Travel Guide to Cap Haitien and my Experience Crossing the Border From The Dominican Republic To Haiti

The Dominican Republic and Haiti share a typical border so, from Luperon the place we’re presently primarily based, we traveled to Santiago by bus to cross the border and to achieve Cap Haitien. It took us actually the entire day– we left the boat at 7 AM, reached the immigration and border management at three PM, and arrived at our lodge round 5:30 PM Haiti time.

It’s simple to purchase the bus ticket, we went to Caribe Excursions terminal in Santiago as a result of you’ll be able to’t e-book the ticket for this journey on-line. Once you arrive, they’d ask to your passport so as to add on their system and can cost you $27 for the one-way ticket however extra $25 for the exit tax of Dominican Republic and entry tax in Haiti. You may’t purchase the return ticket right here as a result of it’s essential purchase it within the workplace in Cap Haitien.

The bus was crammed with 12 folks, together with me and Kelly. We truly thought it could be full so we obtained in a bit of early. The bus was somewhat primary and the 27$ fare comes with a free lunch. Good factor there was plenty of house since we had been in a position to take a complete row every and we had a cushty journey. They’ve two crews on the bus – first is the driving force and the opposite one is the woman who handles the meals & paying the taxes on the immigration.

Once we arrived on the border, the bus stopped first on the Dominican Republic immigration. Everybody must go down the bus to get the exit stamps themselves. The one requirement is simply the passport and the absolutely stuffed up immigration blue kind (the bus firm would offer you this). Then the woman collected the entire passports for the taxes (I feel whenever you fly overseas, the airport tax is already added in your flight ticket) then the bus crossed the bridge with two gates that separate each nations. In Haiti facet, we additionally needed to go down of the bus then go in line.. the immigration officer gave us a kind to fill as much as enter & exit the nation. You need to preserve the exit paper with the immigration stamp! We additionally didn’t count on that upon getting into we’ve got to pay an additional $10 for the exit tax!

On our means again to the Dominican Republic, we solely paid $35 ($25 for the ticket and the $10 Border Tax) to enter DomRep!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT CAP HAITIEN

Title: That they had various identify adjustments however folks typically name them the Le Cap or Au Cap

Languages: French and Creole however you’ll meet loads within the metropolis who converse English & Spanish

Foreign money: Gourde

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL AROUND HAITI?

I can’t reply for the entire nation however I positively felt secure in Cap Haitien, the explanation for that is that we stayed at a extremely good lodge referred to as Satama Lodge who additionally toured us round via their very own journey company referred to as Vacation spot Creole. They took all the mandatory precautions, took us to good locations, and guaranteed us that our security is their precedence.

Due to them, not as soon as did we really feel threatened or scared. The locals we met had been actually very pleasant. I felt very safe the whole time we had been there so my reply can be sure for Cap Haitien however ensure you keep at a superb lodge and e-book your tour with a trusted company.

All the time take vital precautions, chorus from strolling alone at evening, and watch out for pickpockets and snatchers. This is applicable not solely to Haiti however to whichever nation it’s possible you’ll be.

The Dominican Republic and Haiti share a typical border so, from Luperon the place we’re presently primarily based, we traveled to Santiago by bus to cross the border and to achieve Cap Haitien. It took us actually the entire day– we left the boat at 7 AM, reached the immigration and border management at three PM, and arrived at our lodge round 5:30 PM Haiti time.

The bus was crammed with 12 folks, together with me and Kelly. We truly thought it could be full so we obtained in a bit of early. The bus was somewhat primary and the 27$ fare comes with a free lunch. Good factor there was plenty of house since we had been in a position to take a complete row every and we had a cushty journey.

WHERE TO STAY IN CAP HAITIEN

I feel the most important issue why we felt secure in Haiti is as a result of we selected an excellent lodge so if ever you’re visiting, you actually need to e-book a superb lodge in a superb location.

We stayed at Satama Lodge for three nights– a model new and splendid lodge perched up the mountains of Cap-Haitien. The proprietor, Mr. Gael, was form sufficient to host us and never solely that– he additionally confirmed us round with Vacation spot Creole, their very own tour company.

The lodge is very large, vibrant, and ethereal. Being situated on prime of the mountain, count on to get a pleasant view of the ocean or the town, enjoyable peacefulness, and recent air from wherever it’s possible you’ll be. The room we obtained is large with a gorgeous metropolis view, the beds comfy, the towels and linens are recent, there may be completely nothing to complain about and every thing to brag about. All of the employees are very pleasant albeit very skilled. One of many highlights of this beautiful property is the infinity pool overlooking the ocean and the town, with attractive mountains serving because the backdrop.

MY EAT LIST (WHERE TO EAT AND WHAT TO EAT IN CAP HAITIEN)

If you recognize me personally then you recognize I really like consuming! That’s one of many the reason why I truly journey and gained plenty of weight within the final Four years. Hahaha. You also needs to not go away the nation with out attempting their native rum and beer (solely 50 Haitian Gourde or 120 Gourde above in eating places). Listed here are some meals and eating places that made it on my Eat Listing:

Cap Deli Haiti– I’m not being biased simply because the co-owner is a Filipino however as a result of the meals is de facto good! We tried their pizza and likewise the seafood platter whereas ingesting their Rum bitter and beer! The place seems to be very cute on the surface and so cozy on the within esp they’ve a rooftop terrace the place they do Friday Karaoke evening. Haha. Thanks, Kuya Adrian!

LOLO Restaurant– Gael, the proprietor of Satama Lodge extremely advisable this restaurant to us and there’s no higher approach to know good locations than from the locals. Our favourite is the freshly made pasta and pesto in addition to the pizza with yummy pork toppings (which tastes just like the Pinoy meals Sisig! YUM!). Via Gael, we had been additionally in a position to meet Lolo, the proprietor of the restaurant! ?

Lakay Restaurant–  Among the best eating places in Cap Haitien is that this restaurant however I didn’t go there as a result of our time was fairly restricted, try their critiques on-line although! I’ve heard their pizza is everyone’s favourite.

5 AMAZING THINGS YOU CAN DO IN CAP HAITIEN

Vacation spot Creole made certain we see the very best in Cap Haitien. Once more, due to Gael and his brother Stephan, the Common Supervisor of Vacation spot Creole for arranging the excursions for us and ensuring we expertise the very best out of our Four-day journey to Haiti. Listed here are some beautiful issues we did round which I extremely advocate you do too!

• Discover the historic Citadelle Laferrière or Citadelle Henry Christophe and the Sans Souci Palace- That is the most important fortress on the western hemisphere situated on prime of the mountain and also you’ll be stunned that each one of this was constructed by hand. The best way going up is steep so we determined to experience a horse. Seeing this magnificent structure up shut, seeing the view from above, and listening to its historical past from our native information gave me chills. It’s that fascinating.

• Be part of the Amiga Island Tour- The solar is out and so must you. You’ll be completely rewarded with the Caribbean vibes as you are taking a ship to this lovely island, benefit from the solar and the sand, seize your drinks, and swim/snorkel to the coral reef only a few yards from the seaside. We had been supposed to do that tour however the climate didn’t cooperate. Good factor Vacation spot Creole all the time have a Plan B. They took us to their seaside lodge/ resort (Cormier Plage) as a substitute and had some actually good rum beginning at 11 AM. Haha!

• Stroll round city and discover the Rue Market, the Cathedral Notre Dame, and really feel the distinguished “Havana” vibe on the metropolis center- Among the best issues we did with them is simply to stroll round city and see the colourful buildings available in the market and the purchase issues from the native distributors. We instantaneously purchased a pleasant hat which seems to be beautiful for our crusing life. Haha

• Take a Daytrip to Cadras aka The Paradise Bay- Expertise luxurious as you step out of the patio which ends up in a vibrant and exquisite sea as you go to the Paradise Bay. The encircling mountains make it much more breathtaking!

• Attempt the native rum and the native bars- The locals certain know learn how to celebration and so they know learn how to make good drinks that include the wonderful delicacies. Our favourite is the Rum Bitter and Rum Punch (something rum) and their award-winning native beer referred to as Status! ?  

General, we had a fully good time at Cap Haitien due to Satama Lodge and Vacation spot Creole who’ve been such gracious hosts! I don’t suppose our expertise would be the identical with out them. It was certainly a really insightful journey from the Dominican Republic and I’m completely happy to show myself proper, there are such a lot of good issues about Haiti and their folks which is price crossing the border for ♡

FAQS ABOUT CAP HAITIEN AND HAITI IN GENERAL

1) What sort of garments ought to I put on in Haiti?

Something so long as it’s not too revealing. 

2) Is it secure to drink faucet water?

No. I extremely recommend you convey a reusable bottle so you’ll be able to all the time refill it with the water supplied by your lodge.

three) Is there electrical energy?

In fact! Haha.

Four) What’s the forex used?

The Haitian Gourd however lots of people are utilizing USD right here.

5) How a lot is a beer in Haiti?

Should you purchase it at supermarkets or small shops you will get it for 50 Gourds per bottle however eating places promote it for 100 Gourds.

6) Is it okay to put on open sneakers like sandals, flip-flops, and so on?

In fact sure except you’ll go to the market or mountains! haha!

7) Can they converse English?

Their native language is French and Haitian Creole however lots of people speaks English. You’ll additionally meet a Haitians right here who used to stay in the US or Europe and simply returned just a few years in the past.

eight) What’s their faith?

Christianity and Vodou have been each acknowledged as their official faith.

9) Do I want a visa to enter Haiti?

For Filipinos, it’s visa-free. This is identical for residents of the USA and Europe. Please test with the Embassy if you don’t fall below any of those.

10) What do they ask for on the border if I don’t want a visa?

Simply your passport which should have a remaining validity of 6 months previous your keep. Should you’re arriving by air, they require you to fill-up a touchdown card (which you shouldn’t lose) and you may be requested to current your return/ahead ticket.

11) Have they got a wifi?

Sure! This isn’t a distinct planet you guys!

12) Can I put on my bikini on the seaside?

Positive!

13) Do I must have any vaccines earlier than visiting Haiti?

Nothing is required however be sure to test together with your physician if you’re in a superb state to journey.

14) What’s the climate like?

It’s heat and humid virtually all yr spherical. It’s a tropical nation.

15) When is the very best time to go to?

All yr lengthy however keep away from the month of August as it’s the hurricane season.