Hi all - OK, so as I mentioned we've done the all-inclusive thing in the past with great success - it's very cool not having to worry at all about paying as you go. So, how do we get stuff on SXM? Beer, food? Guilders, euros? What is meant by 1 to 1,do atm's dispense US dollars, coconut shells, or what!? Do the machines look for a 4 digit pin as at home, or do I need to contact my bank?

And, what is the preferred credit card? I've read that MC/V is more readily accepted than Amex at restaurants, what about beach bars?

Again, thanks, I appreciate your knowledge!

Wow.
Let's see, What do you mean "how do we get stuff on SXM". You go to the grocery store. There are lots of them. Grand Marche, Food Express etc. Don't know where you are staying.
Dollars used on Dutch side everywhere. French side will convert. As of today the Euro was 1.52+ to the dollar. Good luck with that.
ATM's dispense what you want them to. ATM on French side will dispense Euro. Some dispense Euro or Dollar. Dutch side ATM's dispense dollars. You CC company will charge you on foreign purchases even made in dollars. I used my JP Morgan Chase VISA card and did not get charged. I'm special (LOL).
Visa is more accepted than AMEX. Beach bars take cash.
Cheers
irina

You will be charged a S/C on your credit if you buy something in euros on the French side. If its rung up as dollars it is without a S/C. An example would be at the parfume place in the mall by the dock on the French side that is quoting dollar prices. All purchases on the Dutch side are in Dollars and there is not a service charge for that. Check with your issueing bank for clarification. If they are going to charge then CHANGE banks. Its always good to let the bank know you are travelling to another country so they won't refuse the purchase thinking it is an identity theft.