Accra travel tips for a short stay

Entry and health

Two things catch first-time visitors out, so sort them early.

Visa and passport

Citizens of ECOWAS countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Most other visitors, including from the UK, US, EU, Australia and India, need a visa in advance, either through the official Ghana e-Visa portal or a Ghanaian embassy. Visa on arrival now needs to be approved before you board, so do not count on sorting it at the airport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. If you stay more than 90 cumulative days in a year, you are required to register for a non-citizen Ghana Card.

Malaria and a few sensible extras

Ghana is a malaria zone, so speak to your doctor or a travel clinic four to six weeks before you go about antimalarial tablets. Bring any prescription medicines you take, a small first-aid kit, and consider travel insurance that covers medical care. This is general guidance rather than medical advice, so confirm what you need for your own health and country.

Getting around

The easiest way to move around Accra is by ride-hailing app. Bolt, Yango and Uber all operate here and are cheaper and clearer than negotiating with a street taxi. Bolt and Yango usually have the most drivers.

• Pay in cash unless you set up the app. Many drivers prefer cash in cedis. You can add a card or mobile money in the app, but having small cash avoids any back and forth.
• Check the plate and name before getting in, the same as you would anywhere.
• Trotros and local taxis exist and are cheap, but they take local know-how. For a short stay, the apps are simpler.
• From the airport to Cantonments is roughly 20 minutes outside peak traffic.

Cash, cards and mobile money

• The currency is the Ghana Cedi (GHS). Exchange rates move, so check the current rate before you travel.
• Do not change money at the airport. Rates and fees there are poor. Use a licensed forex bureau in town, and compare rates first.
• Carry some cash. Cards are accepted in malls, larger restaurants and hotels, but plenty of places are cash only.
• Mobile money (MoMo) is everywhere. MTN MoMo in particular is used to pay for almost anything. You can load cash at the yellow MoMo kiosks, though you will need a registered local SIM to hold an account.

SIM cards and Wi-Fi

A local SIM with data is far cheaper than roaming and makes the ride apps and maps painless. The main networks are MTN, Telecel (formerly Vodafone) and AirtelTigo. MTN has the best coverage by a clear margin, especially if you leave Accra, so it is the safe default.

• Buy at the airport or in town. All three networks have kiosks in the Kotoka arrivals hall. Town shops are slightly cheaper with more plan choice.
• Registration is required. Bring your passport, it takes a few minutes.
• Prefer an eSIM? Several providers route through MTN or Telecel and work from the moment you land, though you will not get a local number for mobile money.
• Wi-Fi is common in cafes and restaurants around Osu, Labone and East Legon, and in the malls, but mobile data is usually more reliable.

What to pack

• Light, breathable clothes. Cotton and linen suit Accra's heat and humidity.
• Comfortable shoes. Pavements are uneven in places and you will walk on rough ground.
• Sun cream and mosquito repellent. Both are essential, repellent especially around dusk.
• A Type G adapter for UK-style three-pin sockets, plus a power bank for long days out.
• Your medicines and a small first-aid kit, with prescriptions in their original packaging.
• A little cash in small notes for taxis, tips and street food.

Customs and culture

Ghanaians are warm and welcoming, and a little courtesy goes a long way.

• Greet people. Elders are respected, and greeting the room when you arrive is normal and appreciated. Handshakes are with the right hand.
• Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating. The left is considered unclean.
• Dress modestly in public and at religious or cultural sites.
• Respect faith. Ghana is religious, with Christianity, Islam and traditional beliefs side by side. Follow local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a mosque.

A few phrases that help

• Akwaaba (ah-KWAH-bah), Twi for welcome. You will hear it a lot.
• Medaase (meh-DAH-see), Twi for thank you.
• Chale (CHAH-lay), everyday slang for friend or mate, a bit like "mate" or "bro".

Eat this while you are here

Accra's food is one of the best reasons to visit, and the street food is part of the experience.

• Jollof rice, the dish Ghanaians will happily argue about. Try it and judge for yourself.
• Waakye, rice and beans served with sides, a proper local breakfast or lunch.
• Kelewele, spiced fried plantain, ideal in the evening.
• Banku or kenkey with grilled tilapia and pepper, a classic worth ordering.

Staying safe

Accra is generally safe and friendly, and most visits pass without trouble. The usual city sense applies: keep valuables out of sight, be a little more alert in crowds and at night, agree your route in the app, and keep a note of your address for the trip home. For any emergency, dial 112.