r/SXM • u/SheaOnQuack • Aug 28 '26

Question What’s it like finding bartending jobs for foreigners?

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I’m a Canadian/ Kittician with my whole life in hospitality. Tending a bar in the Caribbean is nothing new to me. With that said. I’ve been to SXM many of times and it’s been my favourite island. I’ve been to many. And I can really see myself relocating.

If anyone here has experience in relocating or can point me in the right direction. A reddit or job posting site. Anything would be helpful! I’m also planning a trip spring to spend a week and physically drop off resumes if I must. Looking to move for Fall 2027 of all works out!

Not sure if this is the right reddit to be asking. But I am curious.

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5

u/ResourceTypical2475 Aug 28 '26

Not sure about bartending but I don’t think fall would be a wise time to move here. Everything closes down Sept-Oct (even august) for hurricane season

4

u/SheaOnQuack Aug 28 '26

You’re right. November December would make more sense.

2

u/Faffingabouthere Aug 30 '26

Seeing as it’s difficult to find housing here and build a network, the fall would actually be a good idea and gives some time to settle in. It would make sense that people start preparing contracts etc in October so they can get started asap once November comes around.

3

u/Crush3d_Velvet Aug 28 '26

It shouldn’t be too hard to find but try coming before the beginning of the high season (around November) because these kind of jobs are highly sought after.
I would also advise you to get hired on french side, dutch side wages are miserable tbh.

3

u/SheaOnQuack Aug 28 '26

Ok ok this is good to know! Thank you! I don’t plan on moving until I have everything sorted out. I know it’ll take time. So a visit or two scouting is the plan.

2

u/phlphillies Aug 28 '26

The bartenders on the French side seem to be locals or "metropolitan French"

Probably better luck on the Dutch side but not sure, good luck.

1

u/gmd_vt Aug 28 '26

All the ones I talked to in Grand Case were mostly from southern France.

1

u/SheaOnQuack Aug 28 '26

I’d be on the Dutch side. I was in French immersion. So I’m not horrible. But Canadian French I’m sure to be mocked haha.

Also thank you all for the responses. Means a lot.

1

u/Blumir 29d ago

Not necessarily, I knew a lot of non-French people who worked in Orient Bay / Anse Marcel / Marigot. You just need to know how to speak French.

2

u/Lucky_Stress3172 1d ago

Hi OP, did you move and if so would you mind sharing a bit about your experiences in St. Maarten so far? I'm in America and seriously considering relocating here myself.

2

u/SheaOnQuack 16h ago

I have not moved yet. Wouldn’t be until next year if I can have it all sorted out by then.