD 5.40 for a pound of quality coffee on the Dutch side, compared to just USD 1.50 on French St. Martin. Of course, you’re on vacation, and these little details may not be your top priority. But if you’re someone who loves hunting for bargains back home—snipping coupons to score the best deals—you might really enjoy comparing prices while you’re here in SXM! Happy shopping!
