Travel advice/warning Ghana

Ghana is one of the safest places in Africa. The people are very hospital, friendly and calm:

Clothing

• Wear light summer clothing preferably cotton.  Avoid synthetic fabric in all seasons.
• Sun protection and lotion
• Comfortable sneaker/boot

Health

• Boil your non-tap drinking water.
• Avoid some of the  street foods. Be very careful of what enters your body.

Budget & Money Exchange

• Travel here Ghana is cheap by western standards. Travelers intent on stretching their cedis to the limit can easily get by on less than €20 per day, staying in decrepit hotels and eating all meals from street vendors. A moderate hike in standards might bring the total to €30 per day, including comfortable bedding, running water and regular restaurant meals. Luxury items like air conditioning and fine French cuisine are available only in the big cities, and you should plan on spending at least €50 per day for the experience.
• The best currencies to bring to Ghana are US dollars, Euros and British pounds; other currencies – even Canadian dollars, Australian dollar and Japanese yen.
• There are foreign exchange bureaus (Forex) in all the major towns and cities. Forex bureaus tend to give better rates for large-denomination bills than banks do, but otherwise bank rates are slightly better.
• You withdrawals at the ATM with your Visa and MasterCard but most banks accept Visa than MasterCard. Some banks also accepts traveler’s cheque.
• Change your foreign money at the forex bureau. No matter the amount, count before leaving premises. Good bureau have counting machines. In a big town or city avoid the roadside money changers. They’ll cheat you. You’ll realize this only when you get home.
• To be a good sprinter like Ghana inflation, make sure that whatever you want to buy is at hand before you exchange your foreign currency.

Transportation

• You use the domestic airlines (Africa World Airlines & Passion Air)
• To travel on land, you use STC buses, VIP buses, Great Imperial buses, GH Express or OA buses whenever possible. They are more comfortable and a lot safer.

Shopping

• Always shop with a “proper” Ghanaian with you. Alternatively, let somebody you trust shop for you otherwise you’ll pay double or triple the price.
• If you have to do the shopping yourself first check the prices in the shops. If you have to shop outside (bargain) first check the prices at the shops. Then you’ll never pay more than it costs in the shops.

Mind Your Ghanaian Manners

• Dashes (tips) are a way of life in Ghana. Rather than calling it a bribe, a dash is a tip that may be requested by anyone from bus conductors who seat you to youngsters who may run errands for you. Seen as gifts, dashes will ease your way through Ghana immensely, and are usually about 2 – 5 cedis.
• When taking photos, always ask the person before, and you may sometimes be asked to give a dash as well.
• Always shake hands and pick up food with your right hand, since the left is used to perform other personal functions.
• When traveling with another person of the same sex, you are often required to rent separate hotel rooms. However, unmarried mixed-sex couples have no problem.
• When meeting a chief or village elder, always lower yourself or bow with your knees to show respect. Learning a few words of Dagbani (Amaraba means welcome) and Twi (Akwaaba means welcome) will make you a big hit among Ghanians. Be sure to always smile and wave to strangers-everyone loves it and invariably waves back.

Others

• Do not swim in the LAKES or RIVERS
• Some people/institutions will frustrate you but keep cool. Never engage in arguments unless your vital interests are at stake.