Port Au Prince, Haiti Report of what it's like to live there - 12/21/16
Personal Experiences from Port Au Prince, Haiti
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is my fourth expat experience, I have previously lived in Korea, Albania and Armenia.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA, Miami is less than a 2 hour flight -- connect from there to many US locations
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Three-bedroom townhouse on the Embassy compound. From Petionville it can be 30-60 minutes commute to the Embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
For imported items the cost is 1.5 - 2 times the cost in the US. Locally grown produce is not expensive. The mangoes, bananas, chayote, etc are all delicious. There are many grocery stores that cater to expats.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Pet food.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are no chain restaurants, which makes for good options. You can get sushi, a roast chicken at the grocery store or pizza.There are many nice restaurants, primarily in the vicinity of Petionville. There are coffee shops and good bakeries.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Occassional tarantulas, ants, roaches can all be a problem. Don't allow standing water inside or outside your home. This is where mosquitoes breed.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic mission. FedEx is available. Mission groups have an airmail system that volunteers staff and pay a fee for the weight of the mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Full time domestic help is available for about $350 per month. Local health insurance can be provided through DASH for a very reasonable fee. Some people employ drivers.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is at least one gym in the Petionville area. I heard that it is expensive. Of course, the alternative is hiking in the nearby mountains.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I only used my credit card twice at the Caribbean grocery store. Not long after, there were unauthorized charges on my account. Mostly it is a cash economy. You can cash a U.S. check at the grocery store.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Port au Prince Fellowship and Quisqueya Chapel offer Evangelical services.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
There a fair number of English speakers, but you really do need to know a little French or Creole.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, many.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No taxi or buses available. "Tap-Taps" are what the locals use.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Bring something with high clearance. The roads have deep ruts and can be flooded during the rainy season. Bring something that can handle the steep mountain climbs.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Digicel offers reliable service. They were very responsive when I phoned for service and offered English-language phone assistance. There are other options as well.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Digicel.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
The animal care center in Petionville was adequate for my dog. They sell Royal Canin pet food and a variety of pet supplies. There is no quarantine. Do have your pet immunized for rabies. The incidence of rabies is high in the country. Use Air France for transport of pets in and out of the country.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Local salaries can be low. However some spouses have been able to find work with NGO's.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many -- orphanages, NGOs, clinics, schools.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work, standard business attire is appropriate. There are some occasions when formal dress is necessary.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Cite Soleil is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Along with other parts of Haiti such as Carfour, the American Embassy staff are not allowed to travel to without an armed escort.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Malaria, chikungunya, zika, dengue are all mosquito born diseases in Haiti. There is also cholera. Use insect precautions and be smart about the food that you eat. The hospitals are generally inadequate and almost anything beyond a mild illness would require medical evacuation. Be sure you have medical evacuation insurance. Some NGOs and faith-based organizations have made efforts to improve the quality of health care in Haiti, but there is a long way to go. Know how to get to your hospital of choice because there is no ambulance service.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Trash, tires and trees are burned frequently. Deforestation has lead to a high level of dust.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
There isn't an ambulance coming to get you. Have a plan. Carry your epinephrine. Know how to identify your food allergens in the Creole language.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Observing the level of poverty can be depressing, but the weather is almost always great.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Nice weather, but with potential hurricanes and earthquakes. The rain can be heavy in the spring and fall leading to flooding. That is when cholera becomes a problem.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
In PAP there are really only a few options. United School or Quisqueya Christian School. Parents have varied opinions about either school. The commute from the Embassy is long and children board the bus early.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None -- if your child has special needs, don't come to Haiti.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is no preschool. People use nannies for day care.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are many expats living in Haiti. Many are missionaries of some sort. The United Nations are still in Haiti as a peacekeeping force.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Most people can find something to do here. Go to the beach, go hiking,
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
For the most part, Haitians don't care about your sexual preferences.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is a big divide between the rich Haitians and the not-rich. In the local community, not everyone is of African descent, but they are all Haitian.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Go to Cap Haitien to see the Citadel, Jacmel for the mosaic walks. Drive to the Dominican Republic. Visit Croix de Boquet and the artisans there. Visit the art galleries in Petionville. Take a hike in the mountains. Volunteer your time to help someone.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Go to the Apparent project and see beads made from old cardboard and buy some bracelets.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are many handicrafts in Haiti. Much of it is upcycled. Paper mache, metalwork, paintings, wood carvings, beaded purses and so much more.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's close to the United States.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The traffic can be horrible. You must learn alternate routes to your destinations.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I would take another assignment here.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
220V appliances. The electricity is 110V.
4. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen. Bring your winter coat in case you want to go north in the winter.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The Comedians, Island Beneath the Sea, Claire of the Sea Light.
