A practical currency and money guide to travel, living and doing business in Martinique and the Euro (EUR).
What's in this Martinique currency guide:
The official currency of Martinique (country code: MQ) is the euro, with symbol € and currency code EUR.
The euro (ISO: EUR) is involved in slightly more than 30% of all foreign exchange deals, and as such, is the world’s second most traded currency, behind the US dollar.
The euro is the currency of the eurozone (officially called the ‘euro area’), which consists of 19 of the 28 member states of the European Union, and is used by almost 350 million Europeans. It was introduced in January 1999.
Of all the thousands of exchange rates that exist in the world, the euro-to-US dollar exchange rate is the most actively traded, or most ‘liquid’.
Since its introduction, the euro’s lowest value against the dollar came in October 2000 when EUR/USD hit lows of 0.8231. The currency was strongest in July 2008, shortly before the worst stage of the 2007-2009 financial crisis, when EUR/USD reached 1.6038.
There are currently more than twenty nations and territories which peg their currencies to the euro, the largest of which is Denmark.
The Euro is issued in banknotes of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, and in coins of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1, and €2.
The banknotes feature images of historical and cultural figures from across the European Union, while the coins depict each member country's unique design. The design of the Euro banknotes and coins is intended to be easily identifiable and difficult to counterfeit.
Volcanic in origin, Martinique is a mountainous stunner crowned by the still-smoldering Mont Pelée, the volcano that wiped out the former capital of St-Pierre in 1902. Offering a striking diversity of landscapes and atmospheres, Martinique is a cosmopolitan and sophisticated island that boasts stunning beaches, superb hiking, top-notch culinary experiences, an enormous array of activities and rich cultural life.
While it suffers from overcrowding and urban sprawl in some places, particularly in and around the busy capital, Fort-de-France, life, and travel, becomes more sedate as one heads north or south through some of the island's alluring scenery. The rainforested, mountainous northern part is the most spectacular, but the south has its fair share of natural wonders, including lovely bays and miles of gorgeous beaches.
In Martinique, Euros are the only really usable currency. You will find U.S. Dollars and UK Pounds tend to be quite difficult to convert to Euros. Locals will tell you to go back to the airport, to use the exchange office there. Your best bet, is to use an ATM machine, there are many and are easy to find.Bank-operated 24-hour ATMs can also be found throughout the island. Don't bother trying to convert your money at a bank, unless you are in Fort de France. Bank hours vary, though Fort-de-France banks are generally open 7:30 a.m. to noon and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
If you would like to do some island hopping as part of your trip, it is easy to get to and from Martinique by ferry service. The ferries travel to Guadeloupe, Dominica and St. Lucia.
Renting a car in Martinique is hassle-free: all you need is a drivers’ license from your home country and the knowledge that traffic moves on the right, Taxis are another option if you plan on driving only minimally; they are expensive but reliable. Cabs line up at the airport and at hotels, as well as on the streets of the capital city Fort-de-France. Finally, there is water travel. Ferries run around the island between Fort-de-France and other coastal cities. Even if you do have a car, taking a ferry is a popular way to experience the Caribbean, and can be a destination in itself. A regular vedette (ferry) between Martinique’s main resort areas and Fort-de-France provides a nice alternative to dealing with heavy bus and car traffic; it also allows you to avoid the hassles of city parking and is quicker.
The former capital of Martinique, St. Pierre , was known as the Paris of the Antilles. Even though St. Pierre was destroyed in the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelee , Martinique reputation as a second France still remains. French is the official language of the island, and newspapers and literature of Martinique are usually in French.
Stunning beaches border tropical rainforests and towering cathedrals share skyline with an imposing volcano. Tourists and residents crowd the store-lined streets and restaurant-filled back alleys of Fort-de-France, while a few miles north, foliage dampens the sounds of bird tweets and hikers. In a word: Martinique. If you want to hit the beach one day then get the adrenaline pumping the next, you'll find that this island offers both – and does both well.
Avoid the winter Martinique is virtually empty for seven months of the year. Although May or June are the best months to visit, the spring, summer and fall all offer much lower hotel rates and airfare than wintertime.
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Martinique:
Understand Euro currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the EUR exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Euro bank account: A local EUR bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Martinique. It may also be more convenient to use a local EUR bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Martinique. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Martinique. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Martinique, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
The exchange rate of euro (EUR), or the amount of EUR that can be exchanged for a foreign currency, can fluctuate rapidly based on a number of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and political events. Below you can check the latest EUR/USD rate plus recent trend, chart, forecasts and historic rates.
Date | EUR/USD | Change | Period |
---|---|---|---|
12 May 2023 | 1.0940 | 1.9% ▼ | 2 Week |
25 Feb 2023 | 1.0573 | 1.5% ▲ | 3 Month |
26 May 2022 | 1.0733 | 0% ▼ | 1 Year |
27 May 2018 | 1.1689 | 8.2% ▼ | 5 Year |
28 May 2013 | 1.2867 | 16.6% ▼ | 10 Year |
31 May 2003 | 1.1800 | 9.1% ▼ | 20 Year |
The EUR to USD exchange rate has been trading in a relatively stable range over the past three months, hovering near 60-day lows of 1.0724. Recently, EUR's negative correlation with a stronger US Dollar put some pressure on the single currency, while a weaker-than-expected consumer confidence reading also dented demand for EUR. The US Dollar has made modest gains over the past few days as a bearish market mood increased the safe-haven currency's appeal amid increasing Sino-American economic tensions.
FX analysts expect that if the Eurozone's PMIs raise concerns about weakening private sector activity, then the single currency could face headwinds. Moreover, the overall performance of the Eurozone economy is a significant factor that affects the euro exchange rate, and economists believe that uncertainty over the European Central Bank's interest rate plans could further impact the EUR to USD exchange rate adversely. However, the US dollar's strength over the past year is expected to eventually reverse in 2023 as the Fed's interest rate hikes cycle finally comes to an end.
EUR/USD forecasts EUR/USD rates
The below comparison table makes it easy to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees when you want to make an International Money Transfer to Martinique or planning a trip or maybe living there, so will need to exchange and spend Euro.
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It is important to note that the exchange rate of the euro can change rapidly and that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. It is advisable to carefully consider the risks and factors that may affect EUR exchange rates before making any financial decisions.