Getting around Ghana
Getting to ghana
Several international airlines, including British Airways and Delta Airlines, operate regularly scheduled flights from Ghana to major cities in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
money currency
Ghana’s currency is the cedi, which comes in denominations of GHC 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins come in denominations of GHC 2 and 1, and also 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p & 1 pesewa. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any bank or forex bureau in the country.
Climate
It is bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean, on the West by La Cote d’Ivoire, on the East by Togo, and on the North by Burkina Faso. Ghana is a tropical country. 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 zones. Kumasi is in the wet savanna. It lies between 4° and 11 ° North at the equator and has a coastline of 540 km.
Passport
Required by all
VISA
Visas are required by most non-residents except ECOWAS nationals. Ghana’s missions and embassies abroad will assist in issuing individual as well as group visas.
Electricity
If you are bringing along any electrical appliances, they should operate on or be adaptable to 220 / 240 volts. Electric outlets in Ghana accept either 3-pronged, or sometimes 2-pronged. British or Continental European type plus or converters.
Packing the right clothing
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.
Traveller's Cheques
All banks and Forex Bureaux accept traveller’s checks, although the rate of exchange may be slightly lower than for cash transactions.
Credit Cards
The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard. These cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, banks, and businesses. Your card may be used for payment at most airlines, leading hotels, and major supermarkets.
hotel
Ghana offers a wide range of hotel accommodation for its growing economy and tourist industry: cosmopolitan, metropolitan, district, 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 as the highest and one-star being the minimum acceptable international quality.
communication
Most major hotels also have business centres which provide secretarial and courier services. Ghana has six telecommunications companies which provide voice and data services. With a valid identity card/passport, one can acquire a SIM from any of the telecos. You can make long-distance telephone calls within the country. Collect calls to the USA, Europe and Asia are also available. USA direct dial is 019900 and UK is 0194.
entertainment
Most cities and towns have facilities for nightlife, such as cultural centres, theatres, cinema houses, discotheques, pubs, street cafes and casinos. Consult your hotel reception for what is on and where to go.
medical facilities
Modern private and public hospitals and clinics are available in all cities and big towns. Tourists should contact their travel medical insurance companies to cover any medical contingencies while away from their home countries.
