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Haïti Practical information Haiti

 
 
Area : 10714  sq.mi - Population 8000000 hab.
Haiti

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Practical information Haiti

superficie

Area

10714  sq.mi
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Flights

Port-au-Prince is some 4,465 mi from the United Kingdom. Air France operates 9 flights a day via Paris and Miami. Duration of the flight: approximately 15 hrs 30 mins.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

8000000 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

The international airport is 5 miles away from Port-au-Prince. Allow 20 minutes and about £1 for the journey. You will also find free shuttles, run by certain hotels. The main rental agencies, such as Hertz and Avis, are present at the airport. The airport tax varies frequently. Allow about £5 when you arrive, if the visa is not required. Allow for around £15 when leaving Port-au-Prince.
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Security

Even though security conditions have relatively improved since 2007 in Port au Prince, Haiti remains a destination unadvised to tourists. There is no area in the capital city that is not risky. Abductions for ransoms continue to constitute a real risk. If you go to Haiti for family or business reasons, it is imperative that you respect the following precautions : be hosted upon arrival by someone you know, drive during the day only, windows closed and car doors locked, avoid getting close to a crowd or walking alone, even in the small towns and villages outside of the capital.
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Languages

French is the official language. 35 % of Haitians speak and understand French. Most employees in the tourist industry speak English. The entire population speaks Creole.
formalites

Requirements

A passport is required and must be valid for at least six months after your arrival on the territory. European citizens will need a visa. It is issued upon arrival at the airport, on presentation of your passport, plane ticket and proof of accommodation in the country. Also, have an identity photo ready.
Careful, a tax of about £5 is requested upon arrival and a £15 tax will be asked for upon departure.
religion

Religion

80% of Haitians are Catholic and 20% are Protestant (Baptists, Pentecostals). Voodoo rituals are practiced by more than 80% of the population.
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Currency

The currency is the Gourde, also referred to as the Haitian Dollar (HTG). Bring some US dollars in cash, but more importantly bring travellers cheques, as you will have no problem cashing these. Make sure you bring enough travellers cheques for your whole stay as Visa and Diners Club cards are rarely accepted. American Express and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards. You will be able to withdraw cash over the counter at banks and in branches of the National Bank of the Republic of Haiti and you'll also find a few ATM machines in the towns. Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 1:00pm and closed on weekends.
transports

Local transportation

Only take the essential trips to get from one site to another. Driving is very dangerous. Roads and vehicles are in a terrible shape, and traffic jams are numerous. Rent a four-wheel drive with a driver as soon as you arrive at the airport. You will find major car rental agencies, as well as a couple of local rental agencies. Taxis work with meters, but a lot of them are fake. Get some information in hotels. You will find crowded vans that serve as buses, though they work in an anarchical way. For security reasons, it is not recommended to use them. The bus ride rate varies depending on the client, especially if he is European. There is not any national airline company or railroad network, and boats are in poor condition.
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Health

Malaria is rampant and it is therefore recommended to have anti-malaria treatment (chloroquin). Dengue fever is also passed on by mosquito bites. It has re-entered the country, but no vaccine is available. Remember to bring repellent products. A certificate of the vaccination against yellow fever is required upon arrival for those coming from areas affected by the disease. Vaccination shots against typhoid and poliomyelitis are absolutely essential. Only drink mineral water and make sure that vegetables are correctly washed. Subscribe to repatriation insurance and consult your doctor before departure who will be able to prescribe you emergency medicines. Due to a certain number of deaths related to a fruit called ?ackee' or ?aki', it is recommended to avoid eating it until further notice.
electricite

Electricity

110 V. An adaptor is needed.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

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Taxes and tips

telephone

Telephone

To call Haiti from the UK, dial the international code 00 (509) + your 7-digit personal number.
To call the UK from Haïti, dial 00 + 44 + your personal number, without the first 0.