Someone complained on social media that they tried to charge him 48 US dollars instead of Caribbean guilders when he filled up the tank of his vehicle at a local gas station. Fuel prices are posted in the latter, the official currency of the country.
The pump operator apparently apologised and returned the excess amount. However, the motorist believes it wasn’t a mistake but rather a rip-off attempt.
Those things have happened in the past, when most people still used cash. Especially American visitors would see the amount on the dial and automatically pay it in dollars, with attendants remaining silent and pocketing the difference.
In this case, it regarded an ATM card transaction though, that obviously goes directly to the company. The worker will thus not easily benefit from such an action.
Nevertheless, it seems advisable to clearly post in eyesight of each pump that prices are in Cg., along with the exchange rate versus US $.
The latter is between 1.75 and 1.80, often depending on self- or full service. That is another issue, but at least visible signage can let international guests know what to expect.
A similar situation has reportedly occurred at bar/restaurants, where patrons noted unreasonably high service charges and non-existing taxes on their bills. To be clear on the latter, the only tax allowed on Dutch side receipts is the 5% turnover tax, although companies can also just incorporate it into their prices as a majority do.
In general, the destination must avoid the impression of wanting to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors on whom the dominant hospitality industry depends. A bad reputation and harmful labels such as “tourist trap” are quickly earned.
Tourism is the economic engine of St. Maarten/St. Martin and, consequently, everybody’s business. Being the so-called “Friendly Island” also means giving guests a fair shake.
