TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
A new president and a new parliament will be elected in Ghana on December 7, 2016. During the period around election day, travelers should exercise greater attention and avoid crowds of people and exposed places in particular, as it cannot be ruled out that violent incidents may occur. It is recommended that you carefully follow media reports as well as these travel and safety advisories.
MONEY
Currency
1 Ghana Cedi = 100 Pesewas. Currency abbreviation: GHc, GHS (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 GHc; Coins worth 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesewas and 1 cedi.
Credit cards
All major credit cards, especially Visa, are accepted by leading hotels, banks and in a few shops. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. As credit cards are increasingly being misused / copied, money transfer via Western Union Bank is a safe alternative.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide, they can be used in the Stanbic or GT-Bank.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
ATMs are located in big cities and banks, here machines are also partially guarded and can rarely be manipulated.
Bank opening times
- General Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (deviations are possible).
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the local currency is not permitted in Ghana, a country located in Africa according to lawschoolsinusa. The import of foreign currencies is unrestricted, declaration obligation (special form). The export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts (proof and note about the exchange required on the declaration receipt received upon entry).
Currency Exchange
The new cedi is pegged to the US dollar but is often devalued. We recommend that you bring cash in euros, US dollars or British pounds. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, forex offices or at the reception of large hotels. The forex offices usually have the cheapest rates. The exchange rate for cash is better than for travelers checks.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is English. The African languages Twi, Fanti, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani, Haussa, Nzima and around 40 other languages and dialects are widely used.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles may be imported into Ghana duty-free:
200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and up to 250 g tobacco products (from 18 years);
1 l spirits and 2 l wine (from 18 years);
250 ml eau de toilette and 50 ml perfume.
Gifts must be cleared through customs.
SHOP
Overview
Smaller shops and market stalls offer a wide selection. Handicrafts from the Ashanti region and Northern Ghana are just as beautiful souvenirs as handcrafted gold and silver jewelry. Modern and old works of art can also be bought, but prices are high. Ashanti stools and brass weights, which were once used to weigh gold, are popular souvenirs. All the markets in the north sell earthenware pots, leather items, woven shirts and Bolgatanga baskets woven from multi-colored raffia raffia. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., Wed, Sat 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
In Accra and other large cities you can find night clubs with Western or African music.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
In the capital there are hotels from three international hotel chains. In Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Sunyani, Koforidua, Bolgatanga, Tamale, Ho, Akosombo and other provincial capitals there are state and private hotels of international standard, guest houses and simple accommodation. The classification is based on a star system. There are also the state catering rest houses, simple accommodations with restaurants of varying quality. There are also motels in Mole National Park, on the west coast near Cape Coast and Elmina, and in the vicinity of larger cities. All of the above-mentioned accommodation options are listed in the hotel guide of the Tourist Office (see addresses). Information is also available on the Internet: www.ghanaweb.com.
Camping
Camping is allowed in the national parks, but should be avoided. Staying in animal protection areas is only permitted in the company of an armed guide.
