While rental cars are a true bargain on St. Maarten, taxis are not. Just one round trip to Philipsburg from the Maho/Airport region by taxi could easily cost you the equivalent of renting a car for several days! The same is true for the airport transfer to your hotel, if you picked accommodations on the eastern coast of the island (Oyster Pond, Orient Beach).
That's why you should reserve your car before you travel; you will be picked up at the airport with a free shuttle by the rental car provider, get your car at their location and can now travel without any further fees to your accommodations.
Pictured above is a public bus - the same vehicle type they also use for taxis. Consider public transportation as a reliable and very economical alternative to a rental car, and most definitely to a taxi.
