On January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. Join recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist earthquake victims. Your donation will help disaster victims rebuild their lives and their communities.
http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/
Understand
Haiti (Haitian Creole: Ayiti, French: Haïti) is a Caribbean country that occupies the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola. The eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola is occupied by the Dominican Republic. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the north, while the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. Haiti is a country with a troubled past, and its future still remains uncertain. Decades of poverty, environmental degradation, violence, instability and dictatorship have left it as the second poorest nation in the western hemisphere.
Like many developing nations, Haiti is what you make of it. Those with images of witchcraft, sinister vodou priests and grinding poverty will likely find much to reinforce these stereotypes. However, for those with patience and an open mind, Haiti is a cultural and spiritual wonderland that is unique among post-colonial nations.
It is extremely helpful when traveling in Haiti to have a local contact, through a church, a hotel, or just through making friends with someone. Experiences like dining locally, riding on a tap-tap, or strolling through one of the insanely crowded outdoor markets are great fun and very worth doing, but much safer and easier if you have a trusted Haitian to go along as a guide and interpreter.
Climate
Tropical; semiarid where mountains in the east cut off trade winds. Lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October. Experiences occasional flooding and earthquakes and periodic droughts.
Terrain
Mostly mountainous, with a wide, flat central plain the north. The highest point is Chaine de la Selle at 2,777m.
History
The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island when it was invaded and rebaptized Hispaniola by Columbus in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century the French established a presence on Hispaniola and in 1697 Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island. The French colony of Saint-Domingue, with an economy based mostly on sugar and coffee-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy kidnapping and enslavement of Africans and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Saint-Domingues's nearly 500,000 slaves revolted and, after a prolonged struggle, ousted the French and created Haiti - the first black republic - in 1804. Haiti, like most other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, experienced the pressures of international imperialism, internal political instability and the economic difficulties of a producer of primary goods. A first major strike was dealt against national sovereignty with the American occupation of 1915-1934. The following 20 years saw once again different struggles for leadership which ended with the victory of François (Papa Doc) Duvalier. Duvalier's family dictatorship lasted nearly thirty years, with Jean-Claude (Bébé Doc) Duvalier picking up the reins after Papa Doc's passing in 1971. Bébé Doc was ousted in 1986, and was followed by alternating civilian governments and military rule which ended in 1990 when Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president. Most of his term was usurped by a military takeover, but he was able to return to office in 1994 and oversee the installation of his former prime minister, René Préval, to the presidency in 1996. Aristide won a second term as president in 2000, and took office early in 2001. However, a political crisis stemming from fraudulent legislative elections in 2000 eventually brought about a second departure in 2004. Since then, Haiti has been occupied by U.N. peacekeeping troupes (MINUSTAH) and has once again elected René Préval as head of state in February 2006.
History
The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island when it was invaded and rebaptized Hispaniola by Columbus in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century the French established a presence on Hispaniola and in 1697 Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island. The French colony of Saint-Domingue, with an economy based mostly on sugar and coffee-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy kidnapping and enslavement of Africans and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Saint-Domingues's nearly 500,000 slaves revolted and, after a prolonged struggle, ousted the French and created Haiti - the first black republic - in 1804. Haiti, like most other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, experienced the pressures of international imperialism, internal political instability and the economic difficulties of a producer of primary goods. A first major strike was dealt against national sovereignty with the American occupation of 1915-1934. The following 20 years saw once again different struggles for leadership which ended with the victory of François (Papa Doc) Duvalier. Duvalier's family dictatorship lasted nearly thirty years, with Jean-Claude (Bébé Doc) Duvalier picking up the reins after Papa Doc's passing in 1971. Bébé Doc was ousted in 1986, and was followed by alternating civilian governments and military rule which ended in 1990 when Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president. Most of his term was usurped by a military takeover, but he was able to return to office in 1994 and oversee the installation of his former prime minister, René Préval, to the presidency in 1996. Aristide won a second term as president in 2000, and took office early in 2001. However, a political crisis stemming from fraudulent legislative elections in 2000 eventually brought about a second departure in 2004. Since then, Haiti has been occupied by U.N. peacekeeping troupes (MINUSTAH) and has once again elected René Préval as head of state in February 2006.
Climate
Tropical; semiarid where mountains in the east cut off trade winds. Lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October. Experiences occasional flooding and earthquakes and periodic droughts.
The Citadelle Henri Christophe (also known as Citadelle Laferrière) is a fortress located on a high mountain in Haiti overlooking the city of Milot, Haiti. At the base of the mountain stands the ruins of Palais Sans Souci.
Labadee - a private port used by cruise ships.
la gonave grande source
Getting there
Visas are only required by citizens of China, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Panama. Citizens of other countries can stay 3 months.
By plane
International travelers will arrive in Haiti at Port-au-Prince (PAP) at the Aéroport Toussaint Louverture Airport or Aéroport International Cap-Haïtien in the North. The plane tickets can be purchased via many online ticketing sites and agencies. There are intra-Haiti flights available as well. Prices on these flights can fluctuate from time to time due to inflation but, depending on the airline, are usually between USD125-132 return from and to Port-au-Prince - though cheaper between Port-au-Prince and Jacmel.
In addition to avoiding rather dangerous and inadequate public transportation system by bus and tap-taps, flights offer a safe passage into and out of Port-au-Prince from other parts in Haiti.
Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta and Spirit serve Port-au-Prince from the US. Air Canada, Air France, Caribair as well as others also offer international flights to and from Port-au-Prince.
Lynx Air flies from Fort Lauderdale and Miami to Cap-Haïtien . MFI (Missionary Flights International) fly to Cap also from Florida but only registered non-Catholic Christian missionaries are welcome aboard. Other international airlines serving Cap-Haïtien include Sky King, Turks and Caicos Air and Pine-apple Air.
By road
There is a crowded border crossing between Dominican Republic and Haiti in Dajabón/Ouanaminthe. The border is open only during the day. From here you can catch local transport to Cap-Haïtien.
Traveling around
By car
Cars may be rented through Hertz, Avis, etc. Taxis in Haiti are usually in the form of SUVs or trucks as most of the roads are long overdue for repairs in addition to plethora of unpaved roads one faces while travelling in Haiti. The price is often fair (i.e., 450 Haitian Gourdes, or $11.53 at 39 Gourdes to a dollar, from PAP to Leogane) but offers safety and comfort that cannot be found in riding tap-taps or buses.
By bus
The people of Haiti call their forms of public taxis a "tap-tap" and they're often modified trucks or vans, usually with a raised wooden canopy-like cabin over the truck bed. Wood benches are attached to the bed and serve as seats. Tap-Taps are usually painted bright colors, and often bear a religious slogan, such as Jesus vous aime ("Jesus loves you").
Tap-taps are the most economical way to travel in Haiti with the ticket prices usually under a dollar. They are also quite convenient as they will stop along the route wherever you request. However, they are sometimes over packed and can be quite dangerous to ride in the mountain roads where the road conditions are less than ideal. First time travellers who do not speak conversational Creole are advised not to travel by tap-tap without assistance. There are also bus versions of tap-taps used for longer voyages. The prices are often expensive due to the distance traveled.
Eat
Haitian cuisine is typical of Caribbean métissage - a wonderful mix of French and African sensibilities. It is similar to its Spanish neighbors yet unique in its strong presence of spices. Roast goat called 'kabrit', morsels of fried pork 'griot', poultry with a Creole sauce 'poulet creole', rice with wild mushroom 'du riz jonjon' are all wonderful and tasty dishes. Along the coast fish, lobster and conch are readily available. Haiti has a very fine collection of fruit including guava, pineapple, mango (Haiti's most prized fruit), banana, melons, breadfruit, as well as mouth watering sugarcane cut and peeled to order on the streets. Restaurants in the bigger cities provide safe and wonderful meals, and precautions are taken with the food and water to keep things safe. Even in resorts with purified water, it is not always safe to assume that raw vegetables (such as lettuce and tomatoes) have been properly washed. In smaller or more humble venues make sure to eat fruit and vegetables that can be skinned or peeled, drink bottled drinks only, make sure any ice is from a clean water source, make sure any meat is well cooked.
When bottled water or boiled water is not available, a freshly opened coconut provides water and electrolytes with minimal health risk.
Drink
Haitian rum is well-known. 'Barbancourt 5 star' is a top of the line drink. 'Clairin' is the local firewater made from sugarcane that can be bought on the street, often flavored with various herbs that can be seen stuffed into the bottle. 'Prestige' is the most popular beer, and is of good quality and excellent taste. Also be sure to try the 'Papye' drink, a sort of papaya milk shake that is delicious beyond words on a hot day. Cremas is a tasty, creamy alcoholic beverage that is derived from coconut milk.
Sleep
There are many guest houses throughout Haiti. However, these are quite hard to find while overseas. Many of these guest houses run about 25 to 35 dollars a night and includes 2 to 3 meals during the day. Sometimes these houses are associated with orphanages (e.g., Saint Joseph's Home for Boys).
Saint Joseph's Home for Boys is in Delmas 91, near Pétionville.
Fondwa Guest House is at the bottom of the hill from Anbatonèl (a small village 1/2 way between Léogane and Jacmel).
Camping is a high-risk activity in certain parts of Haiti and is not recommended.
Buy
The Haitian gourde, pronounced goud in Creole, is the currency of Haiti. It's notionally divided into 100 centimes, but as the exchange rate (as of July 2009) hovers around 40 gourdes to the dollar, you're unlikely to see these. Haiti has become famous for its very informal yet interesting bustling marketplace. Everything is sold here ranging from the curiously appealing to the dullest of objects for rather inexpensive prices. Haggling is wise and recommended and not doing so may cost you precious dollars. There are various large retail supermarkets in the capital that offer a variety of items. Haiti is a world of crafts waiting to be sought after.
Although by law, merchants are required to quote prices in gourde, rarely do they do so. Instead, virtually everything is priced in "dollars" -- not USD but Haitian dollars which are equivalent to 5 goudes. This practice is a holdover from the US occupation of Haiti in the early 20th century, during which the gourde was pegged at 5 gourdes to the US dollar.
Talk
See also: French phrasebook, Haitian Creole phrasebook
Haitians speak French (franse in Kreyòl / Haitian Creole), associated with the local elite and the upper middle class and not commonly spoken, and/or Haitian Creole (kreyol), which is the language of the masses, consisting of strong French and African influence along with Spanish and Taino influences to a lesser extent. Do not expect to be able to speak Kreyòl if you know French, as the two are separate languages with highly different vocabulary and grammatical structures. Many Haitians are very appreciative if you go to the trouble to learn at least a little bit of the native language, rather than using an interpreter or expecting them to speak English. Be advised that only a small minority of Haitians are fluent in French. Haitians working at tourist areas usually speak English well enough for conversation and they can help you with any inquiries.
Etiquette
One thing a missionary or other visitor to Haiti learns very quickly is that the Haitians are a very dignified people; they have their pride, despite all they have had to endure. There are some beggars and peddlars in the cities, but they are the exception, not the rule. Don't expect kow-towing. Impoverished Haitians will always accept gifts, but they will almost always stand straight, look you in the eye, and repay you with a sincere "Mesi".
Stay healthy
Tap water should be avoided as much as possible. Stick to the bottled variety.
Health care, though often not of the standards one would be accustomed to in more developed countries, is available in all large towns and cities; many smaller towns and villages also have health clinics. However facilities, technology and a good variety of medicines can be in meager supply.
The biggest concern in Haiti for travellers is malaria, and dehydration. One should make an appointment with a travel clinic for anti-malarial prophylaxis. Hydration requirements can be fulfilled by preparing one of the many water purifying systems as if one were going camping or by buying bottled water once in Haiti which is widely available and inexpensive by western standards. Washing oneself with water from places such as creek or lake is not recommended due to risk of water-borne disease.
Depending on your itinerary, you may have to walk a lot so comfortable footwear is crucial for avoiding blisters. Hiking boots are recommended as well as comfortable sandals.
Safety
With a growing police force, security levels in Haiti is increasing and stabilizing. However, it is still important that you use proper judgment when traveling in Haiti. It is currently extremely inadvisable to travel in most of Port-au-Prince's slums, including Carrefour, Thor-le-Volant, or Cité Soleil, due to the economic and political ties it has with the toppled down government of Aristide. Overall if you go to towns outside the capital like Jacmel, Les Cayes, Cap-Haïtien , or Jérémie your level of caution should be based on common sense. Do not carry huge loads of cash around, or walk late at night in dark streets.
As a counter note, while it is easy to focus on all the insecurity. The truth is that statistically Haiti has the lowest kidnapping and assault rate in all of Latin America.
Haiti is a nation of fairly conservative norms. Modest dress when exploring Haiti's cities is advised, especially for women. The smart visitor should look people in the eye, wave hello, and treat them with friendship and respect, as equals, no matter how poor or desperate their living conditions may seem. Try to learn some basic words of Creole.
Ask permission before taking pictures of locals (don't be surprised if they ask you for money). Don’t walk about sticking your camera in people’s faces or taking pictures randomly. Do not solely take pictures of the piles of trash you may see in some of the bigger cities (such as Cap-Haïtien or Port au Prince), as it is offensive - or anything else that Haitians are not proud of (or that you would not be proud of if it was your country). However, people have no problem with debating issues and foreigners taking pictures of beautiful scenery, cultural events or historical sites.
Carry a few gourdes in your pockets for the kids who carry your luggage/shine your shoes/hail your tap-tap at the airport (but be alert for pick-pockets as you would be in any poor area).
Sometimes visitors to Haiti like to walk about handing out candy or dollar bills. While many people, especially children, will accept your offering, this is offensive to most people as it compromises the dignity of Haitians, fails to solve any of the problems of poverty, and serves the ego of the donor rather than the needs of the country.
Carry an extra water bottle and food to share with your driver/guide/interpreter.
Be patient. Murphy's Law is everywhere; deal with it. Most people will find your whining amusing at best, severely insulting at worst.
Carry a few photos of the area where you live, your workplace, your family to share with friends you make. These are the things that transform you from just another tourist into a real person. More often than not, the people will return the favor, and you might just find a friend.
Your emotions are real - it is okay to feel overwhelmed if you have not experienced this type of culture difference before. If you are easily affected by signs of poverty, Haiti is not for you. Be polite but not intrusive. It is OK to ask questions of the locals. Remember that you are a guest in their country. Don't expect to be treated as a king or a queen (though you might get some extra privileges) because you're foreign. Though with respect, Haitians are warm and helpful people.
Contact & location
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Support the Haiti Earthquake Relief
On January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. Join recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist earthquake victims. Your donation will help disaster victims rebuild their lives and their communities. http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/
Understand
Haiti (Haitian Creole: Ayiti, French: Haïti) is a Caribbean country that occupies the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola. The eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola is occupied by the Dominican Republic. The North Atlantic Ocean lies to the north, while the Caribbean Sea lies to the south. Haiti is a country with a troubled past, and its future still remains uncertain. Decades of poverty, environmental degradation, violence, instability and dictatorship have left it as the second poorest nation in the western hemisphere.
Like many developing nations, Haiti is what you make of it. Those with images of witchcraft, sinister vodou priests and grinding poverty will likely find much to reinforce these stereotypes. However, for those with patience and an open mind, Haiti is a cultural and spiritual wonderland that is unique among post-colonial nations.
It is extremely helpful when traveling in Haiti to have a local contact, through a church, a hotel, or just through making friends with someone. Experiences like dining locally, riding on a tap-tap, or strolling through one of the insanely crowded outdoor markets are great fun and very worth doing, but much safer and easier if you have a trusted Haitian to go along as a guide and interpreter.
Climate
Tropical; semiarid where mountains in the east cut off trade winds. Lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October. Experiences occasional flooding and earthquakes and periodic droughts.
Terrain
Mostly mountainous, with a wide, flat central plain the north. The highest point is Chaine de la Selle at 2,777m.
History
The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island when it was invaded and rebaptized Hispaniola by Columbus in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century the French established a presence on Hispaniola and in 1697 Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island. The French colony of Saint-Domingue, with an economy based mostly on sugar and coffee-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy kidnapping and enslavement of Africans and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Saint-Domingues's nearly 500,000 slaves revolted and, after a prolonged struggle, ousted the French and created Haiti - the first black republic - in 1804. Haiti, like most other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, experienced the pressures of international imperialism, internal political instability and the economic difficulties of a producer of primary goods. A first major strike was dealt against national sovereignty with the American occupation of 1915-1934. The following 20 years saw once again different struggles for leadership which ended with the victory of François (Papa Doc) Duvalier. Duvalier's family dictatorship lasted nearly thirty years, with Jean-Claude (Bébé Doc) Duvalier picking up the reins after Papa Doc's passing in 1971. Bébé Doc was ousted in 1986, and was followed by alternating civilian governments and military rule which ended in 1990 when Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president. Most of his term was usurped by a military takeover, but he was able to return to office in 1994 and oversee the installation of his former prime minister, René Préval, to the presidency in 1996. Aristide won a second term as president in 2000, and took office early in 2001. However, a political crisis stemming from fraudulent legislative elections in 2000 eventually brought about a second departure in 2004. Since then, Haiti has been occupied by U.N. peacekeeping troupes (MINUSTAH) and has once again elected René Préval as head of state in February 2006.
History
The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island when it was invaded and rebaptized Hispaniola by Columbus in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century the French established a presence on Hispaniola and in 1697 Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island. The French colony of Saint-Domingue, with an economy based mostly on sugar and coffee-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy kidnapping and enslavement of Africans and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Saint-Domingues's nearly 500,000 slaves revolted and, after a prolonged struggle, ousted the French and created Haiti - the first black republic - in 1804. Haiti, like most other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, experienced the pressures of international imperialism, internal political instability and the economic difficulties of a producer of primary goods. A first major strike was dealt against national sovereignty with the American occupation of 1915-1934. The following 20 years saw once again different struggles for leadership which ended with the victory of François (Papa Doc) Duvalier. Duvalier's family dictatorship lasted nearly thirty years, with Jean-Claude (Bébé Doc) Duvalier picking up the reins after Papa Doc's passing in 1971. Bébé Doc was ousted in 1986, and was followed by alternating civilian governments and military rule which ended in 1990 when Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president. Most of his term was usurped by a military takeover, but he was able to return to office in 1994 and oversee the installation of his former prime minister, René Préval, to the presidency in 1996. Aristide won a second term as president in 2000, and took office early in 2001. However, a political crisis stemming from fraudulent legislative elections in 2000 eventually brought about a second departure in 2004. Since then, Haiti has been occupied by U.N. peacekeeping troupes (MINUSTAH) and has once again elected René Préval as head of state in February 2006.
Climate
Tropical; semiarid where mountains in the east cut off trade winds. Lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October. Experiences occasional flooding and earthquakes and periodic droughts.
Cities
Port-au-Prince - Capital
Cap-Haïtien
Gonaïves
Jacmel
Jérémie
Les Cayes
Milot
Miragoane
Mirebalais
Port-de-Paix
Saint-Marc
Port-Salut
Other destinations
The Citadelle Henri Christophe (also known as Citadelle Laferrière) is a fortress located on a high mountain in Haiti overlooking the city of Milot, Haiti. At the base of the mountain stands the ruins of Palais Sans Souci.
Labadee - a private port used by cruise ships. la gonave grande source
Getting there
Visas are only required by citizens of China, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Panama. Citizens of other countries can stay 3 months.
By plane
International travelers will arrive in Haiti at Port-au-Prince (PAP) at the Aéroport Toussaint Louverture Airport or Aéroport International Cap-Haïtien in the North. The plane tickets can be purchased via many online ticketing sites and agencies. There are intra-Haiti flights available as well. Prices on these flights can fluctuate from time to time due to inflation but, depending on the airline, are usually between USD125-132 return from and to Port-au-Prince - though cheaper between Port-au-Prince and Jacmel. In addition to avoiding rather dangerous and inadequate public transportation system by bus and tap-taps, flights offer a safe passage into and out of Port-au-Prince from other parts in Haiti.
Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta and Spirit serve Port-au-Prince from the US. Air Canada, Air France, Caribair as well as others also offer international flights to and from Port-au-Prince. Lynx Air flies from Fort Lauderdale and Miami to Cap-Haïtien . MFI (Missionary Flights International) fly to Cap also from Florida but only registered non-Catholic Christian missionaries are welcome aboard. Other international airlines serving Cap-Haïtien include Sky King, Turks and Caicos Air and Pine-apple Air.
By road
There is a crowded border crossing between Dominican Republic and Haiti in Dajabón/Ouanaminthe. The border is open only during the day. From here you can catch local transport to Cap-Haïtien.
Traveling around
By car
Cars may be rented through Hertz, Avis, etc. Taxis in Haiti are usually in the form of SUVs or trucks as most of the roads are long overdue for repairs in addition to plethora of unpaved roads one faces while travelling in Haiti. The price is often fair (i.e., 450 Haitian Gourdes, or $11.53 at 39 Gourdes to a dollar, from PAP to Leogane) but offers safety and comfort that cannot be found in riding tap-taps or buses.
By bus
The people of Haiti call their forms of public taxis a "tap-tap" and they're often modified trucks or vans, usually with a raised wooden canopy-like cabin over the truck bed. Wood benches are attached to the bed and serve as seats. Tap-Taps are usually painted bright colors, and often bear a religious slogan, such as Jesus vous aime ("Jesus loves you").
Tap-taps are the most economical way to travel in Haiti with the ticket prices usually under a dollar. They are also quite convenient as they will stop along the route wherever you request. However, they are sometimes over packed and can be quite dangerous to ride in the mountain roads where the road conditions are less than ideal. First time travellers who do not speak conversational Creole are advised not to travel by tap-tap without assistance. There are also bus versions of tap-taps used for longer voyages. The prices are often expensive due to the distance traveled.
Eat
Haitian cuisine is typical of Caribbean métissage - a wonderful mix of French and African sensibilities. It is similar to its Spanish neighbors yet unique in its strong presence of spices. Roast goat called 'kabrit', morsels of fried pork 'griot', poultry with a Creole sauce 'poulet creole', rice with wild mushroom 'du riz jonjon' are all wonderful and tasty dishes. Along the coast fish, lobster and conch are readily available. Haiti has a very fine collection of fruit including guava, pineapple, mango (Haiti's most prized fruit), banana, melons, breadfruit, as well as mouth watering sugarcane cut and peeled to order on the streets. Restaurants in the bigger cities provide safe and wonderful meals, and precautions are taken with the food and water to keep things safe. Even in resorts with purified water, it is not always safe to assume that raw vegetables (such as lettuce and tomatoes) have been properly washed. In smaller or more humble venues make sure to eat fruit and vegetables that can be skinned or peeled, drink bottled drinks only, make sure any ice is from a clean water source, make sure any meat is well cooked.
When bottled water or boiled water is not available, a freshly opened coconut provides water and electrolytes with minimal health risk.
Drink
Haitian rum is well-known. 'Barbancourt 5 star' is a top of the line drink. 'Clairin' is the local firewater made from sugarcane that can be bought on the street, often flavored with various herbs that can be seen stuffed into the bottle. 'Prestige' is the most popular beer, and is of good quality and excellent taste. Also be sure to try the 'Papye' drink, a sort of papaya milk shake that is delicious beyond words on a hot day. Cremas is a tasty, creamy alcoholic beverage that is derived from coconut milk.
Sleep
There are many guest houses throughout Haiti. However, these are quite hard to find while overseas. Many of these guest houses run about 25 to 35 dollars a night and includes 2 to 3 meals during the day. Sometimes these houses are associated with orphanages (e.g., Saint Joseph's Home for Boys).
Saint Joseph's Home for Boys is in Delmas 91, near Pétionville.
Fondwa Guest House is at the bottom of the hill from Anbatonèl (a small village 1/2 way between Léogane and Jacmel).
Camping is a high-risk activity in certain parts of Haiti and is not recommended.
Buy
The Haitian gourde, pronounced goud in Creole, is the currency of Haiti. It's notionally divided into 100 centimes, but as the exchange rate (as of July 2009) hovers around 40 gourdes to the dollar, you're unlikely to see these. Haiti has become famous for its very informal yet interesting bustling marketplace. Everything is sold here ranging from the curiously appealing to the dullest of objects for rather inexpensive prices. Haggling is wise and recommended and not doing so may cost you precious dollars. There are various large retail supermarkets in the capital that offer a variety of items. Haiti is a world of crafts waiting to be sought after.
Although by law, merchants are required to quote prices in gourde, rarely do they do so. Instead, virtually everything is priced in "dollars" -- not USD but Haitian dollars which are equivalent to 5 goudes. This practice is a holdover from the US occupation of Haiti in the early 20th century, during which the gourde was pegged at 5 gourdes to the US dollar.
Talk
See also: French phrasebook, Haitian Creole phrasebook
Haitians speak French (franse in Kreyòl / Haitian Creole), associated with the local elite and the upper middle class and not commonly spoken, and/or Haitian Creole (kreyol), which is the language of the masses, consisting of strong French and African influence along with Spanish and Taino influences to a lesser extent. Do not expect to be able to speak Kreyòl if you know French, as the two are separate languages with highly different vocabulary and grammatical structures. Many Haitians are very appreciative if you go to the trouble to learn at least a little bit of the native language, rather than using an interpreter or expecting them to speak English. Be advised that only a small minority of Haitians are fluent in French. Haitians working at tourist areas usually speak English well enough for conversation and they can help you with any inquiries.
Etiquette
One thing a missionary or other visitor to Haiti learns very quickly is that the Haitians are a very dignified people; they have their pride, despite all they have had to endure. There are some beggars and peddlars in the cities, but they are the exception, not the rule. Don't expect kow-towing. Impoverished Haitians will always accept gifts, but they will almost always stand straight, look you in the eye, and repay you with a sincere "Mesi".
Stay healthy
Tap water should be avoided as much as possible. Stick to the bottled variety. Health care, though often not of the standards one would be accustomed to in more developed countries, is available in all large towns and cities; many smaller towns and villages also have health clinics. However facilities, technology and a good variety of medicines can be in meager supply.
The biggest concern in Haiti for travellers is malaria, and dehydration. One should make an appointment with a travel clinic for anti-malarial prophylaxis. Hydration requirements can be fulfilled by preparing one of the many water purifying systems as if one were going camping or by buying bottled water once in Haiti which is widely available and inexpensive by western standards. Washing oneself with water from places such as creek or lake is not recommended due to risk of water-borne disease.
Depending on your itinerary, you may have to walk a lot so comfortable footwear is crucial for avoiding blisters. Hiking boots are recommended as well as comfortable sandals.
Safety
With a growing police force, security levels in Haiti is increasing and stabilizing. However, it is still important that you use proper judgment when traveling in Haiti. It is currently extremely inadvisable to travel in most of Port-au-Prince's slums, including Carrefour, Thor-le-Volant, or Cité Soleil, due to the economic and political ties it has with the toppled down government of Aristide. Overall if you go to towns outside the capital like Jacmel, Les Cayes, Cap-Haïtien , or Jérémie your level of caution should be based on common sense. Do not carry huge loads of cash around, or walk late at night in dark streets.
As a counter note, while it is easy to focus on all the insecurity. The truth is that statistically Haiti has the lowest kidnapping and assault rate in all of Latin America.
Haiti is a nation of fairly conservative norms. Modest dress when exploring Haiti's cities is advised, especially for women. The smart visitor should look people in the eye, wave hello, and treat them with friendship and respect, as equals, no matter how poor or desperate their living conditions may seem. Try to learn some basic words of Creole.
Ask permission before taking pictures of locals (don't be surprised if they ask you for money). Don’t walk about sticking your camera in people’s faces or taking pictures randomly. Do not solely take pictures of the piles of trash you may see in some of the bigger cities (such as Cap-Haïtien or Port au Prince), as it is offensive - or anything else that Haitians are not proud of (or that you would not be proud of if it was your country). However, people have no problem with debating issues and foreigners taking pictures of beautiful scenery, cultural events or historical sites. Carry a few gourdes in your pockets for the kids who carry your luggage/shine your shoes/hail your tap-tap at the airport (but be alert for pick-pockets as you would be in any poor area). Sometimes visitors to Haiti like to walk about handing out candy or dollar bills. While many people, especially children, will accept your offering, this is offensive to most people as it compromises the dignity of Haitians, fails to solve any of the problems of poverty, and serves the ego of the donor rather than the needs of the country. Carry an extra water bottle and food to share with your driver/guide/interpreter.
Be patient. Murphy's Law is everywhere; deal with it. Most people will find your whining amusing at best, severely insulting at worst.
Carry a few photos of the area where you live, your workplace, your family to share with friends you make. These are the things that transform you from just another tourist into a real person. More often than not, the people will return the favor, and you might just find a friend.
Your emotions are real - it is okay to feel overwhelmed if you have not experienced this type of culture difference before. If you are easily affected by signs of poverty, Haiti is not for you. Be polite but not intrusive. It is OK to ask questions of the locals. Remember that you are a guest in their country. Don't expect to be treated as a king or a queen (though you might get some extra privileges) because you're foreign. Though with respect, Haitians are warm and helpful people.
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