Haiti, Haiti - Travel Guide

Haiti offers a rich cultural experience with vibrant art, music, and a unique history as the first independent black republic. Its stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful beaches, and unique Creole cuisine provide a captivating destination for adventurous travelers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$65/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

Port-au-PrinceCaribbeanHispaniola

🇭🇹 Country Information: Haiti

CapitalPort-au-Prince

CurrencyHaitian gourde (G)

LanguageHaitian Creole, French

Phone Code+509

Electricity110V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally expected in restaurants (10
15%) and for tour guides and drivers (a few dollars per day)
For porters, a small amount per bag is appreciated
For hotel staff, a small daily tip is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are limited, especially outside major cities; bringing US dollars and converting them is recommended
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some larger businesses, but cash is preferred
It is better to bring cash (USD) as it is widely accepted and often preferred
There can be a black market for currency exchange, but it is risky and not recommended

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in religious areas and rural communities
Politeness and respect are highly valued; greeting people with 'Bonjou' or 'Bonswa' is common
Eating customs are generally informal, but it's polite to accept offered food

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Haiti's laws do not protect LGBTQ+ individuals, and societal discrimination is prevalent. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 16
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, due to petty crime and occasional violent crime
It's advisable to avoid walking alone at night
Political demonstrations can occur suddenly and should be avoided

Common Phrases

NoNon (nohn)

YesWi (wee)

HelloBonjou (bohn-ZHOO)

PleaseSouple (soo-PLAY)

Thank youMèsi (meh-SEE)

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov
Earthquake risk: Year
round (major events less frequent)
Floods: May
Jun, Aug
Sep

Getting There

Fly into Port
au
Prince (PAP) or Cap
Haïtien (CAP)
Limited direct international flights; often requires connections through Miami or other Caribbean hubs
Costs and times vary widely

Getting Around

Taptaps (shared minibuses) are common for local transport
Moto
taxis (motorcycle taxis) are widely available
Car rentals are an option but roads can be challenging
Ride
sharing apps are not widely available or reliable

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid
Yellow Fever vaccine recommended for some travelers
Malaria risk in some areas, consult doctor for prophylaxis
Dengue and Chikungunya are present; take mosquito bite prevention measures
Rabies is a risk; avoid contact with animals

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited but growing
Digicel and Natcom are major network providers
Check with providers like Airalo or Nomad for expanding coverage in Haiti

Local Cuisine

Griyo must_try

Widely considered Haiti's unofficial national dish, griyo features chunks of pork shoulder marinated in sour orange juice and epis. The pork is simmer

Soup Joumou seasonal

Known as Haiti's 'freedom soup,' this pumpkin soup is a national symbol of resilience and is traditionally served on January 1st to celebrate Haitian

Diri Kole ak Pwa must_try

A cornerstone of everyday Haitian food, this one-pot dish combines rice and beans, typically red or black. The beans are first simmered with epis, oni

Pâté Haïtien snack

A very popular savory snack, these Haitian patties are made with a delicate puff pastry. They are typically stuffed with fillings like seasoned ground

Akra (Malanga Fritters) street_food

Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, akra is one of Haiti's most beloved street foods. These fritters are made from grated malanga, a starchy roo

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Quality Accommodation (Hotels/Guesthouses) Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

Accommodation options that meet international traveler standards are limited, especially outside of Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville, and they fill up quickly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Flights (International) Transport

Book 2–4 months in advance

To secure the best fares and itineraries, particularly given limited direct flight options and higher demand during the winter/spring season.

Guided Tours/Specialized Activities (e.g., Citadelle Laferrière day trip) tour_or_activity

Book 2–6 weeks in advance

Reputable local guides and operators have limited capacity, especially for reliable transport to major sites like the Citadelle Laferrière.

Fun Facts

1. Haiti is the only country where Vodou is officially recognized as a religion, blending African, Catholic, and Indigenous Taíno traditions.
2. The author of "The Three Musketeers," Alexandre Dumas Sr., was the son of a mulatto general born in Jérémie, Haiti, when it was still a French colony.
3. Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, occupying the western third of the landmass.
4. Haitian Creole, one of the two official languages, developed from the mixing of African, European, and Indigenous Taíno languages.

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