|
|
Banks
Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am-1pm. There are 24 hour ATMs located at the main banks listed below and also one at the airport. They dispense Haitian gourdes and accept VISA or MasterCard and accounts linked to your bankcard (using Cirrus, Maestro, Electron and PLUS links).
There are banks in the major towns but the majority of the banks are in Port au Prince. Branches include
Citibank, 242 Route de Delmas, Port au Prince, t 299 3200
Banque de la République d'Haiti, Rue du Magasin de l'Etat, Port au Prince, t 299 1000
Banque Populaire Haitienne, Rue des Miracles, Port au Prince, t 299 6000
Scotiabank, 360 Blvd. JJ Dessalines, Port au Prince, t 299 3000 |
| ^ back to top |
Beaches
Haiti is not a tourist destination in the same sense as many other Caribbean islands at the moment, but it does have the winter sun and some fine beaches. There is a full variety, from small and secluded coves to long strips of white sand backed with palm trees in typical Caribbean style. A few of the more popular areas, to the north of Port au Prince and west of Cap Haitian are owned by hotels and have been developed, however a trip further a field will unearth idyllic bays to escape to.
Cacique Island
Five minute boat ride from Port au Prince, Cacique Island is home to Ibo Beach, a popular and well developed area with watersports on offer.
Kyona Beach
Very popular beach with the Haitians on weekends, about an hour north of Port au Prince. Well developed with lots of watersports facilities.
Côte des Arcadins
Small cays, just north of the capital. There are some really nice beaches near the hotels with excellent water for swimming.
Amani-y Beach
Beautiful beach and a great place to watch the sunset. One of the most attractive areas in Haiti, just to the south of the town of St Marc.
Labadie Beach
A beach visited mainly by cruise ships, but which can be visited by travellers on days when no ships call in. It is a very attractive strip of sand with facilities and a backdrop of mountains. There is sometimes entertainment for the cruise ship passengers.
Cormier Beach
Popular fishing village on the north coast of Haiti, in between Labadie and Cap Haitien.
Guilou, Taino and Sun Beach
These are the nearest beaches to the capital, located just to the south of Port au Prince near Gressier
Cocoyer Beach
Attractive and isolated beach close to Petit Goave.
Jérémie
Near the western tip of the southern peninsular. Access is only available by boat but the trip is well worth it for the superb coves. No facilities.
Cayes Bay
Beautiful strips of white sand lined with palm trees. Port Salut to the west of Les Cayes has some stunning beaches. No facilities.
Raymond les Bains and Cyradier Beach
On the southern coast of Haiti, east of Jacmel. Fine white sand but no facilities so bring food and drink for the day. |
| ^ back to top |
Casinos
There are two casinos on Haiti. Both are in the capital and situated in hotels.
Hotel El Rancho, Rue San Jose de San Martin, Pétionville, Port au Prince, t 257 2080
Royal Haitian Hotel and Casino, 43 Sonto Nara, Port au Prince, t 234 3323 |
| ^ back to top |
Check In/Check Out
As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is not prior to 3pm. If you know you will be arriving before the normal check-in time however, do ask, as your hotel may able to be flexible. Subject to availability they may also be able provide a day room or shower facilities for the day of your departure. You should make any special arrangements at the time of booking. |
| ^ back to top |
Cruises
Haiti has very little tourism of any sort at the moment and so there is not much cruise tourism there. Unexpectedly though, Royal Caribbean does have an arrangement with Labadie Beach in the north of the island and its ships make a regular stop there on its itineraries. It is possible to explore that part of the island during the stop. |
| ^ back to top |
|
|