Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
1. Grand Rue Scam
Street performers may aggressively demand payment or lead tourists to empty shops. Avoid interacting with strangers and stick to recommended tourist spots.
- Aggressive Demeanor: Performers can be aggressive in demanding money.
- Empty Shops: Shops may appear to be open but are empty or a scam.
- Tourist Trap: Grand Rue is known as a tourist trap in Port-au-Prince.
2. Fake Police Officers
Impostors posing as police officers may ask for bribes or direct you to an ATM to withdraw money. Carry a copy of your passport and know the location of your embassy.
- Impersonation: Impostors dress and act like police officers.
- Bribe Demand: They may demand a bribe from tourists.
- ATM Theft: They may direct you to an ATM to withdraw money, which could be tampered with.
3. Taxi Scams
Taxis without meters may charge exorbitant fees. Use recommended taxi companies or negotiate the fare beforehand.
- No Meter: Taxi does not have a meter.
- Exorbitant Fare: Taxi driver may charge an excessive fare.
- Recommended Companies: Use recommended taxi companies for safety and fair pricing.
4. Counterfeit Money
Vendors may accept counterfeit bills without your knowledge. Check your money carefully and exchange large amounts at a reputable location.
- Counterfeit Bills: Vendors may accept fake Haitian gourdes.
- Reputable Exchange: Exchange money at a reputable location to avoid receiving counterfeit bills.
- Check Your Money: Carefully inspect your money for any signs of counterfeiting.
5. Hotel Overbooking Scam
Hotels may overbook and offer inferior rooms or no room at all. Book in advance with a reputable hotel or agency.
- Overbooking: Hotel books more rooms than they have available.
- Inferior Rooms: You may be given a room of lower quality.
- Reputable Booking: Book your hotel in advance with a reputable agency to avoid this scam.
6. Gold Market Jewelry Scam
Jewelry sold at gold markets may be fake or overpriced. Purchase from reputable jewelers or appraise your jewelry beforehand.
- Fake Jewelry: The jewelry sold may not be genuine.
- Overpricing: Jewelry is often overpriced at gold markets.
- Appraise Beforehand: Have your jewelry appraised before purchasing.
7. Bottled Water Scam
Tourists may be sold bottled water that has been reused or contaminated. Buy sealed bottles from reputable sources.
- Reused Bottles: Bottled water may have been reused and contaminated.
- Contaminated Water: The bottled water may be contaminated.
- Reputable Sources: Buy sealed bottles of water from reputable sources to avoid this scam.
8. ATM Skimming Scam
ATMs may have skimmers installed to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels whenever possible.
- Skimmer Installation: ATMs may have skimming devices installed.
- Card Information Theft: Your card information can be stolen through ATM skimming.
- Inside Banks or Hotels: Use ATMs inside banks or hotels for increased security.
9. Charity Scam
Fraudulent charities may solicit donations and provide no aid to those in need. Research charities before donating or give directly to reputable organizations.
- No Aid Provided: The charity may not provide aid to those in need.
- Fraudulent Charities: Charities may be fraudulent and exist only to solicit donations.
- Reputable Organizations: Donate directly to reputable organizations to ensure your money goes towards helping those in need.
10. Overpriced Souvenirs Scam
Souvenir shops may overcharge tourists for items. Research prices beforehand and negotiate with the vendor.
- Overcharging Tourists: Tourists are often overcharged for souvenirs.
- Research Prices: Research prices beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
- Negotiate with Vendor: Negotiate the price of souvenirs with the vendor.
11. Car Rental Scams
Car rental companies may provide vehicles in poor condition or charge exorbitant fees. Research rental companies beforehand and inspect the vehicle thoroughly.
- Poor Condition Vehicles: The rental car may be in poor condition.
- Exorbitant Fees: Rental companies may charge excessive fees.
- Research Rental Companies: Research rental companies beforehand to ensure a reliable service.
12. Fraudulent Guides Scam
Unlicensed guides may offer their services but lack the necessary knowledge or lead you to scams. Only use licensed and recommended guides.
- Lack of Knowledge: The guide may not have the necessary knowledge.
- Scams: Guides may lead you to scams or fraudulent situations.
- Licensed and Recommended Guides: Use licensed and recommended guides for a safe and informative experience.
13. Fake Friend Scam
Friendly locals may try to befriend you and lead you into scams or dangerous situations. Be cautious when interacting with strangers.
- Scams: They may lead you to scams or fraudulent situations.
- Dangerous Situations: Interactions with strangers could potentially put you in dangerous situations.
- Caution when Interacting with Strangers: Be cautious and avoid interacting too closely with strangers.
14. Overpriced Food Scam
Restaurants may overcharge tourists for food. Research prices beforehand and ask locals for recommendations.
- Overcharging Tourists: Tourists are often overcharged for food.
- Research Prices: Research prices beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable and delicious restaurants.
15. Begging Scam
Beggars may use aggressive or emotional tactics to get money. Carry small change for giving and avoid engaging in prolonged interactions.
- Aggressive Tactics: Beggars may use aggressive or emotional tactics.
- Prolonged Interactions: Engaging in prolonged interactions with beggars can be a scam or distract you from your belongings.
- Carry Small Change: Carry small change for giving to those who ask, but avoid engaging in lengthy interactions.