We advise travellers to take a certain amount of cash with them and the rest for safety reasons in traveller's cheques. It is also possible to open a bankaccount in Ghana in case you plan to stay longer at one place. That way you can transfer money easily from you home-country to Ghana. However even if you plan to do we still advise you to take at least sufficient funds with you ( in the form of cash, credit card or travellers cheques) for the first month(s). Voluntary Childaid has the general rule not to loan money to volunteers. (only in extreme cases like emergencies can this be considered)

 

Foreign Exchange Bureau:

Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any forex in the country. There are several foreign exchange bureaus (Forex) in all the major towns and cities, but many outside Accra may not accept travelers cheque's except the banks. Forex bureaus tend to give better rates for large-denomination bills than banks normally do. The best exchange rates are for US Dollars, French Francs, Deutsche Marks and British Pounds.
Most travelers cheque's can be exchanged, but the rate is 5% lower than cash. Private foreign-exchange (Forex) offices have better rates and hours.

 

Credit cards:

Many places take major international credit cards such as Visa, Master Card and American Express. Barclays Bank in Accra will advance Ghanaian money on Visa and Master Card, minus a commission and a fee for the approval telex. If you have a US card, you will probably have to pay for two exchange rates, US$ to Pound Sterling to Cedis. Not all forex bureaus accept travelers. Banks charge around 15 % so we do not advise the use of credit cards in Ghana!

Euro card does not work in Ghana

 

Banks open from 8.30am to 2pm (3pm on Fridays) on weekdays. Some branches of Barclays and Standard Chartered Banks open on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm. However, most banks now operate Automatic Teller Machines (ATM). For cash advances, Barclays Bank accepts VISA and Master Card

 

All travelers are required to pay an airport departure tax of ($15).
VAT, Sales or Use Tax: The VAT (Value-Added-Tax) has just been introduced in Ghana. It is 10% and not refundable.
Note: Always ask to see a vendor's VAT certificate; he/she must have it and willingly show it. Unscrupulous dealers will casually add a higher percentage and pocket the profit.

 

This is called the Cedi (¢) which comes in denominations of ¢500, ¢1000, ¢2000 and "5000 bills. ¢10,00 & ¢20,000. Coins come in denominations of ¢500, ¢200 ¢100, ¢50, ¢20 and ¢10.
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into Ghana. This must, however, be stated on the currency declaration form.

 

 

When to go
There really is no 'best' time to visit Ghana, as the temperature is always Africa-hot and if rainfall doesn't soak you, then the humid air will. If you prefer your soaking tropical in nature, stick close to the beaches. Whatever the season, the weather gets more arid the farther inland you go. Village-specific festivals and events occur throughout the year

Telephone: Phone cards are available for ¢26,000 (100 units) and other smaller and larger units are also available. You can make international calls from the public telephones booths and communication centres.

 

Airport & Transport: Kotoka Airport (7km from the centre), shared minibuses (tro-tro), taxi

 

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, but at the Regional capitals medical facilities are a bit ok. Malaria is common, as are other tropical diseases. Doctors and hospitals often request immediate cash payment for health services. When you apply we will provide you with a list of hospitals that you can turn to in Ghana.

 

Photo Developing and printing: There are several photo laboratories in the city of Accra well equipped to develop and give you high quality photo prints of your memories of Ghana. They have a good reputation for handling both professional photos and safari snapshots. Open Monday-Friday 8.30 am-5.30 pm, Saturday 8.30 am to 1 pm. The most popular in Accra include Flash Photos at Danquah Circle-Osu, Photo Lab (close to Papaye Fast Foods) at Osu and Modern Photos near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

 

Other
Visitors entering Ghana with more than $5,000 U.S. in cash are required to declare the amount upon entry into Ghana. Currency exchange is available at most banks and at licensed foreign exchange bureaus. Currency transactions with private citizens are illegal.

The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on the import and export of gold, diamonds, and other precious natural resources. Only agents licensed by the Precious Metals and Mining Commission, telephone (233)(21) 664-635 or 664-579, may handle import-export transactions of these natural resources. Any transaction lacking this Commission's endorsement may be illegal and/or fraudulent. Attempts to evade regulations are punishable by prison terms.

In rare instances, visitors arriving in Ghana with sophisticated electronic equipment (video cameras and laptop computers) may have to deposit 17.5 per cent of the item's value with the Customs and Excise office at the airport. To get the deposit refunded, visitors must apply to the Customs and Excise Office in central Accra 48 hours before departure.

It is illegal to wear military or camouflage clothing.