Scam in Saint MartinShopping
Separate turnover-tax charge in Saint Martin
How it works
A few sellers add their 5% turnover tax as a separate charge on the sales slip. Merchants pay this tax, but have been instructed not to add it separately to buyers' bills.
Warning signs
- The sales slip adds a separate 5% turnover-tax charge.
- The final total is higher than the price you were given.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the final price before paying.
- Check the sales slip for a separate turnover-tax charge.
- Ask the seller to remove that separate charge before you pay.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and ask the merchant to explain and refund the separate charge. If the dispute remains unresolved, ask your card issuer about your options.
- Move to a safe, public place. Avoid chasing or confronting anyone.
- If cards or a phone were taken, block the cards and secure affected accounts as soon as possible.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and photos. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for insurance.
- Contact the business, rental company, booking provider or card issuer involved. Explain the problem and ask about refunds or disputes.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorSt Martin / St Maarten ForumTurnover TaxA forum respondent reports that some Dutch-side businesses add turnover tax to customer bills despite describing that practice as prohibited.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorSt Martin / St Maarten ForumConfused and taxes on foodParticipants discuss restaurant tax add-ons and reproduce a tax-inspectorate notice stating that turnover tax should not be separately charged or specified on customer receipts.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the separate turnover-tax charge scam in Saint Martin?
A few sellers add their 5% turnover tax as a separate charge on the sales slip. Merchants pay this tax, but have been instructed not to add it separately to buyers' bills.
How can I spot it early?
The sales slip adds a separate 5% turnover-tax charge. The final total is higher than the price you were given.
How do I avoid separate turnover-tax charge in Saint Martin?
Ask for the final price before paying. Check the sales slip for a separate turnover-tax charge. Ask the seller to remove that separate charge before you pay.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and ask the merchant to explain and refund the separate charge. If the dispute remains unresolved, ask your card issuer about your options.
Where in Saint Martin does this happen?
Shops on the Dutch side
How much can it cost me?
An extra 5% of the purchase price.
How common is this scam in Saint Martin?
Occasional. Saint Martin is generally safe, but tourists report many thefts from parked rental cars. Shopping traps include an added tax charge, paid store recommendations, unclear warranties, and offers of free gifts that lead to long timeshare sales pitches.
Are there similar scams in Saint Martin?
Yes: paid shopping recommendations presented as independent advice, electronics with unclear or absent warranty cover.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or suspected fraud to local police. Ask your accommodation to help you find where to make a report. Request a report reference or copy. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or verified contact details to freeze stolen cards, report unauthorised payments and ask about a payment dispute. Merchant or service provider: contact the business with your receipt and a clear account of the problem. Ask for a written response and keep copies. Rental company: report a break-in or damage promptly. Follow the company's instructions and keep photos and any police report. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and police paperwork. Embassy or consulate: use official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help after a serious incident.
Reviewed by @snuck