Haiti Currency & Money Guide: Exchange, Cards, and Tips

Haiti uses the Haitian gourde (HTG) as its official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist-facing businesses, so most travellers will need both HTG and USD plus a backup card for larger expenses. Cash dominates daily life, and tipping around 10–15% is customary in restaurants.

You’ll pay for everyday items like tap-taps, street food, and local markets almost entirely in cash, so plan to withdraw or exchange gourdes once you arrive and keep small bills on hand. Many hotels and higher‑end restaurants in Port‑au‑Prince accept cards, but rural areas remain cash‑only.

For exchange rates, Haiti’s economy is volatile, so live data matters: in early 2026, several currency platforms put 1 USD at about 131–133 HTG, and 1 SGD at roughly 96–97 HTG, though this can move quickly according to Port‑au‑Prince travel money guides and global FX tools. Using the Hello app’s multi‑currency tracking helps you see these shifting rates reflected directly in your trip budget.

Digital wallets and contactless payments are still rare, so don’t rely on Apple Pay or Google Pay for everyday purchases. Instead, combine cash, a primary debit/credit card, and a clear daily budget. The Hello app can log expenses in both HTG and USD, automatically converting into your home currency so you always know what you’re really spending.

Haiti’s official currency is the Haitian gourde (HTG), but locals often quote prices in the informal “Haitian dollar,” where 1 Haitian dollar equals 5 gourdes, so understanding both terms is essential to avoid overpaying in markets, taxis, and street stalls. Haiti also sees widespread circulation of US dollars in everyday commerce.

The gourde is issued by the Bank of the Republic of Haiti and is subdivided into 100 centimes, with common banknotes including 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 HTG according to World Travel Guide and currency overviews. Notes and coins are often well‑worn; don’t be surprised if cash looks tired but still functions.

You’ll frequently hear prices like “two Haitian dollars” in shops or on tap‑taps. That phrase means 10 HTG, not 2 USD. Visit Haiti and Caribbean currency experts stress this dual‑unit system: prices listed on menus or boards may be in Haitian dollars but paid in gourdes or US dollars.

Exchange rates move quickly due to Haiti’s economic volatility. Port‑au‑Prince currency guides in 2024 reported rates near 133 HTG per 1 USD, while 2026 travel money tools list around 131 HTG per 1 USD and 0.0076 USD per 1 HTG. Singapore travellers can expect roughly 96–97 HTG for 1 SGD in early 2026 based on multi‑currency travel calculators.

To stay on top of this, you can log expenses in HTG or USD in the Hello app and see automatic conversions into SGD or any other home currency using live exchange data. This is particularly useful when prices jump during your trip.

The safest and generally best‑value places to exchange money in Haiti are commercial banks and authorized bureaux de change, while airport kiosks and random street changers should be avoided because of poor rates and higher scam risk. US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to change into gourdes.

Financial guides for Haiti recommend using banks, indoor supermarkets, or small licensed exchange offices when swapping USD or other major currencies into HTG. Examples cited in Port‑au‑Prince include supermarkets like Delimart or Omni Market and dedicated money‑changing counters recommended by local NGOs, which often offer more stable, transparent rates than hotel desks.

Airport and hotel exchanges typically charge a premium, offering weaker rates because travellers have fewer options. Australian and global currency comparison sites consistently caution against exchanging large sums on arrival at Toussaint Louverture Airport unless absolutely necessary; instead, they suggest taking out a small amount then using banks in town.

US dollars are widely accepted and exchanged everywhere, while other currencies such as EUR or CAD may only be handled by larger banks. If you’re coming from Singapore, you’ll usually get a better Haiti exchange rate by converting SGD to USD at home, then changing USD to HTG locally.

To avoid confusion, track your exchanges in the Hello app: you can input a withdrawal or cash swap in HTG, tag the source currency (USD, SGD, EUR), and let automatic exchange‑rate conversion show you the true cost in your home currency. This helps you spot any unusually bad rates or hidden fees.

Credit cards are usable in upscale hotels, international restaurants, and some businesses in Port‑au‑Prince, but Haiti remains a predominantly cash‑based economy, and most daily expenses require gourdes or US dollars. ATMs exist in major cities but can be unreliable and often charge foreign card fees.

Travel money guides for Haiti note that Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express may be refused outside top‑tier hotels. Even within Port‑au‑Prince, smaller guesthouses, local eateries, and transport providers typically operate on a cash‑only basis. In rural areas and smaller towns, you should assume you’ll need cash for nearly everything.

ATMs attached to major banks in Port‑au‑Prince and Cap‑Haïtien are your best bet for withdrawing HTG. Global banks and currency platforms report standard foreign withdrawal fees plus local surcharges, so expect a per‑withdrawal cost and plan to take out larger amounts less frequently. Always notify your bank before travel to avoid blocked transactions.

Contactless payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and international mobile wallets are still rare in Haiti outside a handful of elite hotels. Local payment apps like WeChat Pay or PayPay are not part of the ecosystem; instead, people rely on cash, cards, and occasionally domestic mobile money services.

Because network reliability can vary, staying connected via a Hello eSIM for Haiti makes it easier to check bank notifications, confirm ATM charges, and securely approve 3‑D Secure card transactions. You can also use the Hello app’s AI receipt scanning to record restaurant bills or hotel charges directly from photos of your receipts.

Tipping in Haiti is expected but moderate, with 10–15% standard in sit‑down restaurants and small cash tips appreciated for hotel staff, guides, and drivers, so plan space in your budget for gratuities in either gourdes or US dollars. Service charges may be included in higher‑end venues but not in local eateries.

Tourism and travel sites focused on Haiti’s costs highlight that tipping supports a key part of the service economy. In restaurants catering to foreigners, you’ll often see a service fee; if not, a 10–15% tip left in small HTG notes or USD makes a good impression. Porters at hotels or bus stations usually receive the equivalent of 20–50 HTG per bag, while local guides might expect 5–10 USD per day, depending on the length and intensity of the tour.

Daily expenses vary widely by location. According to 2026 spending‑money guides, a simple local meal can cost 150–350 HTG (about 1–3 USD), while mid‑range restaurant dinners in Port‑au‑Prince may run 800–1,500 HTG (roughly 6–12 USD) per person. Tap‑tap rides within the city can be as low as 10–25 HTG if you pay the local rate.

To save money:

• Eat where locals eat rather than in tourist enclaves.
• Negotiate prices in markets and for taxis, but do so respectfully.
• Use fixed‑route tap‑taps instead of private cars where safety and language allow.

The Hello app’s budget tracking lets you set a daily HTG cap, then watch in real time as meals, tips, and transport add up. AI categorisation groups your food, transport, and accommodation costs so you can see quickly where to cut back.

Staying safe with money in Haiti mainly means using cash carefully, avoiding street exchangers, and keeping a low profile, while tracking your spending with tools like the Hello app helps you quickly catch unusual charges or missing cash. Basic precautions go a long way in bus stations, markets, and crowded downtown areas.

Local NGOs and travel advisories commonly warn against changing large amounts with unlicensed street dealers. Typical scams include offering a good rate but short‑changing you in worn notes, slipping in outdated or damaged bills, or switching bundles of cash at the last moment. Sticking to banks and recognized exchange offices greatly reduces this risk.

In busy markets, pickpocketing and bag‑snatching can occur, especially if you show large wads of cash or an expensive phone. Carry money in a money belt or inner pocket, separate your day’s spending from your reserve funds, and avoid opening your wallet in full view when negotiating or paying.

Card fraud risk is lower simply because cards are used less frequently, but ATMs can still be compromised. Use machines inside bank branches, cover your PIN, and check statements regularly. The US and European travel authorities recommend enabling transaction alerts so you see each charge in real time.

The Hello app can strengthen your money safety net. AI receipt scanning lets you upload a quick photo of a restaurant bill or market purchase to confirm you weren’t overcharged. Multi‑currency budget tracking shows what you should have spent versus what left your account, making it easier to spot discrepancies and address them promptly with your bank or host.

Travellers most often ask whether they should bring US dollars or gourdes, how much to tip, and whether cards work widely in Haiti, and the short answer is: carry both USD and HTG, plan on tipping 10–15%, and don’t rely on cards outside major city hotels and restaurants.

Q: What currency should I bring to Haiti?
A: The official currency is the Haitian gourde (HTG), but US dollars are widely used, especially in Port‑au‑Prince and tourist businesses. Many travel money guides advise arriving with USD, then exchanging part into gourdes at banks or authorized bureaux de change once you’re on the ground.

Q: How does the Haiti exchange rate compare for SGD or USD?
A: Rates fluctuate, but in early 2026 live FX tools put 1 USD around 131–133 HTG, and 1 SGD at roughly 96–97 HTG. Because of volatility, it’s smart to check a current rate app right before you travel and use Hello’s automatic conversions while you’re there.

Q: Are credit cards widely accepted?
A: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at upscale hotels, some supermarkets, and better‑known restaurants in Port‑au‑Prince, but most daily transactions elsewhere require cash. Always carry enough HTG and small USD bills for taxis, tap‑taps, and food.

Q: What’s the tipping norm in Haiti?
A: Plan on 10–15% in sit‑down restaurants if service isn’t already included, plus small tips for porters (20–50 HTG per bag) and guides (5–10 USD per day). Keep coins and small notes handy to avoid over‑tipping.

If you’re planning a wider Caribbean or multi‑country trip, remember you can manage all currencies and split costs with friends in the Hello app while staying connected via an eSIM from Hello, whether you’re in Haiti or hopping on to nearby destinations.