Ghana Flights and Travel Guide

Language

English is the official language, but many other African languages are spoken including Twi, Fante, Ga, Ewe, Hausa and Dagbani.

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Money

The official currency is the cedi (GHC), which is divided into 100 pesewas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any forex bureau as well as at some commercial banks; banks and foreign exchange facilities are available at the airport and in all major towns. It is advisable to keep an currency exchange receipts in order to be able to re-exchange when departing. Banking hours are usually from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and most large commercial banks have ATMs located outside, although only limited amounts of cedis can be drawn at a time. Travelers checks are accepted at banks and forex bureau in the capital Accra, but the rate of exchange may be lower than for cash transactions. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners and Visa, and cards can be used for payment at major hotels and shops, although this can be risky as credit card fraud is very common. The best currencies to bring are U.S. dollars, British pounds or Euros as other currencies exchange at poor rates.

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Communications

The international dialing code for Ghana is +233. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). Accra's city code is 21. The telephone system is relatively reliable, but most people use cell phones. Telephone, fax and telex services are available in all main towns, and hotels. Most major hotels also have business centers, which provide secretarial and courier services. Internet cafes are on the increase throughout the country. There are several GSM cell phone operations across Ghana that have roaming agreements with most international networks, and phones can be rented in Accra.

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Tipping

Service charge is rarely added to restaurant bills and tipping for quality service is only expected in up-market establishments (usually about 10 percent). For other services tipping is discretionary.

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Safety

Most visits to Ghana are trouble-free, but it is wise to be vigilant in public areas particularly in and around Accra and to avoid traveling in taxis alone after dark if possible. Visitors should avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables on them and to be vigilant when drawing money from ATMs in central Accra.

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Health

Visitors must be in possession of a current medical vaccination certificate for yellow fever. Prophylactics against malaria are recommended and waterborne diseases are prevalent, including outbreaks of cholera during the rainy season. Visitors are advised to buy bottled drinking water, which is widely available. Good medical facilities are found in all the cities and major towns, but facilities outside urban areas are poor and emergency services are limited. Medical insurance is advised and should cover medical evacuation.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 200/220 volts, 50 Hz. Any electrical appliances brought in should be adaptable to 220 volts. Three-pronged plugs are the most commonly accepted.

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