Volunteer FAQ

1)    How do I get there?

HVH is located in the North where the closest airport is in Cap Haitian.  HVH’s team trip costs include flights from Miami International Airport. Volunteers need to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements to get to Miami the night before the departure date as flights depart at 6am .

 

2)    Do I need a visa?

If you have a Canadian, American or British passport, you do not need to get a visa in advance of you arrival. For other nationalities, please check the Haitian website.

 

3)    How long can I stay?

We request that you stay a minimum of 7 days to make the journey worthwhile. There is no maximum amount of time that a volunteer can stay however a clear plan of objectives for the stay must be discussed with the HVH volunteer coordinator in advance.

 

4)    What is the price?

The price for the 10 day team trip is $1450, which includes international flight from Miami to Cap Haitian, accommodation, 3 meals per day and transport to and from the airport. If you are travelling on your own, there may be an additional charge for airport pickup.

 

5)    What is the climate like?

The climate in Haiti is very hot and humid. In the rainy season (June to November) the afternoons are rainy.

 

6)    Do I need to take Malaria medication?

There are many mosquitoes in Haiti, which carry strains of Malaria, and it is recommended that you take Malaria medication for the entire time that you are here.

 

7)    What clothing should I bring?

You will want to bring lightweight clothing as well as a lightweight rain jacket. Water shoes, sandals and jogging shoes are also recommended. Long sleeved tops and long pants are recommended for evenings to help prevent mosquito bites.

 

8)    How will I get to HVH?

HVH will collect you from the Cap airport.

 

9)    What is the accommodation like?

The Santo Po You Guest House is located in Bod Me Limbe, a remote village that is about a 2-hour bumpy drive from Cap. The guesthouse has 4 dormitory style rooms each with their own bathrooms (including Western toilet and cold-water shower). There is a communal area for eating the meals which are prepared by the Guest House cook. There is also a cleaner who cleans the guesthouse 3 days a week, or more if there are a larger number of people. The guesthouse is located right on the beach and volunteers are welcome to swim.

 

10) Do I need to bring a mosquito net

HVH provides mosquito nets for volunteers. You do not need to bring your own.

 

11) What is the food like?

The cook prepares traditional Haitian food. Typical meals include Haitian oatmeal, bread and coffee for breakfast, pasta for lunch and rice, beans and fish/lobster/meat for dinner. Purified water is always available. There is also soda available for purchase.

 

12) How safe will it be?

Due to the levels of poverty in Haiti, safety is always a concern – especially when in the cities. You should always take caution with your belongings. As our guesthouse is located in a village, there is less concern with safety however you should still use common sense.  The villagers are not allowed inside the guesthouse premises, which is enforced by the Haitian guesthouse staff.

 

13) Will I have access to the internet

HVH has wireless internet and you can access email in the evenings.

 

14) Will I be able to use a mobile phone

There is good cell phone reception in Haiti. Phones usually work on roaming or you can buy a local sim card.

 

15) What is the currency used?

In Haiti, the currency is Haitian Goudes ($1 USD = 40 Goudes). Money is also discussed in terms of Haitian dollars although this form of currency does not actually exist ($1USD = $8 Haitian dollars)

 

16) Will I be able to do laundry

The guesthouse cleaner can do your laundry for 150 Goudes or $4USD.