Planning My Trip

Passport & Visas 
Visas are required by most non-residents except ECOWAS nationals. Ghana Missions and Embassies abroad will assist in issuing individual as well as group visas.
 

Communications
Ghana uses the GSM 1800, which is also the European standard. There are 4 cellular networks most of which have some 90% coverage of the whole country. You can purchase a pre-paid chip or SIM card for instant cellular service. You can also roam on your current network for cellular service.

Alternatively most major hotels also have business centers, which provide secretarial and courier services. You can make long distance telephone calls within the country. Collect calls to the USA Europe and Asia also available. USA direct dial is 019900, UK is 0194.


Health Requirements
Please do not forget to bring your health Certificate which shows that you have a yellow fever vaccination. You are also advised to consult your doctor well in advance of your visit so that you may begin the usual anti-malaria treatment.


Climate
Bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean, the South Western part is located within the warm wet forest zone similar to the Amazon. Accra, the capital, is located in the dry equatorial cones. Generally temperatures are between 21 - 31°C. The rains are usually restricted to specific times each day during the rainy season.

Since the climate is warm and tropical all year round be sure to pack light washable cotton clothing and casual wear. Do not forget your sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. There are no restrictions on what men and women may wear. Slacks and shorts for both sexes are permissible.


Electricity
If you are bringing along any electrical appliances, they should operate on or be adaptable to 220 volts. Electric outlets in Ghana accept either 3pronged, or sometimes 2-pronged. British or Continental European type plugs or converters.


Money/Currency
Ghana’s currency is the cedi which comes in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000. Coins come in denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any Forex Bureau in the country. Apart from Forex Bureau, some commercial banks also exchange foreign currency. Banks are normally open from 8:30 am - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most large commercial banks will also have automatic teller machines located outside and available during and after hours. Most will take VISA and a few other check cards.


Traveler's Cheques
All banks and Forex Bureau accept Traveler's Cheques although the rate of exchange may be slightly lower than for cash transaction.


Credit Cards
The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Dinners, and Visa. Your card may be used for payment at nearly all airlines, leading hotels and major supermarkets. Using your credit card in Ghana can be risky though. There have been numerous instances of credit card fraud in Ghana. A credit card number can be recorded and sold, even at the best facilities.


Tipping
Tipping is permitted in hotels, restaurants, etc. It is rarely added to the bill. Whenever it is not added, the quality of service should dictate your generating to the waiter, taxi driver, porter, guide etc.


Hotels
Ghana, offers a wide range of hotel accommodation for her growing economy and tourist industry; cosmopolitan, metropolitan, town and country hotels and park lodges of varying comfort, elegance and convenience. Ghana's hotels are classified according to the international star-system with 5-star are the highest and one-star being the minimum international acceptable quality. In addition, there are local budget hotels with minimum standards of sanitation and comfort. The grade of a hotel in Ghana is indefinable and the Hotel License issued by the Ghana Tourist Board is displayed at the hotel reception. (see our hotels section on this site to search for specific hotels)
 

Medical facilities
Modern private and public hospitals and clinics are available in all cities and big towns. Tourist should contact travelers" medical insurance companies to cover any medical contingencies while away from their home countries. Barbers and Hairdressers They are available in most hotels.


Laundry
Available in most hotels.


Drinking Water
Safe but it is advisable for visitors to use bottled dinking water which is available for sale in hotels and super markets.


Restricted Areas for Photography and Filming
None except Osu Castle and Military installations.


Travel by train
There are two interesting rail trips from Accra, one takes the northern route to Kumasi across the countryside and the other follows the coastline in an easterly direction to Takoradi.