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Lots of scams

Caribbean

Tourist scams in Haiti

Visitors can face inflated shopping prices, high airport taxi quotes, pushy sellers and unexpected charges for photos or small activities. Pickpocketing and mugging are also risks, but there are no reliable figures here on how often scams happen. Violent crime, kidnapping and civil unrest are much more serious concerns, and outside help may be very limited.
  1. 1 ShoppingVery commonInflated prices for foreign shoppersForeign visitors may be quoted at least twice the usual market price. Bargaining is expected in informal markets.Informal markets and stalls across Haiti 2Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonHigh airport taxi quotesDrivers may ask up to US$20 for a ride into town. A fare of US$10 or even US$5 is described as more reasonable, though the price should be checked before travelling.Cap-Haïtien 1Read
  3. 3 ShoppingCommonPressure from market sellersSellers may grab visitors to get their attention in a very crowded market. This is pressure to engage or buy; it does not by itself prove fraud.Port-au-Prince 2Read
  4. 4 TheftOccasionalAirport pickpocketingPickpockets may take valuables while visitors handle bags or deal with offers of help. An offer of help alone does not mean someone is a thief.Airports, including areas where children offer luggage carrying, shoe shining or help hailing a tap-tap 1Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalMugging around street taxi travel after darkTravellers using street taxis after dark face a greater risk of mugging. This is a robbery risk; it does not mean every street taxi driver is involved.Port-au-Prince 1Read
  6. 6 On the streetOccasionalUnexpected payment requests for photosPeople may ask for money when you photograph them. On Gonâve Island, children may ask up to $6 for a photo of their donkey. A payment request is not automatically a scam, but it can cause a dispute if you have not agreed first.Across Haiti, with a specific example on the saline flats of Gonâve IslandRead
  7. 7 On the streetOccasionalCharge for picking up a shellChildren walking with visitors may try to charge them for picking up a shell from the flats. Visitors do not have to pay this requested charge.The saline flats on Gonâve IslandRead
  8. 8 Fake officialsOccasionalBorder bribe requestsPast accounts describe bribes connected with crossing the border. This is historical information and does not establish that such demands still occur. An unclear payment request should be checked rather than assumed to be an official fee.The Dominican Republic–Haiti land crossing reached from Jimani 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Marche de Fer (Iron Market), Port-au-PrinceCrowded passages and sellers who may grab visitors make shopping stressful and pressured.
  • Cap-Haïtien International Airport (Hugo Chavez International Airport)Taxi drivers may quote up to US$20 for a ride into town.
  • Saline flats on Gonâve IslandChildren may request payment for picking up shells or photographing a donkey.
  • Dominican Republic–Haiti land crossing reached from JimaniHistorical accounts mention border bribes. Current practices are not established.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree on the full fare before getting in.
  • Arrange transport through your hotel or a trusted local contact.
  • Plan arrivals and street taxi journeys for daylight.
  • Keep the agreed fare separate from the rest of your cash.

Money

  • Ask whether a price means gourdes, Haitian dollars or US dollars.
  • One Haitian dollar means five gourdes.
  • Ask for the final total in gourdes before paying.
  • Compare market prices and bargain politely.
  • Carry only the cash you need for the day.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables out of easy reach.
  • Stay alert while handling luggage or accepting airport help.
  • Keep a small amount of money separate for minor payments.
  • Avoid displaying valuables or walking on dark streets.
  • Ask permission and settle any price before taking a person's photo.

Police and officials

  • Follow formal passport and border procedures.
  • Ask for an explanation and receipt for requested payments.
  • Keep entry paperwork secure with your passport.
  • Stay calm if a payment demand is unclear.

What travellers say about Haiti

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are scams the main safety concern in Haiti?

No. Violent crime, kidnapping and civil unrest are more serious concerns. Several governments advise against all travel, and outside help may be very limited.

What does a price in “dollars” mean?

It may mean Haitian dollars rather than US dollars. One Haitian dollar equals five gourdes. Ask for the final price in gourdes before paying.

Should I bargain in markets?

Yes. Foreign visitors may be quoted at least double the usual market price. Compare stalls and agree on the price before paying.

How much might a taxi from Cap-Haïtien airport cost?

Drivers may ask up to US$20. US$5–10 is described as more reasonable, but check the fare before travelling and agree on the total before getting in.

Is it safe to use street taxis after dark in Port-au-Prince?

The risk of mugging rises after dark, and fares also rise substantially. Plan daytime journeys and arrange pickup through a trusted contact or your accommodation.

How should I handle airport offers to carry my bags?

Choose who handles your luggage and keep it in sight. Carry a little money separately for small services, and watch your phone and wallet while distracted.

What should I expect at the Iron Market?

Marche de Fer can be very crowded, and sellers may grab visitors for attention. Give a brief refusal, keep your belongings secure and leave if you feel uncomfortable.

Can people ask me to pay for taking photos?

Yes. Ask permission and discuss payment first. On Gonâve Island, children may ask up to $6 for a donkey photo. Decline the photo if you do not accept the charge.

Do I have to pay for picking up a shell on Gonâve Island?

Children on the saline flats may try to charge you, but you do not have to pay that requested charge. Leaving shells in place avoids the dispute.

What should I do if my wallet or passport is stolen?

Get somewhere secure, block stolen cards and report the theft when practical. Contact your embassy or consulate for passport help and keep records for your insurer.

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