Travel Essentials › Haiti
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types A and B, 110 V. Emergency: Police 114, Ambulance 116, Fire 115. Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is appreciated; small tips for drivers and guides are welcome. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types A and B, 110 V
| Police | 114 |
| Ambulance | 116 |
| Fire | 115 |
Around 10% in restaurants is appreciated; small tips for drivers and guides are welcome.
Greetings. A warm handshake and greeting in Haitian Creole or French (Bonjou/Bonswa) is appreciated and shows respect.
Dress. Modest, practical clothing is the norm; flashy jewelry or obviously expensive items attract unwanted attention and are best avoided.
Hospitality. Haitian culture values politeness and hospitality highly; greetings and pleasantries before business are expected.
As of 2026, Haiti is under a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory from the US and similar warnings from other governments, due to widespread gang violence, kidnapping, and a national state of emergency; commercial flights to Port-au-Prince have been suspended by US carriers. This is not a normal tourism destination right now.
Online romance/financial scams. Scammers pose as romantic partners or officials demanding money; never send funds to someone you haven't met in person.
Kidnapping for ransom. Kidnapping of foreigners and locals has become common, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince; this is a security risk, not a petty scam, and is the primary reason for the travel advisory.
Women travelers. Not advisable under current conditions; general insecurity affects all travelers regardless of gender, with kidnapping and violent crime widespread.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex relationships are legal and no law restricts LGBTQ+ people, but social stigma is significant and discrimination or harassment can occur; this is secondary to the overriding security crisis.
| Coffee (café) | HTG 150 | $1.15 |
| Local bus or metro ride (tap-tap) | HTG 50 | $0.40 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | HTG 1,300 | $10 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | HTG 2,600 | $20 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | HTG 9,000 | $70 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | HTG 13,000 | $100 |
2026-09
Weather-wise, November-March is driest and most pleasant, avoiding the June-November hurricane season; however, as of 2026 nearly all governments advise against all travel to Haiti due to gang violence and instability, which overrides normal seasonal planning.