Travel Essentials

Ghana: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Ghana?

One number for everything: 112, Police: 191, Ambulance: 193, Fire: 192

Plugs: Types D and G, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 191, Ambulance 193, Fire 192. Tipping: Not expected but appreciated; rounding up or 5-10% in restaurants is common. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.

Open The Ghana Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types D and G, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything	112
Police	191
Ambulance	193
Fire	192

Tipping

Not expected but appreciated; rounding up or 5-10% in restaurants is common.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever; hepatitis B, rabies and meningitis for some travelers
Malaria: Risk throughout the country; ask about preventive tablets

Apps To Download Before You Go

MTN MoMo: Mobile money is how most people pay; a local SIM with MoMo makes taxis, markets and bills easy.
Yango: A widely used ride-hailing app in Accra and Kumasi, often cheaper than Bolt or Uber.
Bolt: One of the most popular ride-hailing apps in Ghana's main cities.
Uber: Available in Accra and Kumasi as another reliable ride option.
WhatsApp: Nearly everyone, including hotels and small businesses, communicates through WhatsApp.
GhanaPostGPS: Ghana's official digital address system, useful when a business gives you a digital address code.
Glovo: The main food and grocery delivery app in Accra and other cities.
Bolt Food: A popular alternative for restaurant delivery in Accra.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings and elders. Greet elders first, and use the right hand for greeting, giving and receiving items.

Dress. Modest dress is appreciated outside beach resorts, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

Photography. Ask permission before photographing people.

Safety And Scams

Ghana is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in West Africa, widely recommended for first-time visitors to the region.

"Welcome to Ghana" tip scam. Someone at the airport offers unsolicited help with luggage then demands a large tip; politely decline unwanted help.

Taxi foreigner pricing. Agree the fare before getting in, or use Uber/Bolt, which sets prices upfront.

Romance and investment scams. Be wary of online friendships that quickly turn into requests for money, or unsolicited gold/investment opportunities.

Women travelers. Generally respectful environment for women, though petty theft and unwanted attention can occur in busy markets and tourist hubs, especially after dark.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Criminalized

Same-sex acts were already criminalized under colonial-era law; Ghana's parliament passed a sweeping new anti-LGBTQ+ bill in 2026 (3–10 years imprisonment for LGBTQ+ identity, advocacy or association), which the president has signaled he'll sign, making Ghana one of the most legally hostile countries in the world for LGBTQ+ people.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	50 GHS	$3.50
Local bus or metro ride	3 GHS (tro-tro)	$0.20
Mid-range restaurant meal	150 GHS	$10
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	220 GHS	$15
Mid-range hotel (night)	800 GHS	$55
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	1,300 GHS	$90

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

November to March, the dry harmattan season, is best with cooler and less humid conditions; the heaviest rains fall in June and July.

Phrases

Basic English phrases · Basic Twi phrases · Basic Ewe phrases