Fully automatic system with good IDD. Country code: 599. Calls made through the operator are more expensive and include a 15 per cent tax.

Compatible with most US handsets but not with GSM handsets. Phone hire is available at Telcell’s customer care centre in Philipsburg. Roaming exists (member of the Pan American Roaming Corporation). Most US handsets can be used, and can be activated with a temporary number before or after arrival on the island. Visitors should register online or dial 0 when in an ECC coverage area. Handsets can be hired from ECC in Philipsburg.

Internet access is available.

Press: English-language dailies include the Daily Herald and St Maarten Guardian, published on St Maarten. Most other newspapers in the Netherlands Antilles are published in Dutch or Papiamento.
TV: The Leeward Broadcasting Corporation is based in St Maarten.
Radio: The local station is Voice of St Maarten.

Airmail to Western Europe takes four to six days, surface mail takes four to six weeks.