When is the best weather in Haiti?
Haiti is in the tropics and is very warm all year long. The average temperature
only varies by five degrees (Fahrenheit) from winter to summer. There are two
rainy seasons (spring and late fall) when it often rains in the afternoons. A
long-sleeved shirt or light sweater may be appreciated for cool nights during
the winter or at higher elevations.
Do I need a passport to visit Haiti?
Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90
days. For further information, consult: Embassy of Haiti, 2311 Mass. Ave.,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-4090) or nearest Consulate: FL
(305/859-2003), MA (617/266-3660), NY (212/697-9767), PR (809/764-1392),
or IL (312/922-4004). Internet: http://www.haiti.org or http://www.haiti.org/embassy/
Is the water safe to drink?
Do not drink the tap water, shower water, or faucet water. Stick with bottled water,
although you can also use boiled water for drinking, brushing your teeth and making ice.
Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be
peeled before consumption.
Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc?
120 volts, but we only occasionally have electricity. Mostly we use kerosene to light
our lamps.
Should I exchange my money for local currency?
Gourde = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Gourde500, 250, 100, 50,
25, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Gourde5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10
and 5 centimes. US currency also circulates.
Currency exchange:
US Dollars are accepted and exchanged everywhere. Other foreign currencies are
accepted for exchange only by some banks.
Currency restrictions:
There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign or local currency.
However, amounts in excess of Gourde 200,000 or equivalent must be declared.
Are there any airport fees?
Haiti has a $30.00 (US) dollar “Return Tax” that is required to be paid prior
to departing the country. The overall fee for the group trips covers the departure
fee.
US$ 35 + Gde10 (Gourde). Transit passengers and children under 2 years of age are
exempt. Extra charges may be levied without notice – you are advised to retain a
little extra change.
What is the legal drinking/gambling age?
The legal drinking age on most islands is 18
Can I get married in Haiti?
Getting married in the country of Haiti has been made very simple and easy for
you to have the wedding of your dreams.
Requirements:
Notarized copies of Divorced Decree if divorced or Notarized copies of Death
Certificates. Birth certificate of each party that is getting married. A blood
test is required
Can I bring my pet to Haiti?
All pets are required to have a recent veterinarian’s clearance stating
that they have had a current rabies vaccination and are free from disease.
For further information, consult the General Services Office (GSO) before
shipping a pet. American Airlines does not exempt diplomats from the pet
embargo during the summer months and cats cannot be shipped to Port-au-
Prince during the period May 15 thru September 15.
What about fishing?
Fishing is also a crucial part of the local economy. The AFSC-Haiti project
continually works to make the existing fishing programs more effective. In
the past, AFSC has worked with fishermen’s groups on topics such as financial
planning, marketing, and essential skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.
AFSC has also provided the groups with important supplies such as nets, hooks,
nasse (bamboo fishing weirs), net floats, and rope for making nets.
Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?
There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors.
Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?
Nude sunbathing is illegal and it is unacceptable to go topless.
What is there to see or do in Haiti?
Watersports: Kyona and Ibo beaches (Ibo is on Cacique Isle) are best for swimming,
snorkelling, spearfishing, sailing, boomba racing in dugout canoes and water-skiing.
La Gonâve is a popular location for fishing.
Spectator sports: Football is the favourite national sport, followed by basketball.
Other: There is a 9-hole golf course at the Pétionville Club. Tennis courts can be
found at the Club Med in Montraus, El Rancho, Habitation Le Clerc, Ibo Beach,
Ibo Lake, Kaloa Beach, Pétionville Club and Royal Haitian hotels. The national parks
of La Visite and Parc Macaya offer excellent hiking opportunities.
Rwustik Candles
Address: Delmas 43 #3
City: Port-au-Prince , Departement: Ouest
Phone: (509) 404-2924
Fax: (509) 246-1479
E-Mail Address: rwustikcandles@yahoo.com
Chez Yvane
Address: 19 Blvd Harry Truman
City: Port-au-Prince , Departement: Ouest
Phone: (509) 222-0188
Table Ronde
Address: 7 Rue Capois
City: Port-au-Prince , Departement: Ouest
Phone: (509) 223-4660
Haiti is a great place, can I move there?
Americans living or traveling in Haiti are encouraged to register with the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website,
https://travelregistration.state.gov , and to obtain updated information on travel
and security within Haiti.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 104, rue Oswald Durand,
Port-au-Prince. The telephone numbers are (509) 223-7011, 223-6440, 223-6443,
223-6421, 223-6426, 223-6424, 223-6407, 223-7008, 222-0200, the fax number is
(509) 223-9665, and the email address is acspap@hotmail.com. Hours are 7:30 am
to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Thursdays, 7:30 to 11:00 a.m.
The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and local holidays. The U.S. Embassy is located
at 5 Blvd. Harry Truman, Port-au-Prince; telephone (509) 222-0200, 222-0354, 223-0955
or 222-0269; fax (509) 223-1641. Internet: http://usembassy.state.gov/haiti/wwwhc00e.html.
Can I access the Internet from Haiti?
Internet cafes can be found in towns and cities. ISPs include Compa, Hintelfocus
and Netcom.
Internet Cafes:
Ayitiweb Cybercaf
20, Ave Lamartiniere
Port-au-Prince ht-6114 Haiti
Tel: (509) 244-3738
Email: jangari@ayitiweb.com
TelecyberCafe Services
39 Rue Cadet Jeremie/Avenue Christophe
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Do you need a driving License?
You do not need to get a local driver’s permit to drive in Haiti: your US,
Canadian or European driver’s licence is fine. Driving is on the right.
Driving in Haiti must be undertaken with extreme caution. The situation on the roads
can be described as chaotic at best, and it is advisable for those with no knowledge
of Haitian roads and traffic customs to hire a driver through a local hotel.
Public transportation as it is usually defined does not exist in Haiti. While
Haitians use buses, “taptaps” and taxis, which may observe regular routes much
like public transportation, none of these should be considered reliable.
Emergencies Contact Information?
Haiti Emergency Contacts
(It is sometimes difficult to get through in Haiti due to the phone system.
Keep trying!)
US Consulate – 011-509-223-7011
011-509-223-8971
US Embassy – 011-509-222-0200
011-509-222-0368
011-509-222-0354
011-509-222-0612
Police – 114; Ambulance – 118.
What are the entry requirements in Haiti?
A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity is required for
American, British, and Canadian citizens. Visas are not currently required by
citizens of these countries but it is wise to check with your nearest Haitian
embassy prior to departure to ensure requirements have not changed. Nationals
of other countries may require visas. Consult your nearest Haitian consulate
or embassy.
Upon arrival you will be given a card, which you must keep and surrender to
Immigration on departure. Visitors entering via a land border crossing must
pay a US$20 entry fee in cash.
What is the language in Haiti?
Haitian Creole is the true national language of the Republic of Haiti. In addition
to seven million people in the homeland, it is spoken by about a million Haitians
living abroad. All Haitians speak the language, but a small minority of about 10%
of the population also speak French, which they have learned either at home or at
school. However, even Haitians who master French consider Haitian Creole, which
they use for most everyday communication, as the symbol of their national identity
What are the store hours in Haiti?
Bargaining is recommended at the Iron Market, where both good- and bad-quality
local items can be bought, including carvings, printed fabrics, leatherwork,
paintings (particularly in the naïf style, for which Haiti is famous), straw
hats, seed necklaces and jewellery, cigars and foodstuffs. Port-au-Prince has
a good selection of shops and boutiques selling a wide range of local and
imported items. Bargaining is an accepted practice. Shopping hours:
Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1600, Sat 0800-1200.
What about tipping?
Most hotels and restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge. If service was above
average you may wish to tip more. Bar staff and porters expect tips, taxi drivers
do not.
Can you use credit cards?
American Express is widely accepted; Diners Club has more limited use. Check with
your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other
services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Accepted by most major shops and banks. To avoid additional
exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in
US Dollars.
Is there a best time to visit the island?
It’s worth planning a visit to Haiti around Carnival (the three days leading up to
Ash Wednesday) or Rara (the week leading up to Easter), when music and dancing seem
to erupt spontaneously. Avoid the weeks leading up to an election, including the
presidential election in December 2000, when less pleasant but equally spontaneous
eruptions of passion tend to make their mark.
Is there an airport?
Maïs Gaté International Airport in Port-au-Prince; served by the following carriers:
ALM, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, COPA, Haiti Trans-Air, Halisa Air,
Air Jamaica
What about Taxes?
Most of the larger hotels charge a 10% sales tax, and many also tack on a daily
energy charge of US$3-5. Smaller hotels and guesthouses tend to offer an all-inclusive
price. A departure tax of US$25 (which must be paid in US dollars) plus 10 gourdes is
charged at the airport.
What about Banks?
Fonkoze – Haiti’s Alternative Bank for the Organized Poor – is the largest micro-finance
institution offering a full range of financial services to the rural-based poor in Haiti.
Fonkoze is a Haitian Creole acronym for Fondasyon Kole Zepòl, which means, “The Shoulder-
to-Shoulder Foundation”. The word itself conveys the meaning, “in the midst of sharing”.
Fonkoze’s mission is to build the economic foundations for democracy in Haiti.
Bank Hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1630. Some banks open in the afternoons and Sat 0900-1300.
Contact info:
Fonkoze: The Foundation
Anne H. Hastings, Director
Fonkoze
Avenue Jean Paul II, #7 (à l’interieur)
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Ph: (509) 221.7631, 7641, 513.7631
Fax: (509) 221.7520
Ph from the U.S. (800) 293.0308
director@fonkoze.org
Fonkoze Financial Services
Fonkoze Financial Services
Impasse Giraud, #6,
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Ph: (509) 513.7641,211.1101
Fax: (509) 245.7254
SFF@fonkoze.org
What about Crime?
There are no “safe areas” in Haiti. Crime, already a problem, is growing. The
state of law and order is of increasing concern with reports of armed robberies
and break-ins, murders and car hijackings becoming more frequent. The police are
poorly equipped and unable to respond quickly to calls for assistance. Travelers
and residents should exercise caution throughout Haiti. They should keep valuables
well hidden, ensure valuables are not left in parked vehicles, favor private over
public transportation, alternate travel routes, and keep doors and windows in homes
and vehicles closed and locked.
Calling to and from Haiti?
IDD available. Country code: 509. There are no area codes. The internal service,
operated by Telecommunications d’Haïti (Teleco), is reasonable. There are telephone
booths in the towns which take cards.
Can I use my cellular telephone in Haiti?
The GSM network is run by Haïtel. Handsets can be hired locally.
What is the Dress code in Haiti?
Dress in Haiti is casual. Still, it is unacceptable to wear bathing suits,
short shorts, and short tank tops in public. Tropical lightweight clothing
is best. You may want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings. If you’re
going into the mountains bring rain gear and warmer clothing.
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