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Currency/Credit Cards
The official currency of Haiti is the Gourde although the US dollar is used in tourist hotels and restaurants. At current rates US$1 = 35 Haitian Gourdes.
During times of more economic stability the exchange rate was consistently five Gourdes to the US dollar. This led to Five Gourdes commonly becoming known as a Haitian dollar. The term stuck and despite the current exchange rate being considerably different to what it was, people still refer to five Gourdes as one Haitian dollar. Many prices in stores are quoted in Haitian dollars, so if something costs one Haitian dollar ($1H), you simply have to know to give them five Gourdes.
Traveller’s cheques and credit cards are accepted in the tourist areas.
You may be approached by locals in the street offering to change money for you. Whilst it is not illegal, it is not recommended. You should carry around plenty of small change and make sure to take Gourdes if you are going off the beaten track. |
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Departure Tax & Taxes
A departure tax of US$25 is payable for everyone when leaving the main airport. |
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Electricity
The electricity operates at 110 Volts/60 Hertz, the same as North America.
The electricity supply in Haiti is very poor and is not available for much of the day. It generally gets turned on between 6 and 8pm. |
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Embassies & Consulates
There is no British Embassy in Haiti and public operations at the British Consulate office in Port au Prince have been suspended since 2005 due to the security situation. Visa and consular enquiries should be directed to the British Embassy in the Dominican Republic, Av 27 de Febrero No 233, Edificio Corominas Pepin, Santo Domingo, t 472 7111.
Canadian Embassy, Edifice Banque Nova Scotia, Delmas 18, t 223 2358
Dominican Embassy, Hotel El Rancho, 121 rue Panaméricaine, Pétionville, t 257 1208
US Embassy, Bd Harry Truman, Port au Prince, t 223 5511 |
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