Moving to a new country, especially Haiti, can be complicated. Considering the language barriers and cultural differences, it can be difficult to adjust. But don’t worry! That’s what this blog post is for. It will give you some tips and tricks on how to make your move as smooth as possible.
The best place to start is by looking for a rental apartment in Port-au-Prince. That way, you will have a roof over your head when you arrive in Haiti. In this blog post, you’ll also learn how to use the gourde, the local currency in Haiti, and how to get around using public transportation. And don’t forget the importance of learning Creole before you arrive so the locals can understand what you’re trying to say!
Finding an apartment
The first thing you need to do is find an apartment. Depending on what you prefer, you can choose a furnished or unfurnished apartment.
You should check out the prices of apartments in Port-au-Prince. Furnished one bedroom apartments can cost between 220 and 400 CHF per month.
If you plan to stay longer than a year, you should consider buying a house instead of renting an apartment. This way, you can do some renovations and customize the apartment to your liking.
Things to consider before moving to Haiti
The local currency
The Haitian currency is called the gourde. It is worth about 0.0090 CHF and you can buy it in any bank or from money changers on the street. Be careful with your money as there are some counterfeit currencies.
Learn Creole
One of the most important things you should do before moving to Haiti is to learn Creole. Haitians speak a unique dialect that can be difficult to understand for foreigners who don’t know it.
But don’t worry. Even if you’re only moving to Haiti for a short time, it’s worth taking the time to learn some basic skills. You’ll be able to communicate better with the locals, get more out of your trip, and help others who are visiting or staying in Haiti for an extended period of time.
Riding public transportation
One of the most important things to know about living in Haiti is that there are no public buses. Therefore, you will have to use cabs.
It is an adventure, but one that the locals are familiar with. Cabs are the most common form of transportation in Haiti, but they can be expensive and hard to find. You can always call a cab service in advance, which may be more reliable.
Haitian cabs can usually be found at major intersections or at important landmarks. If you want to get from one point to another, you may have to take two or three cabs as they will not make a special trip for you.
One thing you will notice when driving a cab in Haiti: They usually don’t have seat belts in the back seat. So you’ll have to hold on tight when the cab driver goes around corners or over bumps!
What to eat after you move to Haiti
When you arrive in Haiti, you may be eager to try the local dishes. Haitian cuisine is a mixture of foods from the native Taíno and African cultures.
There are many tasty dishes, including Creole rice and bean dishes, fried plantains, callaloo soup and pasteles.
Of course, it is important to let your new hosts know before preparing a meal for you if you have any restrictions or preferences.
The people you will meet after you move to Haiti.
The people of Haiti are very welcoming. They are also happy to help you learn the language they speak and how the country works! In fact, most Haitians are more than happy to have a conversation with you, regardless of how much experience you have.
How to get a visa to move to Haiti
In order to live in Haiti, you will need a visa. Fortunately, there are several ways to obtain one.
The first way is to enter as a tourist and change status upon arrival. The second option is to apply for an immigrant visa before you leave. If you choose this route, it will take about 3 months from the time you apply until you receive your visa.
After you receive your visa, all you have to do is pack your bags and head out for your move to Haiti!
Thanks to this article, you’ve already gotten some helpful information. Accordingly, nothing stands in the way of your move to Haiti.
Do you need more help or do you have any questions? Then we are of course there for you. Just send us a message, and we can support you in the best possible way!