Currency. The local currency is the Haitian Gourde (HTG). US dollars are widely accepted, especially in Port-au-Prince and tourist areas. Prices are sometimes quoted in "Haitian dollars" — a colloquial unit equal to 5 gourdes, a legacy of the old dollar-gourde peg. Always clarify which currency is being used. ATMs exist in major cities but are unreliable; bring enough cash.
Language. Haitian Creole (Kreyòl) is spoken by everyone. French is useful for formal situations. English is spoken in some hotels and by people with diaspora connections, but not widely outside those contexts.
Health. Medical facilities are extremely limited throughout the country and are easily overwhelmed. Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications you need. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended; dengue fever, cholera, and typhoid are risks. Drink bottled or purified water only.
Communications. Mobile coverage is reasonable in urban areas. Digicel and Natcom are the main providers. International SIM cards often work; local SIMs are cheap and available. Internet access is patchy outside the capital and Cap-Haïtien.
Electricity. 110V, 60Hz (same as the US). Power outages are common throughout the country; generators are standard in hotels.
Entry. Most nationalities can enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check current requirements before traveling. At the border or airport you will pay a tourist card fee (around USD 10).
Safety. Given the current gang crisis, standard advice no longer applies. Anyone traveling to Haiti in 2025–2026 should consult the latest government advisories, work with a trusted local contact or NGO, and be prepared to change plans rapidly. The north of the country, particularly the Cap-Haïtien area, has been more accessible than Port-au-Prince.