Saturday May 17, 2008

Learn how business hours will affect your vacation

Keeping Track of Time

Many travelers find who themselves accustomed to operating hours in their own country may notice small differences in the operating hours of businesses while in Martinique.

While the operating hours in Martinique differ slightly from that in the United States and other countries, travelers should not find themselves confronted with empty shops and offices too often.

Banks generally have hours through the week from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the hours from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. taken for lunch. Hours and even days of operation can vary, however, and banks often close early prior to a holiday. Post offices are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but, along with many banks, may close early on Wednesday. The island has a 24 hour emergency room at H�pital Pierre Zobda Quitman, and many of the island ATM's are also 24 hours.

Shops open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, Monday through Friday, and until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Pharmacies will have shorter hours on Saturdays, but will be open from early in the morning, at around 7:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. through the week. Restaurants will have lunch hours during the business break, from around 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m or 3:30 p.m. Dinner service will generally run from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with some restaurants opening as early as 6:30 p.m.; and closing as late as 11:00 p.m.

Being aware of these hours of operations can help you to secure all of the services that you need while you are staying Martinique.