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Getting Around Carrefour

Informal Transit Overview

Haiti, including Carrefour, does not have metros, buses, or trams. The main modes of public transportation are tap-taps and shared taxis. These are frequently old, crowded, and rather than well-maintained.

Tap-taps are colorfully decorated shared minibuses or pick-up trucks. These are most common and cheapest form of public transport. Shared cabs are regular cars that operate on shared routes, picking up multiple passengers.

Local Transport Types

  • Tap-taps: Shared minibuses or pick-up trucks, cheapest.
  • Shared Taxis: Regular cars operating on shared routes.
  • Cash fares paid to driver/conductor.
  • Vehicles often old, crowded, not well-maintained.

Routes & Hubs

No official route maps exist. They operate on semi-fixed routes, originating from or passing through major intersections, market areas, and commercial zones.

Fares & Payment

Fares are very low, typically 25-100 HTG (US$0.20-US$0.80) within Carrefour or to Port-au-Prince. Confirm fare prior to boarding.

Operation Hours

Operate mainly during daylight hours. Services become scarce and unreliable after dark. Avoid night travel.

Public Transport Practicalities

Efficient Navigation
  • Ask locals for directions and fare confirmation.
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings (pickpocketing risks).
  • Avoid public transport after dark.
Accessibility & Comfort
  • Vehicles are not accessible for mobility challenges.
  • Roads are not flat, sidewalks limited.
  • Be patient; journeys can be slow.

Safety & Security in Transit

Street Hails

Unmarked taxis are risky.

Night Travel

Avoid public transport after dark.

Valuables

Keep valuables out of sight.

Reliability

Services are inconsistent.

Taxis & Private Transport

Taxis offer a more direct, although usually more expensive, option. Ride-sharing apps are not reliably available.

Taxi Arrangements

  • Arrange taxis through reputable hotels or local contacts.
  • Hailing taxis on the street is risky.
  • Always negotiate fare before journey.
  • Payment in cash (HTG or USD).

Ride-Sharing & Safety

  • Uber and international apps are not available.
  • Private, pre-arranged taxis are safest.
  • Avoid unmarked taxis due to robbery/kidnapping risks.
  • Pre-arrange for a pickup from the airport via accommodation or trusted operator.

Vehicle Rental Options

Car Rentals

Agencies are available (Hertz, Avis). Requires IDP, passport, credit card.

  • Self-driving is strongly discouraged.
  • Poor road conditions.
  • Severe security risks.
Motorcycle/Scooter

Very limited and rather than recommended due to high accident rates and security concerns.

  • Extremely dangerous.
  • Chaotic traffic.
  • High accident rates.
Cycling & Others

Bicycle sharing/rentals are not available. No special-purpose vehicles like tuk-tuks.

  • Cycling is extremely dangerous.
  • No dedicated infrastructure.
  • High traffic volume.

Driving Risks & Advice

Road Hazards
  • Driving laws exist but are not often enforced.
  • Roads are in disrepair, many potholes.
  • Night driving discouraged.
Security & Practicalities
  • Armed groups operate on highways.
  • Hire a local driver.
  • Parking is often chaotic and insecure.

Walking & Cycling Insights

Walking and cycling are generally not recommended for tourists in Carrefour.

Pedestrian Environment

  • Not generally recommended due to security.
  • Heavy traffic and limited sidewalks.
  • Uneven or non-existent sidewalks.
  • High crime rates for pedestrians.

Cycling Challenges

  • Extremely dangerous due to chaotic traffic.
  • No dedicated bicycle infrastructure.
  • No formal walking tours for Carrefour.
  • Many "no-go" zones due to gang activity.

Safety and Caution Areas

High-Risk Zones

Due to widespread gang activity, many areas are "no-go" zones.

Rely on local intelligence.

Pedestrian Risks

Significant risks for pedestrians in unsecure areas.

Use trusted local guide.

After Dark

Increased security risks for walking or cycling at night.

Avoid night travel on foot.

Specialized Transport Notes

Non-Available Options
  • No tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services.
  • No boat taxis or water transit for Carrefour.
  • No cable cars, funiculars, or unique local transport.
Infrastructure Gaps
  • Accessibility services are severely limited to non-existent.
  • Organized tours take private, secure vehicles.
  • Cruise ships visit Labadee, far from Carrefour.

Accessibility & Transport Challenges

Mobility Needs
  • Infrastructure does not support mobility challenges.
  • Public transport not accessible.
  • Uneven roads plus a shortage of sidewalks.
Water & Rail Travel
  • No relevant ferry or cruise services for Carrefour.
  • No train services in Haiti.
  • Rivers generally not navigable for public transport.

Prioritizing Secure Movement

Always use pre-arranged, trusted transit services when moving within Carrefour and the broader Port-au-Prince area.

Avoid public getting around and walking in unfamiliar or high-risk areas, especially after dark.