Haiti

Travel tips for Haiti: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Recent Reddit reports and 2026 travel advisories confirm cash is essential in Haiti. Card acceptance is extremely limited outside major hotels, so visitors must carry USD or Haitian gourdes for almost all daily expenses.

Try the food

  • Griot (Griyo): Chunks of pork shoulder are marinated in citrus and scotch bonnet peppers, boiled until tender, and then fried to a crisp, golden brown.
  • Soup Joumou: A hearty, mildly spicy puréed pumpkin soup loaded with beef, vegetables, and pasta, traditionally eaten on New Year's Day.
  • Diri ak djon djon: A savory rice dish cooked with native black mushrooms that impart a distinct earthy flavor and a striking dark color.

Say it in Haitian Creole

  • Hello: Bonjou
  • Thank you: Mèsi
  • Please: Tanpri
  • Excuse me: Eskize m
  • How much is this?: Konbyen sa koute?
  • The bill please: Fakti a tanpri
  • Yes / No: Wi / Non
  • Goodbye: Orevwa

Essentials

Voltage
110V, 60Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Pick up a prepaid Digicel or Natcom SIM card at the airport or official kiosks in Port-au-Prince, ensuring you have your passport for registration.

Etiquette

Always greet people with 'Bonjou' (good morning) or 'Bonswa' (good afternoon) before asking a question or starting a transaction, and leave a 10 percent tip in restaurants if service is not included.

Airports in Haiti