Haiti


 * Past PO Participants write about Haiti:**
 * PO (2012) - [[file:PO 2012 en Haiti et Togo - AEFO (1).pdf|PO 2012 en Haiti et Togo - AEFO (1).pdf]]**
 * R. Thomas (2015) - [[file:R. Thomas 2015.pdf|haita]]**

> Transformers will have a much lower maximum Watt rating, usually 50 or 100. Transformers can often be used continuously and provide better electricity for low wattage appliances like battery chargers, radios, laptop computers, cameras, mp3 players and camcorders. However, they are heavy.
 * Tips from D. Arts (taken from the internet):**
 * **Temperature** - The climate is tropical, with some variation depending on altitude. Port-au-Prince ranges in July, from 25–35 °C (77–95 °F). The rainfall pattern is varied, with rain heavier in some of the lowlands and on the northern and eastern slopes of the mountains. Port-au-Prince receives an average annual rainfall of 1,370 mm (53.9 in). There are two rainy seasons, April–July and October–November. Haiti is subject to periodic droughts and floods, made more severe by deforestation. Hurricanes are also a menace.
 * **Money** - The gourde (French), goud (Kreyol) is the currency of Haiti. It is divided into 100 centimes (French) or santim (Kreyol).
 * **Accommodations -**
 * **Electricity -** Haiti is the only country in the Western Hemisphere where the vast majority of the population does not have access to reliable electricity. Electricity in Haiti is 110 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. If you travel to Haiti with a device that does not accept 110 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. There are three main types of voltage converters. Resistor-network converters will usually be advertised as supporting something like 50-1600 Watts. They are light-weight and support high-wattage electrical appliances like hair dryers and irons. However, they can only be used for short periods of time and are not ideal for digital devices.
 * **Standard of living** - The standard of living of the Haitian population is low. The country's economy is dominated by the agricultural sector. Around 75% of the workforce engage in agriculture. Owing to unfavourable climatic conditions (e.g. hurricanes), to soil erosion, and to the small size of the parcels of land, the country cannot meet its own demand for food. Major exports are sugar cane, coffee, sisal, and cocoa. For subsistence mainly maize, manioc, sweet potatoes, mangos, beans, rice, and bananas are grown. Besides forestry, fishing is a vital source of revenue, as well.
 * **Taxis -**It is possible to hire taxis in most Haitian cities. A taxi can be hired exclusively for an increased fare. Otherwise the driver will pick up additional passengers. It is also possible to hire a car and driver by the day. In all cases it is a good idea to negotiate the fare in advance.Haiti does not have the infrastructure for a modern working public transportation system. Resourceful Haitians have however improvised a public transportation system that includes taxis, taptaps, and busses. Taptaps - Taptaps are the Haitian version of communal taxis. They squeeze a couple dozen, or more, people into the back of a very old battered light pickup truck. Benches usually line the sides of the pickup bed. It may be painted with bright colors, or not. There may be a roof to protect passengers from sun and rain. Standing passengers need to pay attention; the driver will not slow down for low hanging branches or other obstacles.Busses - In each city there are designated locations where the busses to other cities wait for departure. These locations are not marked, so travelers must ask the locals the location of the bus stop for the destination city. At the bus stop, ask the driver to make sure it is going to the desired destination and climb aboard. It is also a good idea to ask the fare ahead of time and to shop for the best fare and most comfortable bus. Haitian busses have no scheduled departure times. They leave when they are completely full and the driver can collect no more fares. Passengers arriving early get the best choice of seats, but have to wait the longest to depart. Street vendors will come to the windows to try to sell food, drinks, and anything else someone might buy.
 * **Food -** Sandwich style restaurants to fine dining restaurants.
 * **Etiquette -** Although tied more closely to France than Spain or Portugal, the etiquette in Haiti is similar to other Latin American countries. Haitians often signify particular people through appearances or characteristics. Calling someone "white man" (blan) and "the dark skinned one" (neg) are often mere terms of acknowledgement with no racist overtones. Entering a household and not greeting the elders or owners of the household is regarded as highly offensive. Being overly generous can be interpreted as offensive as to them it may seem as if you pity them. Eating is considered a social event and so withdrawing from the center of activities during meals is considered slightly offensive. Avoid discussing Dominican life to Haitians as well as the corruption within government, as these are sensitive subjects.. Haitians use very good manners and take things seriously. Haitians expect to haggle when making a purchase. Men shake hands on meeting and departing, men and women kiss on the cheek when greeting, women kiss each other on the cheek. Friends, family and close acquaintances usually share a light kiss on the cheek. Punctuality is not highly valued and being late is usually not considered rude. People of the same gender holding hands is an ordinary display of friendship.
 * **Teaching** -


 * **Other -** Roman Catholicism is the official religion of Haiti, but voodoo may be considered the country's national religion. The majority of Haitians believe in and practice at least some aspects of voodoo. Most voodooists believe that their religion can coexist with Catholicism.