Pros and Cons of Living in Haiti
Last updated on Mar 07, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Haiti include the country's rich culture, vibrant music, and beautiful scenery. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. On the other hand, Haiti is a developing nation and suffers from a lack of infrastructure, poverty, and crime. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, which can cause significant damage and disruption.
What are the pros and cons of living in Haiti?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Haiti responded:
"Expats and digital nomads in Haiti often appreciate the country's vibrant culture, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, they may find the lack of reliable infrastructure and services to be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be a source of frustration, as English is not widely spoken in Haiti," remarked one expat in Haiti.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Haiti appreciate most about the local culture?
"I love the courageousness and spirit of the Haitian people and their non-stop, endless optimism," explained one expat.
"Expats in Haiti appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is full of music, art, and dance. They also appreciate the warm hospitality of the Haitian people, who are always willing to help out and make visitors feel welcome. Additionally, expats enjoy the country's unique cuisine, which is a mix of African, French, and Caribbean flavors. Finally, expats appreciate the natural beauty of Haiti, with its lush mountains, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities," said one person in Haiti.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Haiti often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the lack of reliable infrastructure and services can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the poverty and inequality that is pervasive in Haiti can be difficult to witness. Finally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to understand and navigate for expats," explained one expat.
"The traffic and the cooking of everything outside with charcoal, which depletes the trees from their leaves and bark," said one person in Cap Haitien.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Haiti?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Haiti?
- Will I be able to find a job in Haiti?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Haiti appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Haiti?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Haiti accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Haiti like?
- How are healthcare services in Haiti?
- What are medical services in Haiti like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Haiti?
- What are emergency services like in Haiti?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Haiti?
- How are local medical facilities in Haiti?
- As a foreigner living in Haiti, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?