- No traffic rules/law that we as foreigners are accustomed to. It is a free for all. Limited to and/or no traffic signs, lights, and/or street signs.
- There is no GPS system or map. Google map will not help you
- One of the most used public transportation is Tap-Tap. It is bus/van/pick-up truck that people tap on. It is overcrowded and people are literally standing and holding on. However, I found out that it is an adventure. You can get a cab, but you would need to be able to communicate to the driver and it can be pricey.
- Knowledge of the language. English is very limited. You will get by if you know Creole and/or French.
- You need to understand the culture and their beliefs. Pictures taken of them are a big no-no. You need to first ask permission and yes they will say no.
- Going to the North of Haiti i.e. Cap-Haitien is a 30-minute flight with Sunrise Airway which is around $80 round-trip. It is worth it rather than driving.
- They take the U.S. dollar and they have the American 110 volt. No travel adapters (Yippee!!)
- As of March 2016, they don’t recognize Daylight Saving Time. Which had me confused for several hours. Haiti is in the Eastern Time zone.
- Invest heavily in mosquito repellent. I was never bitten by mosquitoes in the States. I hear stories, but my reality has changed. I spent more time fighting them off.
- Traveling by bus/van is a roller-coaster. It is fun but very bumpy.
Haiti is not for independent travelers especially for those who are solo. I am not cautioning anyone due to crime. While I was there, I felt relatively safe. I was not concerned about being mugged, robbed, or pick-pocketed. I was more concerned about getting around. Without a driver and/or a tour guide, I would be clueless. If Haiti is in your plans, check out these tour companies:
- Port-au-Prince Taxi (http://www.portauprincetaxi.com)
- Tour Haiti (http://tourhaiti.net) The site is in French but you can check out their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TourHaiti/
- The Ultimate Haiti Experience (http://www.theultimatehaitiexperience.com)
My personal recommendation is Tour Haiti. We had a great time and we visited several sites that were outside of the itinerary during my visit from July 1 to July 10, 2016.
Overall, Haiti is a beautiful country with natural beauty. This trip was a homecoming as I am Haitian and I’ve never been to Haiti. Visit Haiti and see the powerful heritage that exists. Ayiti!
