Haiti - Money

Gourdes [Gde] (pronounced: "good" or "güd") of 100 centimes. US currency also circulates as a major currency.

Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and grocery stores but not in local markets or shops.

Banks have ATMs in Port-au-Prince, but some smaller banks will charge huge fees for withdrawals ($20+).

It is not uncommon to exchange US$-to-Gourdes with local money changers (which may be just a guy sitting on the corner with a wad of cash). As sketchy as this seems, it is common and not illegal (as of January 2018). Because of the ubiquity of smartphones, the money changer will probably use an exchange rate app to show you the exchange rate then tack on their own fee. They will sometimes give better rates than the banks for the same exchange.

Grocery stores also exchange money to gourdes. Their rates are usually better than banks.

The "Mysterious" Haitian Dollar

There is a local pseudo-currency called a "Haitian Dollar," which will be referred to sometimes in markets or by locals. The Haitian Dollar is NOT a Gourde.

In reality, the Haitian Dollar does not exist. There is no physical currency that is a "Haitian Dollar" and the exchange rate can be quite mercurial. Visitors to Haiti should negotiate prices in US Dollars (and specifically say "US Dollar") or Gourdes.