Port-au-Prince, situated on the stunning coastline of Haiti, is a city with a rich history, colorful culture, and a lively spirit. It's the largest city in the Caribbean and home to nearly 3 million people. The city was established by the French in the 17th century and has since evolved into a modern, dynamic metropolis. Port-au-Prince is a hub for trade, commerce, and finance in the region, known for its vibrant street life, bustling markets, and thriving arts scene.
Tips for expats in Port-au-Prince
Visa requirements
Expats moving to Port-au-Prince require a visa, which can be obtained at the embassy or consulate of Haiti in their home country. The type and duration of the visa will depend on the purpose of their residence, such as work, study, or retirement. Expats are advised to check with the consulate for the most recent requirements and fees.
Language resources
The official languages of Haiti are Creole and French, and both languages are widely spoken and used in official settings. Expats are advised to learn basic Creole and French phrases to facilitate communication and integration into the local community.
Cost of living for expats in Port-au-Prince
Housing
The cost of housing in Port-au-Prince varies widely depending on location, amenities, and lease terms. Shared accommodations, known as chambres de bonne, can cost around $100-$200 per month. One-bedroom apartments in prime neighborhoods range from $200-$400 per month, while two or three-bedroom apartments can cost $500-$1000 per month. Occasionally, rentals are available on a yearly basis, which may offer better value.
Groceries
The cost of groceries in Port-au-Prince can vary depending on the type and quality of the products. Basic staples such as rice, beans, and vegetables can be relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $0.40-$2.00 (0.25-1.25 euro) per pound. Imported goods, such as cheese or meat, can be more expensive due to customs duties and supply chain constraints.
Transportation
Tap-taps are the cheapest mode of transportation in the city, with fares as low as $0.25 (0.15 euro) per ride. Taxis and Uber-like services such as Tapgoo can cost around $5.00-$10.00 (3.10-$6.20 euro) for short runs within the city center. Renting a car can be expensive due to high insurance premiums, fuel prices, and traffic congestion.
Climate in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince has a tropical climate with high temperatures and consistently high humidity. The average temperature is around 27°C (81°F), with occasional tropical storms and hurricanes between June and November. The dry season, from December to April, is the preferred time to visit, with sunny skies and mild breezes.
Job market in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince has a diverse economy with opportunities across various sectors, including finance, tourism, manufacturing, and services. The city is home to over 1,000 registered companies and several international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank Group. English and French fluency are highly valued, and expats may find work as consultants, lecturers, bankers, IT professionals, and development workers.
Healthcare in Port-au-Prince
Healthcare facilities in Port-au-Prince include both public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers. The public healthcare system, operated by the Ministry of Public Health and Population, provides primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Expats are advised to obtain comprehensive health insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuations. Private hospitals, such as Saint-Damien Pediatric Hospital and Clinique Bon Sauveur, offer better facilities and services.
Transport in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince has an extensive network of tap-taps (small, open-air minibusses) that navigate the city's narrow streets. Tap-taps are inexpensive and offer a unique and colorful experience, but some routes can be crowded and slow due to traffic congestion. Taxis and car-sharing services such as Uber and Tapgoo are also available, as well as private car rentals.
Safety in Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince can be a challenging and unpredictable city, with high levels of crime and violence. Expats and visitors should take precautionary measures in areas such as Cité Soleil, Martissant, and Carrefour, known for gang activity and street violence. Car theft and bag snatching are common, and expats are advised to avoid showing valuables and carry duplicates of essential documents.
Neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince
Delmas
Delmas is a upscale residential and commercial area located south of the city center. It's known for its tree-lined streets, elegant villas, and luxurious amenities such as shopping centers, golf courses, and gated communities.
Petionville
Petionville, nestled between Delmas and the city center, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan area with a mix of expat and local communities. It's home to several international schools, embassies, and hospitals, as well as restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs that offer a taste of the local culture and cuisine.
Tabarre
Tabarre, located west of Petionville, is a rapidly developing area with new buildings, roads, and shops. It's known for its accessibility to the city center and the international airport, as well as its proximity to several universities and recreational facilities.
Attractions in Port-au-Prince
La Citadelle
La Citadelle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a 19th-century fortress located on the top of Bonnet à L'Eveque Mountain, overlooking the city. It offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the city, as well as a glimpse into the country's history and culture.
Musee d'Art Haïtien
Musee d'Art Haïtien, located in Petionville, is a premier museum of contemporary art that showcases the works of Haitian artists, such as Hector Hyppolite, Philomé Obin, and Caster Bien-Aimé. It also features lectures, concerts, and workshops that promote the development of the arts and culture in Haiti.
Bazin Estate
Bazin Estate, located in Petionville, is a scenic villa that dates back to the French colonial period. It features stunning views of the mountains and the bay, as well as a rich collection of artifacts, such as antique furniture, paintings, and ceramics, that reflect the colonial history and heritage of Haiti.
International Schools in Port-au-Prince
Lycée Alain-Lerieux
Delmas-30
Lycée Alain-Lerieux is a French-Haitian school that offers primary, secondary, and preparatory programs for students aged 3-18. It follows the French curriculum and provides a high standard of education, facilitating academic and cultural exchange between France and Haiti.
Lycee Antoine Millet
Petionville
Lycee Antoine Millet is a French-Haitian school that offers primary, secondary, and preparatory programs for students aged 3-18. It follows the French curriculum and provides a high standard of education, facilitating academic and cultural exchange between France and Haiti.
College First Step
Delmas-18
College First Step is an international school that provides a British-based curriculum for students aged 3-18. It offers programs in Early Learning, Primary, Senior, and Exit Years, providing a rounded education that combines academic excellence and social and emotional development.
