Menu

Move directly to: Practical information / Local culture

Your trip

When is the best time to plan your visit to Haiti?

The best time to travel to Haiti is from November to March. This is the dry period of the country. The hurricane season lasts from August to October. There are different rainy periods in the north and south. In the north the rainy season is from October to May, in the south it is from May to October. Usually the rainy season means a short, heavy shower. Due to the subtropical climate, the sun shines all year round. The temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees.

Do I need insurance for my trip to Haiti?

Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for Haiti. Whether Haiti is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In some cases this will not be a problem. At CultureRoad we recommend: IATI Travel Insurance, a reliable company that has different insurance options that fits your personal needs. Book now to get a 5% discount!

Do I need a visa for Haiti?

You do not need a visa for a trip to Haiti. You will receive a stamp in your passport upon arrival, after which you can stay up to 90 days.

What is the time zone in Haiti?

Haiti uses the time zone UCT -5.
Haiti has no difference between summer and winter time.

How can I pay and how much will I spend in Haiti?

Haitians pay with the Haitian Gourde. It is best to pay with cash in Haiti. There are ATM machines, but they are not very reliable. So make sure you have enough cash on you.
It is best to exchange money with the guide, he knows where good money exchange places are and can help you with a good exchange rate. It is wise to bring American Dollars, they are accepted everywhere and can easily be changed. For the most recent exchange rate, visit www.xchange.com .
 Of course it mainly depends on yourself how much you actually spend, but as a guideline we advise approximately € 40 to € 50 per day, which should be enough. If you would like to buy souvenirs, you better bring something extra. Soft drinks usually cost around € 1 and a meal between € 5 and € 12.
Tipping local guides is always encouraged. They don’t earn much in this part of the world and it often makes a big difference to them. Of course this is according to your own preference.

Do I have to arrange my international flight to Haiti myself?

We are always available to advise you when booking a flight. However, most customers prefer to book the flight themselves. Often this is cheaper in terms of price and you can pick your own preferences. 

Practical information

What is the voltage and which plug should I use in Haiti?

The complete electricity supply in Haiti is 210 Volt / 60 Hz. Unfortunately, a European plug cannot be used for this, you will need an adapter plug. So we recommend to bring a universal plug. There is also regular power outages, so make sure to charge everything as soon as there is power in your hotel.

Is there internet access and can I make calls in Haiti?

Internet is available at most accommodations (if it works). However, don’t expect a fast and steady connection. There is generally mobile coverage everywhere in Haiti . You can also choose to buy a local SIM card , the guide can help you with this.

Local culture

What are the local customs in Haiti?

Haiti is generally an open and accessible country. In terms of customs, there are few differences with Western countries. In general, people are very religious. Christianity and voodoo (vodou) form an aspect in everyday life. 
A few rules to keep in mind:
– Wear simple clothes (t-shirt with pants / skirt).
– Don’t just drink alcohol in public.
– Many Haitians are not used to seeing tourists, which sometimes gives some suspicious looks. However, this is more out of curiosity.

Is it safe in Haiti?

Haiti is generally known as a troubled country. There are often protests, mainly against the government or against the high level of corruption. For safety’s sake, we stay as far away from these protests as possible. The areas in Haiti that we visit are places where we feel comfortable and where we feel we can bring people. If the situation changes, we will also respond immediately. We therefore demand a certain flexibility from our travellers.
Some measures that we do pass on to our travellers;
– If you want to set off by yourself in the big cities, discuss this with the guide first.
– Don’t show off your most beautiful jewellery and watches, leave them at home.
– We do not discuss the itinerary or the name of the hotel with anyone. While it will of course only be out of curiosity that someone asks, we don’t share this information with others purely as a precaution.
– We advise everyone to register with your local embassy. If you have problems on the spot, it is much easier to get in touch with the embassy on site.

Can I take pictures in Haiti?

In general, you can take photos freely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
– Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person.
– It is also better not to take photos of soldiers, military installations, police officers or government buildings.

Food and drinks in Haiti

Haitian food can be compared to the dishes in the rest of the Caribbean. Yet it has its differences. The country has been heavily influenced by the different cultures that the country once influenced. Especially the French, Africans and Spaniards have had a great influence within the country. This has paid off in Haiti, resulting in a rich cuisine. Many typical dishes consist mainly of a lot of herbs, but are also kept simple and tasteful. Much use is made of the local fruits and animals that live on and next to the land: papaya, passion fruit, chicken, pig, fish, etc.
You can buy and drink alcohol in Haiti from the age of 16. Currently, there is a major problem in the country with self-distilled alcohol. This is a source of income for many Haitians, but has often resulted in deaths. This alcohol is often dangerous and contains a (too) high concentration of very strong alcohol. So make sure to never take locally brewed alcohol.

What should I wear in Haiti?

The weather is often very nice in Haiti. Therefore there’s no special clothing regulation that you must adhere to. We advise you not to put on your most expensive clothes. This often only attracts unnecessary attention. In most hotels in the big cities there is an opportunity to do laundry.

Health and hygiene

Haiti is a developing country with a very turbulent recent history. Healthcare is therefore very limited. Healthcare is therefore very limited. Also in terms of hygiene, the standard is much lower than in the Western world. Make sure you have enough disinfection gel, sunscreen and insect repellent.

We advise you always to the last (health) risk programs for the region where you’re going to visit. Check with your own government for the latest info about your destination.

Already know what you are looking for?