1. Be prepared for chaos, just entering the country at the airport can be a confusing and intimidating experience if you are not prepared.
2. Seek and find local to assist, you will be overwhelmed if you can not speak French or Kreole, and will be overcharged for allot of services.
3. Security is now ....okay...but pay attention, do not stay in down town areas after dark, unless escorted by locals that you trust!. Keep eyes open at all times, maintian your personal security as you would in any foriegn environment.
4. Very little is sanitary to "western" standards...don not drink/eat from cans, open containers without sanitzing or verifying cleanliness. Wash your hands after handling anything. Drink no water other than bottled (verify seal un-broken), do not use any tap water for cooking or drinking.
5. Suggest anti-viral, anti-diareah medications kept handi.....kitchens even at seemingly nice resturants & hotels are not clean to western standards....food borne illness is common.
6. Do not fall prey to giving money to poor people, children, handi-capped, etc......you will be overwhelmed. If you desire to attempt to help someone, request your local guide to assist and negotiate.
7. Be aware, once identified as a person from eslewhere, many shall attempt to solicit money or favor.....once again, ask local guide for assitance.
8. Haiti is HOT!!! dress accordingly, keep bottled water readily availble. Wear light, comfortable clothing, good comfortable shoes.
9. Ask for assitance, most people are very accomodating and take pride in helping you....but be ever wary of the ones that want to charge you money.....
10. Explore; Haiti can be very interesting, many things are hidden not advertised well and can be difficult to find without local assistance. After almost three years here, I still find myself in locations that I say "why did I not find this earlier".....if you have experience in third and fourth world countries, Haiti shall not be scary....but if you have traveled little....you will be shocked and intimidated. Enjoy life, enjoy the culture, make friends.

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