How can you possibly get around St. Barthelemy if your feet are not made for walking? Taxi is the answer. If your plane just landed, and you have nobody to fetch you up, taxis are your dependable alternatives. Taxis meet all flights and are not super-expensive (but night fares between 7 pm and midnight are fifty percent higher) mostly because destinations are not that far from one another, you would not have to worry with getting one upon your arrival. Take note though that taxi service is not available from midnight until 7 am, except under rare circumstances.  
   
 If, and only if, you do not like taking a cab to your hotel or resort for some reason, then just get yourself a rental car. This place is not scarce of that. As a matter of fact, nowhere will you see so many open-sided Mitsubishi Mini-Mokes and Suzuki Samurais as on St. Barthelemy. These rental cars can be found even in the airport so it is very convenient for you to get one. Rates for these cars range from $10 to about $70 per day, some offering unlimited mileage. If you like to get a bargain on the rates, however, you should reserve with a rent-a-car shop days (or even months, depending on the shop) before your arrival. Cash deposits may be required though.

 The major rent-a-car businesses include the following:
Budget (tel. 800/472-3325 in the U.S., or 590/27-66-30; www.budgetrentacar.com) offers the least stringent terms for its midwinter rentals, and some of the most favorable rates. It rents Suzuki Samurais and Mitsubishi Mini-Mokes for $60 a day or $420 a week, with unlimited mileage. Reserve at least 3 business days before your arrival for the lowest rate.

 Hertz (tel. 800/654-3001 in the U.S.; www.hertz.com) operates onSt. Barthelemy through a local dealership, Henry's Car Rental, with branches at the airport and in St-Jean (tel. 590/27-71-14). It offers open-sided Suzuki Samurais and more substantial Suzuki Sidekicks.

 At Avis (tel. 800/331-1212 in the U.S., or 590/27-71-43; www.avis.com), you'll need a reservation a full month in advance during high season, plus a $100 deposit in advance.If you get to drive one, it is such an enjoyable experience, just as long as you are handy with a stick shift and do not give a damn care about your hairdo.

 Remember however to never drive with less than half a tank of gas on St. Barthelemy because there are only two gas stations on the island. One gas station is near the airport; the other is near L'Orient. They are closed on Sundays and open only from 7:30 am to noon then 2 to 5:30pm on other days of the week. (Remarkably, though, you can pay at the pump during business hours if you have a Visa card.)

 All valid foreign driver's licenses are honored here. It is advised that you honk your horn furiously while going around the island's blind curves. This is done to avoid having your fenders sideswiped.