Moving to Haiti
15 years ago
Haiti is no where near as violent as it was a couple of years ago...but that can change very quickly. I hate to ask....but your skin color is? I say this because if you are white, you stand out in Haiti, where most are black. This brings attention to yourself with no action or speak on your part, you will be asked for money, food, etc. from poor beggars and children and at times just approached by anyone for a job or money...because most assume you are wealthy because you are white or a foriegner.
I would still not suggest just walking down any street here, if I decide to go into a market place or any area that is not a secure compound (every business in Haiti is a secure compound with one or more gaurds armed with shotguns) I always take a local man with me, that speaks the language, provides me with a little personal security, and advises me on where not to go/do.
If you shall have a car, I suggest having a driver that is able to communicate with you and is familiar with driving in Haiti (they drive really crazy here) there are almost no road signs whatsoever...one must just know where to go, and how to navigate in Haiti.
Once you learn to drive and navigate in Haiti, learn creole and the local cutoms/known danger areas...you should not have much problem driving yourself around, as many expats do. A few of the folks I know at the US Embassy drive all over this town and out to places in the country on weekends.
I still use a driver for all my travel and pending where I go, also a personal security gaurd. This is my choice for my own personal security.
I have no children so I am not well versed in pediatricians here. I know folks at the Embassy that have children and I am sure we could ask them for advice. I use a local cardiologist that also treats me for general practice;
Dr. Gregory Khawly
3 Rue Rigaud, Petion-ville
(509) 2 256 8680
[email protected]
Cell: 3 701 7807
Hospitals are very, very, poor here. When I need real medical care, I hop a plane to the Dominican Republic (1.5 hour plane ride) and use medical facilities there....which are up to date and much, much less expensive than returning to USA.
I would also consider that where ever you locate, you will not have electricty to run air-con all the time....and it gets damn hot here. Example; my current residence only has reliable power to run AC from 6am to 9am, then again from 6pm to 12pm. The rest of the time is open doors/windows and fans.
Haiti is okay right now....but if you are accustomed to many convienences of western style life....it can be difficult. Example; no water is clean except bottled water....the water in your home can not be used to drink or cook with...you must purchase and use bottled water. Any vegetables, fruit or natural food products must be washed in bleach water prior to consuming or you will constantly battle a variety of "bugs" and bacterias. Many of the foods I am accustomed to in USA are simply just not available here. The beef here has a very dislikable taste to me (as did beef in UK), so I can not buy beef in the grocery unless it is imported USA beef (which is at least double in price). Everything here is more expensive; with 30 to 40 percent import duties and shipping costs....a 600 dollar small laptop that I can buy in USA, costs 1000 dollars here.
I am not trying to scare you off....but Haiti is not the most comfortable place to live...it can be trying at times and one must learn to make do or spend allot of money to have the normalcy of western lifestyles.
Hope this helps you and if you need further, just let me know.
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