Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2017 | Page 310

Useful Information when planning a Haitian vacation?

Passport & Visa Internet Access
No visa is required from most countries for stays
less than 90 days. A visa is required only for
citizens of Cuba. Dominicans, Columbians and
Panamanians do not need a Haitian visa as long as
they hold a valid
American or Canadian Visa. A valid passport is
mandatory. Major hotels offer Internet access and Wi-Fi in
public areas and in rooms. Cyber Cafes & Hotspots
are available everywhere.
Electricity
110 V, 60 Cycles, American Outlets
Currency
Although the national currency is the Gourde
(HTG), the U.S. Dollar is accepted everywhere.
Currency exchange is available in many banks
or hotel front desks. The current rate is around
US$ 1.00 for HTG 42.00. It is advised to convert
your home currency into American Dollars before
leaving since the local rate of conversion is not
always advantageous.
Banks
Local & international banks have an extensive
urban coverage. A limited number of ATMs are
available.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not very well organized.
Private taxis as well as car rentals (sedans and
4x4s) are available from various agencies. Local
incoming travel agencies can also arrange cars and
minibuses with drivers and guides for transfers and
excursions.
Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most tourist
establishments. Cash advance is available in some
banks and ATMs.
Telephones
Country code for Haiti: 509. Local numbers increase
to 8 digits. The first digit indicates whether it is
a fixed phone (2) or a mobile phone (3 or 4). The
mobile phone carriers have booths are the airport.
Medical Care
The hotels have a list of private doctors available
for emergencies. Private hospitals are available as
well as certain public facilities. Air ambulances
may be required for cases requiring transportation
to facilities in the region. Several drugstores and
pharmacies are available.
Local Air Transport
Several local airlines offer regular flights with
aircrafts of up to 19 seats to the following cities:
Cap Haitian, Jérémie, Les Cayes and Port-de-Paix.
Aircrafts and helicopters for air taxi / charter
services can also be organized to various other
areas of the country.