Jurisdiction Guide

November to March brings cooler weather and less rain, making it the best period. Hurricanes threaten from June to October, so travel then is riskier.

Cash (gourdes) is used for most things, but US dollars are widely accepted in cities. Tap water is not safe for drinking, so buy bottled. Some French or Kreyòl goes a long way; English is rare outside hotels. Taptap minibuses are cheap but crowded. Local SIM cards are easy to buy with a passport.

A handshake with eye contact is common when greeting. Dress modestly in rural areas and churches. Always ask before taking photos of people. Sunday is especially important for church, with many businesses closed. Avoid discussing politics in groups you do not know well.

Petty theft and robbery can occur, especially in Port-au-Prince and after dark. Road conditions are poor, and driving at night is not advised. Protests and strikes flare up with little warning, affecting transport. Malaria and dengue are present; use repellent and sleep under nets.

Bassin Bleu near Jacmel is a deep blue waterfall and swimming hole, quiet on weekdays. The tiny artists' enclave of Noailles in Croix-des-Bouquets has metalworkers crafting one-of-a-kind art. Île-à-Vache is a peaceful island where fishing villages outnumber resorts.

Most travelers from the US, EU, Canada, and Caricom countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, and pay a small airport entry fee. Longer stays require local extension through immigration. There is no digital nomad or special remote work visa as of 2024.

Domestic flights between major cities like Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien run frequently and save time. Taptaps and shared minivans are common but basic, with limited reliability. Self-driving is not recommended for newcomers due to chaotic traffic and road damage. Ride-hailing apps are not widely used outside Port-au-Prince.

Griot (fried pork) and diri ak djon djon (rice with black mushrooms) are popular local dishes. Street food like pate (stuffed pastry) is cheap and filling, but watch for food safety, freshly hot is better. Prestige beer is the national drink, while clairin is a strong local spirit. Vegetarian options are limited, though dishes like banan peze (fried plantains) and pikliz (spicy slaw) are common sides.

Budget travelers can get by on $25–40 a day, while mid-range stays run $60–150 per day. Port-au-Prince is costlier than coastal towns or small cities. A basic meal costs around $2–4, and a short taptap ride is usually under $1.