Scam in HaitiOn the street
Unexpected payment requests for photos in Haiti
How it works
People 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.
Warning signs
- You are about to photograph someone without asking.
- A photo opportunity is offered without a clear price.
How to avoid it
- Ask permission before photographing people.
- Ask whether payment is expected before taking the photo.
- Decline the photo if you do not accept the price.
- Respect a refusal.
If it happens to you
Stay polite and discuss what was agreed. For the donkey photo, you can decline the charge by declining to take the picture.
- Get to a secure place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your card issuer and secure your accounts as soon as possible.
- Write down what happened, including the place, time, amount and any vehicle details you already have. Keep receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police when it is safe and practical. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need urgent support. Outside help may be very limited.
- Contact your insurer or booking provider if relevant. Keep copies of reports and expenses for any claim.
Questions
What is the unexpected payment requests for photos scam in Haiti?
People 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.
How can I spot it early?
You are about to photograph someone without asking. A photo opportunity is offered without a clear price.
How do I avoid unexpected payment requests for photos in Haiti?
Ask permission before photographing people. Ask whether payment is expected before taking the photo. Decline the photo if you do not accept the price. Respect a refusal.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay polite and discuss what was agreed. For the donkey photo, you can decline the charge by declining to take the picture.
Where in Haiti does this happen?
Across Haiti, with a specific example on the saline flats of Gonâve Island
How much can it cost me?
Up to $6 for a donkey photo on Gonâve Island; the dollar currency is not specified.
How common is this scam in Haiti?
Occasional. 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.
Are there similar scams in Haiti?
Yes: charge for picking up a shell.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when safe and practical. Ask your accommodation or a trusted local contact to help you find a reporting route. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for passport loss or urgent consular advice. Assistance may be very limited. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance details in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report. Hotel or transport provider: tell the provider if the incident involved transport it arranged. Share the agreed price, receipt and journey details.
Reviewed by @snuck