Insider Travel Tips

How long can you vacation in Ghana?

In addition to a valid passport, most foreigners require a visa to enter Ghana. Single-entry visas are valid for three months and must be utilized within three months of the date of issue. Multiple-entry visas are valid for more than three months; their exact duration is at the discretion of the consular officers issuing them. While in Ghana, stays may be extended by filling out a visa extension form and taking it in person to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in Accra.

What currency does Ghana use?

The currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian cedi ($1 USD equals about 16 cedis). While on the ground in Ghana, it’s advisable to always have some local cash on hand, as not all establishments or service providers, including Uber drivers, may accept card payments. ATMs, however, are everywhere in the country, so accessing cash is easy. You can still bring both credit and debit cards with you, but be forewarned that acceptance of them isn’t a given.

Do I need to tip in Ghana?

Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Ghana—with one notable exception. At full-service bars and restaurants—especially upscale ones—servers and bar staff expect and appreciate tips, although the standard 15 to 20 percent common in Western countries might be considered excessive. Instead, something closer to five or 10 percent would be both acceptable and well received.

Is Ghana LGBTQ+ friendly?

LGBTQ+ people in Ghana face severe challenges not experienced by non-queer residents. Sexual acts between males, for instance, have been illegal since the colonial era, while a tough new government bill restricting gay rights was passed in early 2024. At the same time, Accra is a big city with a vibrant creative scene and is generally considered safe so long as caution is used. As in any conservative setting, visitors to all parts of the country should refrain from open displays of affection of any kind in public and exercise discretion in unfamiliar surroundings.

How much is a trip to Ghana?

The cost of flights to Ghana varies depending on where you’re departing from, the time of year and the airline you choose, but a round-trip ticket from most major airports to Accra ranges from $500 to $2,000 USD. Once in Ghana, expenses are reasonable by Western standards. In general, a budget-conscious traveller can expect to spend around $40 to $60 USD per day, while a mid-range traveller can expect to spend around $100 to $150 USD a day. These estimates can vary depending on travel style and preferences, but Ghana overall offers extreme value for money.

What to pack for a trip to Ghana?

Clothes that cover arms and legs (for the sake of modesty, as well as for protection against mosquitoes during the rainy season and the hot sun at any time of year) are advisable in Ghana. This means long dresses and skirts for women, collared shirts and long trousers for men and long sleeves for all sexes. In general, locals tend to wear shorts and T-shirts only on weekends or at the beach, so do bring these if you’re hitting the coast. Also advisable are good walking shoes, strong sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a water bottle with a filter and a lightweight rain jacket.

Do many Ghanaians speak English?

Along with Nigeria, Ghana is one of the few English-speaking countries in West Africa, which consists mostly of former French colonies. As a result, English or pidgin English is spoken by many urbanites, less so in rural areas. Wherever you are in Ghana, it’s good personal diplomacy and much appreciated by locals if you know a few words in Twi or another regional tongue. Mesre wo is Twi for please, while meda wo ase means thanks. A common greeting is an exuberant chale!, which means “friend!” or “hello my friend!”

Can I drink the tap water in Ghana?

Drinking tap water in Ghana isn’t a good idea because there’s no guarantee that it has gone through the proper purification measures. As a rule, only drink water with an unimpeachable source or which you have filtered or boiled yourself.

What’s the best way to get around in Ghana?

Contrary to expectations, renting a car in Accra can save money over an extended visit and offers the most comfortable means of intracity travel, although navigating the capital’s chaotic traffic can be extremely taxing. (You will also need an international driver’s license.) Chauffeured vehicles are another option, especially if you’re venturing outside Accra—a car with a driver can be hired for $100 to $150 USD a day plus fuel. Most visitors—especially first timers—use taxis to get around Accra and other cities. Like the country’s Uber drivers, cab drivers tend to prefer cash over cards, so always make sure you’re carrying enough cedis to cover your fares; since most taxis also aren’t metred, always negotiate or confirm the fare before the trip gets started. 

If you aren’t driving or being driven from Accra to points in the north or centre of the country, buses are the most common form of long-distance travel; they are generally safe and clean and sometimes also air-conditioned. Commuter and longer-distance train service is available to a limited degree around Accra and in the south of the country, while a handful of domestic airlines, such as Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir, connect the capital with Tamale in the north, Kumasi in the centre, Tema to the east and Takoradi to the west. Travelling between cities by plane can be a good idea if your time in Ghana is limited.