Ghana Travel Guide: 10 Essential Things to Know For Your First Ghana Trip
If you've decided to make Ghana your next tour destination, you've made a good choice.
As someone who's spent countless hours navigating Ghana's streets, savoring its delicious jollof, and marveling at its rich history, I can tell you this: you're in for an absolute treat.
But, like any big adventure, a little insider knowledge can be the secret ingredient. Grab your favorite cup of tea, settle in, and let's get you ready to visit Ghana with this Ghana travel guide.
-
Essential Things First-Time Travelers to Ghana Should Know
1. Akwaaba! – The Power of a Greeting
2. The Cedi is Your Best Friend, and Cash is King
3. Dress for Success: Comfort, Modesty & Sun Protection
4. Transportation: From Tro-Tros to Ride-Hailing Apps
5. Embrace the Ghanaian Flavor
Essential Things First-Time Travelers to Ghana Should Know
Every good trip is characterized by good and detailed planning, especially when it comes to traveling to a country for the first time.
Forget the generic travel guides, consider me your able mentor, here to equip you with the 10 essential things first-time travelers to Ghana should know.
Read along!
1. Akwaaba! – The Power of a Greeting
First things first: Let's establish that you are about to step into a country renowned for its warmth and hospitality. That is Ghana.
Ghanaians are incredibly friendly, and a simple "Akwaaba", meaning "Welcome" in Twi, one of the most widely spoken local languages, will go further than you can imagine.
Leave your resting beach face at home and embrace the vibrant culture of the people in Ghana! A genuine smile and a polite greeting are your golden tickets. Try learning a few more basic Twi phrases like "Medaase" for "Thank you," "Ete sen?" for "How are you?" and "Mepa wo kyɛw" for "Please."
You'll be surprised how much goodwill this gesture generates in Ghana. I once saw a tourist flawlessly drop a "Wo ho te sen?" to a street vendor in Accra, and the vendor's face lit up so bright. Instant connections! You can simply establish them with these local phrases.
What's the one local phrase you always try to learn when visiting a new country? Share it in the comments!
2. The Cedi is Your Best Friend, and Cash is King
Ghana is modernizing rapidly, but credit card payments aren't as widely accepted as you might be used to, especially outside of major hotels and upscale restaurants. Our local currency is the Ghana Cedi (GHS), and trust me, you'll want a healthy stash of it.
Think of your wallet like a well-stocked pantry: a little bit of everything is good, but cash is your staple on a trip to Ghana. ATMs are available in cities, but having smaller denominations for street food, market haggling, and quick buys is crucial.
Avoid relying solely on cards on your tour in Ghana. You don't want to be the person awkwardly fumbling for a card when you want to get a quick snack or street food. Also, when exchanging foreign currency, use licensed forex bureaus for the best rates.
Have you ever been in a sticky situation abroad because you didn't have enough local currency?
3. Dress for Success: Comfort, Modesty & Sun Protection
Ghana is a tropical country, so expect warmth and humidity. While Ghanaians are generally quite modern in their dressing, modesty is appreciated, especially in religious or traditional areas. Think about modest and comfortable dressing, as it is important to respect the local culture while you travel to Ghana.
Consider light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are your allies. For women, skirts, dresses, and trousers that cover the knees and tops that cover the shoulders are generally ideal in Ghana.
Men can comfortably wear shorts or trousers with casual shirts. Don't forget about this wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. The sun here doesn't play!
Oh, and leave the military-style camouflage at home; it's actually illegal to wear in Ghana. Who knew, right?
4. Transportation: From Tro-Tros to Ride-Hailing Apps
Getting around Ghana can be an adventure in itself when you pay attention to the unique time in Ghana and how it affects transportation. You've got options, each with its charm and interesting chaos.
Here are some transportation options in Ghana:
Tro-Tros: These shared minibuses are the lifeblood of local transport and are cheap. They're a fantastic cultural experience, but be prepared for them to be packed, with frequent stops, and often without AC. Not for the faint of heart or those with tight schedules!
Taxis: They are Available in cities. They don't use meters, so always agree on the fare before you get in; this is a crucial travel tip for navigating transport in Ghana. Tourists often get quoted higher prices, so a little polite bargaining is expected. Feel free to beat down a price if it sounds ridiculous; it's allowed.
Ride Apps : Your absolute best friends in Accra and Kumasi are Ride Apps. Bolt and Uber are the most popular (Bolt also in Takoradi and Cape Coast). They offer fixed prices, GPS tracking, and a level of comfort that traditional taxis sometimes lack. Highly recommended, especially for evening travel.
Buses: For inter-city travel, Ghana's State Transport Corporation (STC) and VIP buses offer comfortable and reliable long-distance buses. A much calmer option than tro-tros for longer hauls
Domestic Flights: If you're short on time and money isn't a huge concern, domestic airlines like Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Passion Air connect major cities quickly.
What's the craziest mode of transport you've ever taken on your travels?
5. Embrace the Ghanaian Flavor
Ghanaian food is a delicious explosion of flavors, spices, and hearty staples. Don't be afraid to dive in! Your taste buds are about to embark on a journey of pure delight as you explore the incredible cuisine that is part of the Ghana travel experience.
You must definitely try Jollof Rice (the West African rice war is real, and Ghana's version is, of course, superior, just kidding).
Other must-tries include:
Banku & Tilapia: Fermented corn and cassava dough served with grilled tilapia and a spicy shito sauce. Get ready to eat with your hands (the right one, please!).
Fufu & Soup: Pounded cassava and plantain (or yam/cocoyam) served with various soups like groundnut soup or light soup.
Waakye: A breakfast (or any-time-of-day) staple of rice and beans, often served with spaghetti, gari, shito, and meat/egg.
Kelewele: Spicy fried plantains , a perfect snack!
While incredibly tempting, especially for first-timers, don't be quick to ease into street food. Your stomach might need a little time to adjust to new spices and cooking methods. Stick to hot, freshly prepared dishes from vendors with high turnover.
6. Drink Bottled Water
This one is non-negotiable Ghana travel tip.
Unless you're a seasoned traveler with an iron gut, even then, why risk it?. Stick to bottled water.
Nothing ruins an exciting tour more than the traveler's tummy; let's avoid it by following this essential thing to know before you enter Ghana.
"Pure water" sachets are ubiquitous and cheap, but I recommend the larger bottled water brands like Voltic or Bel-Aqua for peace of mind.
You should consult your tour guide for assistance in choosing the right bottled water brand for you.
Another important travel tip for your trip to Ghana is ; avoid ice cubes in drinks outside of reputable establishments and be cautious with uncooked fruits and vegetables that you haven't peeled or washed yourself.
7. Be Aware, Not Afraid
Ghana is generally a safe and peaceful country, but like any travel destination, common sense and awareness are your best allies.
Here are some more tips to make your travel to Ghana a safe one:
Be aware of your surroundings, Especially in crowded markets or busy areas. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
Night-time Navigation: Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in less familiar areas. Use ride-hailing apps or pre-arranged transport.
Scams: Unfortunately, like many popular tourist destinations, scams exist in Ghana, especially in Accra. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or "too good to be true" deals. Trust your gut!
ID is Key: Always carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, keeping the originals safe in your hotel.
Respectful Interaction: Most Ghanaians are incredibly welcoming. If you encounter any issues, remain polite but firm.
What's your go-to safety trick when exploring a new city?
8. Tipping & Local Etiquette
Tipping, or "dashing," as it's sometimes called in Ghana, is appreciated for good service, though it's rarely added to the bill automatically.
Unlike some Western cultures where tipping is mandatory, in Ghana, it's a gesture of appreciation. For guides, drivers, and hotel staff who go above and beyond, a tip is a lovely way to say "Medaase."
For restaurants, it's less expected but always welcome if help service is excellent. When someone offers to help you with bags, it's often a gesture of hospitality rather than an expectation of payment, but a small thank you (cash or otherwise) is always appropriate.
Also, speaking of etiquette: always use your right hand when giving or receiving items, shaking hands, or eating. The left hand is considered unclean.
9. Internet Connectivity
Wondering if you can show off on Instagram from the heart of Ghana? Mostly, yes, you can! The Internet is generally accessible in Ghana. MTN and Telecel are two of the well-known internet service providers.
You can easily purchase a local SIM card at the airport or at official vendor shops, which is one of the essential things to know for your travel to Ghana. At the airport, you will need your passport to make a purchase. This is usually more cost-effective than international roaming.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many restaurants in urban areas, though speeds can vary. Don't expect blazing-fast fiber everywhere, but you'll mostly be able to stay connected for sharing those beautiful moments you capture.
Don't forget your universal travel adapter!
10. Patience & Flexibility: The Ghana Pace of Life
Every country and tribe has its peculiar vibe, don't they? Ghana operates on its unique rhythm, often referred to as "Ghanaian time."
Things might not always happen exactly when or how you expect them to during your trip to Ghana.
Buses might run late, service might be a little slower, and plans might shift. This isn't always inefficiency, but it's often a more relaxed, community-focused approach to time. Embrace it!
Instead of getting frustrated, use these moments to observe, interact with the local people, or simply practice your newfound Twi phrases. A flexible attitude and a good sense of humor will serve you far better than a rigid schedule during your trip to Ghana.
In my interactions with travelers, I have learned that the best experiences often happen when you least expect them, outside of a perfectly planned itinerary.
What's the biggest travel lesson you've learned from a moment of unexpected delay or change of plans?
Bonus Tips
These ten insights are your first steps towards an incredible, unforgettable journey through Ghana. You've got practicality sorted with these things, but here are more secrets for a great time on a tour in Ghana.
Embrace Spontaneity. Resist the urge to be rigid in your itinerary. It's great to stick to a plan and stick to an itinerary, but some of the surreal tour experiences in Ghana could be spontaneous.
Experiences like taking a photo with a local, spending a few minutes grooving to a captivating tune as you walk past a spot, and stopping by interesting spots to take some good shots leave a mark. Make room for them while you tour the beautiful streets of Ghana during your tour.
Forget Your Left Hand In Ghana's deeply rooted culture, the use of the right hand is paramount in most social interactions, so forget your left hand exists in your interactions while you tour Ghana.
This stems from a cultural belief that the left hand is considered unclean and is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene.
Therefore, it's a fundamental sign of respect to use your right hand for handshakes always, giving, or receiving items.
But hey, that shouldn't deter you from having fun during your trip to Ghana. Most people understand when you forget and would remind you. Take the correction and reminder when they are given in good faith.
In A Nutshell
With these things, first-time travelers to Ghana should know, you are all set to explore your trip to Ghana like a pro. Pack your bags, open your mind, and get ready to fall in love with Ghana, its people, and the richness of its history.
What's the one thing on this list that surprised you the most or that you're most excited to experience? Let me know in the comments.
Download my free travel guide to navigating Accra- Ghana from hotels to stay at, restaurants to try out, how to stay safe when visiting and nightlife recommendations for my fellow night owls who would love to go dancing.
Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm Rashida, your not-so-typical travel guide. Join me for laughs, mishaps, and perhaps a questionable decision or two (because let's face it, those always make for the best stories). Learn More
