Nothing takes the shine off a trip faster than a card that will not work, a phone with no signal or a price you cannot make sense of. In Haiti, money and connectivity have their own logic: prices quoted in a currency that does not exist on paper, ATMs you cannot count on, and phone lines that need your passport before they switch on.
None of it is hard once someone explains it. This guide covers cash, cards and ATMs, the famous “Haitian dollar”, mobile money, local SIM cards and Wi-Fi, so you land with the right mix of cash and connections. Facts were checked in September 2026.
The currency: gourdes, “Haitian dollars” and US dollars
Haiti’s currency is the Haitian gourde (HTG). That part is simple. The confusing part is how prices are quoted. Canada’s official travel advice for Haiti explains that, although all prices have officially been in gourdes since March 2018, they are still often quoted in “Haitian dollars” or in US dollars.
The Haitian dollar is not a banknote. It is a unit of account worth 5 gourdes, a habit that dates back to a time when the gourde was pegged to the US dollar. So if a vendor says a price in “dollars”, ask whether they mean Haitian dollars or US dollars. The difference is large, and a friendly question avoids an awkward moment.
- Gourdes are what you will use for everyday purchases: snacks, small shops, tips and local transport.
- US dollars are often quoted, especially for bigger amounts. Canada notes that Canadian currency is not accepted, so change it before you travel.
- Small bills matter. Carry a mix of low denominations so you are not relying on anyone to make change.
Cards and ATMs
Do not plan your trip around your bank card. Canada’s advice says most leading hotels accept major credit cards and some ATMs accept foreign cards, but withdrawal limits are lower than at home, Haitian ATMs are unreliable, and you should not depend on them in an emergency. Its advice is to carry enough cash in case you cannot reach an ATM or use your card.
Security matters too. Canada warns that criminals sometimes watch bank customers and rob them after they leave, and that the risk is higher at ATMs. It recommends using ATMs only inside hotels or supermarkets, dealing directly with a teller inside the bank, and not carrying large sums. Our guide to whether Cap-Haïtien is safe to visit has more on keeping a low profile.
A simple money plan
- Tell your bank and card issuer that you are traveling to Haiti.
- Bring enough cash for the trip in US dollars, in good condition, and change a portion into gourdes once you arrive.
- Split your money between your bag, your room safe if you have one, and a small amount in your pocket for the day.
- Keep one card as a backup, and write down your bank’s international phone number.
- Ask us which payment methods we accept for single rooms and extras. A whole-house stay is paid when you book it on Airbnb.
Mobile money: MonCash and NatCash
Mobile money is a big part of daily life in Haiti. Digicel’s MonCash lets users send money, receive international transfers, pay bills, top up airtime and pay participating merchants from their phone. To sign up, you give your name, date of birth and a valid ID, which can be a passport, through the MonCash app or by dialing *202# on a Digicel line. Natcom, the other mobile operator, runs a similar service called NatCash.
For short visits, most travelers do not need their own account. It is useful to know about, though, because relatives in Haiti may prefer to receive money this way, and some small businesses accept it.
Visiting relatives? Our guide for the Haitian diaspora visiting the north has more on mobile money and family visits.
SIM cards: Digicel and Natcom
Haiti has two mobile networks, Digicel and Natcom. Both sell prepaid SIM cards, and both are required to identify each customer before a line is activated, under the SIM identification rules announced by CONATEL, Haiti’s telecom regulator. Bring your passport when you buy a SIM, and buy it from an official store or authorized seller.
- Unlocked phone. Your phone must be unlocked to accept a local SIM. Check with your carrier before you leave.
- Data bundles. Both operators sell prepaid data and calling plans. Ask in the store which bundle suits your stay. We do not list prices here because they change often.
- Coverage. Canada notes that coverage may be intermittent in some rural areas, so download what you need before a day trip.
Roaming and eSIMs
If you want to be reachable the moment you land, your home carrier’s roaming plan is the simplest option for day one. Check the daily cost with your carrier before you fly, because roaming charges add up quickly. Some travelers use a travel eSIM instead. If you go that way, confirm that it covers Haiti and which local network it uses before you rely on it.
Wi-Fi and staying online
Hidden Palace has Wi-Fi for guests, so you can message family that you have landed, send photos home and plan tomorrow over a cold drink from the bar. Traveling for work? Tell us when you book, and we will suggest the room that suits your calls and your schedule best. Booking a room by message? Our guide to booking a hotel in Cap-Haïtien by WhatsApp or phone has a message you can copy.
Power is part of the connectivity picture. Canada’s advice notes that power outages are frequent in Haiti. A few habits keep you online:
- Pack a charged power bank and your charging cables in your carry-on.
- Download offline maps, your bookings and important documents before you travel.
- Keep digital copies of your passport and insurance in a secure cloud folder and in your email.
- Save our number, (561) 484-4210, and your embassy’s number in your phone before you leave home.
Getting around with cash in your pocket
Taxis in Cap-Haïtien do not use meters and ride-hailing apps do not operate in Haiti, so you will pay cash and agree on the fare first. Our guide to getting around Cap-Haïtien explains the options, and our private car service keeps things simple for day trips. Small bills in gourdes are also handy for tips, snacks and craft markets.
Your checklist before you fly
- Cash in US dollars, in good condition, with plenty of small bills.
- Bank and card issuer told about your trip; a backup card packed separately.
- Phone unlocked, roaming checked, passport ready for a local SIM.
- Power bank, cables and offline maps.
- Our number saved, and your flight details sent to us for the free airport shuttle.
Then land, exhale, and let the rest happen. Our airport arrival guide covers your first hour in Haiti, and our FAQ answers the most common questions about staying with us. Just bought your ticket? Our checklist for after you book your flight covers the room and the pickup.
Small bills also come in handy on days out. Our guides to Haitian food to try, the best beaches near Cap-Haïtien and a walk through the historic center help you plan them, our list of things to do in Cap-Haïtien has more ideas, and our family reunion guide has tips on sharing costs when you travel as a group.
Stay connected at Hidden Palace
At Hidden Palace in Vaudreuil, on RN #1, you get Wi-Fi, a free buffet breakfast every morning, a free airport shuttle and a front desk that is open 24 hours. Families and groups can book the whole house on Airbnb. For a single room, call or WhatsApp us. All the options are on our booking page.
Money and phone questions, answered
What currency should I bring to Haiti?
US dollars in good condition are the most practical, with plenty of small bills. Change some into Haitian gourdes after you arrive. Canadian currency is not accepted.
What is a Haitian dollar?
It is not a banknote but a unit of account used in everyday pricing. One Haitian dollar equals 5 gourdes. When someone quotes a price in dollars, ask whether they mean Haitian dollars or US dollars.
Can I buy a local SIM card as a visitor?
Yes. Digicel and Natcom both sell prepaid SIM cards. Bring your passport, because lines must be registered to the buyer, and make sure your phone is unlocked.
Do ATMs work in Cap-Haïtien?
Some do, but Canada describes Haitian ATMs as unreliable and recommends using them only inside hotels or supermarkets. Bring enough cash so you are never dependent on one.