Hi! Just returned from SXM last night (October 23) 4th time.........and it was as GREAT as always! We have found that it is easier for us to NOT rent a car ahead of time...usually because the first couple of days we are on the beach ALL day and usually eat at L'Astrolabe (at Esmerelda...yes, expensive, but well worth the money) OR at one of the beach restaraunts..THEN we call "Winston"...our trusted taxi driver...we've called him EVERY time we have been there!)he will BRING you a rental car OR taxi you all over the Island.VERY accomodating! Several resorts use him and we have found we "stay put" more than we "go"......so it's nice to be able to decide LATER if we want a car RATHER than pay for one ALL week that we will only use a couple of days.Also, gas prices on SXM last week were almost $5.00 a gallon, so maybe that's why rental prices are higher now.Cab fares are regulated on the Island, so you won't get shafted.Winston will even stop at a grocery for you on the way (at no extra charge) Really nice to be able to buy bottled water, cokes and bread at NORMAL prices BEFORE we get settled in!)He has an e mail
blythetourcarrental@hotmail.com cell # (0690)27-0155 YES...if you plan to drive around every day it WILL be cheaper to rent a car at the airport and you SHOULD probably go thru AAA....BUT if you are like us and want to stay on the beach most of the time...then call Winston.......hope this helps..have FUN...wish I was still there!!!!! Paige