Ghana
Travel tips for Ghana: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Carry some cash. Travelers in 2025-2026 emphasize that "cash is king" in Ghana. Locals rely on Mobile Money, but visitors face strict ID hurdles to register, making it essential to carry small Cedi notes for taxis, markets, and street food.
Try the food
- Jollof Rice: A vibrant, spicy one-pot dish of rice cooked in a rich tomato, onion, and pepper sauce, often served with fried plantains and grilled chicken.
- Waakye: A hearty street food staple made of rice and black-eyed peas boiled with dried red sorghum leaves, giving it a distinct burgundy color.
- Fufu and Light Soup (Fufuo): A smooth, dough-like dumpling made from pounded cassava and plantains, submerged in a spicy, savory tomato and meat broth.
- Red Red (Gɔbɛ): A savory black-eyed pea stew cooked in red palm oil and served alongside sweet, ripe fried plantains.
Essentials
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- SIM tip
- Pick up an MTN or Telecel (formerly Vodafone) SIM card at Kotoka International Airport, but be prepared to present your passport for mandatory biometric registration.
Etiquette
Always use your right hand for greeting, eating, giving, and receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.