Haiti Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -5
Electricity: 110 volts, 60HZ. The plugs in use are the eastern type with two flat, parallel prongs.
Language: Creole is the official language, and French is widely used; English is spoken in the capital and at Labadee cruise port.
Getting around: The local means of public transportation are brightly painted minibuses and trucks known as 'Tap-taps', but visitors are advised not to use these for safety reasons. Public taxis and rental cars are available, but visitors are advised to be cautious before retaining a taxi and to drive with windows closed and doors locked in rental cars. It is best to obtain a reliable local driver or guide.
Health: Typhoid, polio and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to Haiti, and yellow fever vaccination is required for those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for anywhere in Haiti except the cruise port of Labadee. Use precautions against mosquitoes, as dengue fever is also on the increase. Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince are of poor quality, and virtually non-existent elsewhere, so medical insurance with evacuation cover is essential, and it is advisable to bring all required medications from home. Tap water should be avoided, and visitors should drink bottled water. Eat only peeled, cooked and piping hot fruit and vegetables, and make sure fish and meat is thoroughly cooked. It is recommended to avoid buying food or drink from street vendors.
Tipping: Hotel bills generally have a tax of 10% added, and a service charge of 5%. Restaurant staff should be tipped around 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers can be given a discretionary tip if they are helpful and efficient.
Safety: Haiti has a bad reputation for the safety and security of visitors, because of a high crime rate and civil unrest, and both the British and US governments advise against all but essential travel to Haiti. This, however, does not apply to the enclosed cruise port of Labadee. Kidnapping, armed robbery, gang violence, pick-pocketing and various other horrors occur regularly in the country, although not usually directed at foreigners. Travellers are advised to hire a reliable guide and/or driver when touring in Haiti, and not to wander the streets in Port-au-Prince, especially at night. The hurricane season in Haiti normally runs from June to November.
Customs: Haitians are proud people despite their poor circumstances and appreciate being treated with respect. It is advisable to show willingness to learn a few basic Creole phrases, and to ask permission before taking pictures of locals.
Business: This being one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, and economically depressed, few business visitors come to Haiti. If embarking on a business trip to Haiti, business visitors should consider hiring a translator to ensure smooth communication. Business hours are generally from 8am to 4 pm.
Communications: The international dialing code for Haiti is +509. The outgoing code is 00. There are no area codes. The landline telephone company, mainly government owned, provides an inadequate service. A GSM mobile network has recently become available. There are a few Internet cafes in Port-au-Prince.
Duty Free: The duty free allowance for goods brought in to Haiti are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1kg of tobacco, one litre of spirits and a small bottle of perfume for personal use. Pork, coffee, matches, drugs and firearms are prohibited.