Haiti

To truly understand Haiti, you must head north to Milot. Here, the Citadelle Laferrière stands as a monumental symbol of liberty, perched atop the Bonnet à l’Evêque mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest fortress in the Americas, built by King Henri Christophe to defend the newly independent nation. You can hike the steep path or hire a horse for roughly 1,500 HTG ($11 USD) to reach the summit. Nearby, the ruins of Sans-Souci Palace offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Haiti’s royal past.

When organizing your journey through the Nord department, use the Hello app’s trip planning feature to map out your route between Cap-Haïtien and Milot. It is best to hire a local guide at the entrance—expect to pay around 2,500 HTG ($19 USD) for an in-depth tour. Having your itinerary saved ensures you do not miss the smaller, equally fascinating sites like the Royal Chapel of Milot. The history here is dense and powerful, so give yourself a full day to absorb the atmosphere of what was once known as the 'Pearl of the Antilles.'

Haitian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of African, Taino, and French influences, defined by bold spices and slow-cooked textures. You cannot leave without trying Griot, succulent cubes of marinated fried pork, traditionally served with pikliz—a spicy, pickled cabbage relish that provides a sharp contrast to the rich meat. A plate of griot with diri ak djon djon (rice cooked with black mushrooms) typically costs between 800 HTG and 1,200 HTG ($6 to $9 USD) at a local restaurant.

For breakfast, look for Spaghetti Aransò (spaghetti with smoked herring), a local favorite that provides plenty of energy for a day of exploring. If you are traveling with friends, use the Hello app’s expense splitting feature to manage group meals at spots like O’Brasileiro in Pétion-Ville or when sharing a bottle of the world-renowned Barbancourt rum. To keep your finances in check, log your daily meals in the budget tracking tool, which allows you to input costs in Haitian Gourdes while viewing the conversion. Don't forget to try a cold Prestige beer, the award-winning local lager, which usually retails for about 200 HTG ($1.50 USD) at most seaside bars.

Navigating Haiti requires a mix of adventurous spirit and practical preparation. The most iconic way to get around is the tap-tap—brightly painted pickup trucks or buses that function as shared taxis. While they are incredibly affordable, often costing as little as 50 HTG ($0.40 USD) for short city routes, they can be crowded. For longer distances between cities like Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, consider private 'transport privé' or reputable bus lines like Sans-Souci or Caribe Tours.

Reliable communication is essential for checking local conditions and coordinating with drivers. To avoid the high costs of international roaming, activate a Hello eSIM before you land. This ensures you have immediate data access to use navigation apps or contact your guesthouse the moment you arrive. Staying connected also allows you to use the Hello app to monitor your spending in real-time. Whether you are bargaining for a vibrant piece of art in the Iron Market or paying for a boat to the secluded beaches of Île-à-Vache, having a Hello eSIM means you can quickly look up current exchange rates and ensure you are paying a fair price in local currency.