DAY ONE
The essentials.
- 💵 MoneyThe gourde (HTG). US dollars are accepted in hotels and many shops — small notes help; prices are often quoted in 'dollars haïtiens' (5 gourdes) so ask which. MonCash and NatCash are the wallets everyone uses; TaxiPoli takes both, cash, and cards from abroad.Today's rate ↗
- 📶 SIM & dataDigicel or Natcom, from a kiosk at the airport or any corner — bring your passport. Data is cheap. WhatsApp is how Haiti talks; get a local number on day one.Digicel Haiti ↗
- 🗣️ LanguageKreyòl everywhere, French in offices and on paper, English in hotels. A few words of Kreyòl open every door — see the phrases below.Phrases ↗
- 🔌 Power & water110 V, US plugs. Power cuts are normal; hotels and offices run generators and inverters. Drink bottled or treated water; ice in good restaurants is fine.Plug types ↗
- 🕐 Time & hoursEastern time, same as New York, with daylight saving. Offices 8–4, banks close early Friday, most shops shut Sunday; churches are full.Time in Port-au-Prince ↗
- 🤝 MannersSay bonjou (before noon) or bonswa entering any room, shop or tap-tap — silence is rude. Greet, then ask. Tip 10% where service is not included; a few gourdes for a porter or a parking watcher.Haitian etiquette ↗
- 🛡️ Common senseMove by day where you can, keep your phone in your pocket in traffic, carry a copy of your passport not the book, and let someone know your plan. Use drivers with a name and a code. Ask locals — they will tell you honestly.Safety tips ↗
- 📱 AppsTaxiPoli for rides and deliveries, PoliMart for groceries and pharmacies to your door, WhatsApp for everyone, Google Maps works offline if you download Haiti before you fly.PoliMart ↗