Currency and costs
The official currency is the Cedi (GHS), which is divided into 100 pesewas. It is advisable to keep currency exchange receipts in order to be able to re-exchange when departing. Banking hours are usually from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and most large commercial banks have ATMs located outside, although only limited amounts of Cedis can be drawn at a time. Travellers’ cheques are accepted at banks and forex bureaux in the capital Accra, but the rate of exchange may be lower than for cash transactions. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners and Visa, and cards can be used for payment at major hotels and shops, although this can be risky as credit card fraud is very common. The best currencies to bring are US dollars, British pounds or Euros as other currencies exchange at poor rates.
Currency Exchange Rates:
US Dollar = 1.47450 Ghanaian New Cedi
Source http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic Date: 18 Aug. 09
GHS 1.00 = £ 0.40 C$ 0.71 A$ 0.80 R 5.17 € 0.46 NZ$ 1.00
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated one and should be used as a guideline only.
For precise exchange rate you are advised to see the recent Exchange Rates and this info can be found on http://www.xe.com and on http://www.oanda.com
Language & Religion
English is the official language, but many other African languages are spoken including Twi, Fante, Ga, Ewe, Hausa and Dagbani.
Religion: Christian 63%, indigenous beliefs 21%, Islam 16%
Travel Health
Visitors must be in possession of a current medical vaccination certificate for yellow fever. Prophylactics against malaria are recommended and waterborne diseases are prevalent, including outbreaks of cholera during the rainy season. Visitors are advised to buy bottled drinking water, which is widely available. Bird flu has been confirmed in Ghana, but the risk to visitors is considered to be very low; as a precaution it is advisable to avoid close contact with live birds and ensure all poultry products are well cooked. Good medical facilities are found in all the cities and major towns, but facilities outside urban areas are poor and emergency services are limited. Medical insurance is advised and should cover medical evacuation.
Food & Drink
Eating in Ghana is an exciting and rich experience. Food in Ghana has many different styles with thousands of great restaurants in all the major cities and towns of Ghana. All of them seem to boast about one chef or another, which is good, but for most of us we want to get down to eating.
In addition, food in Accra and other Ghanaian tourist resorts is not restricted to traditional Ghanaian delights. Cuisine from all over the world can be found in Ghana, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other international tastes. Fast food chains are rising in popularity due to convenience and their family oriented style.
The Food delights available in Ghana are as rich and varied as the culture and history of Ghana’s people.
Drink: It is not safe to consume tap water in Accra; it is preferable to buy bottled water.
Safety Information
Most visits to Ghana are trouble-free, but it is wise to be vigilant in public areas particularly in and around Accra and to avoid travelling in taxis alone after dark if possible. Visitors should avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables on them and to be vigilant when drawing money from ATMs in central Accra. Theft of luggage and travel documents has occurred at Kotoka International Airport. Visitors should also be vigilant in and around Tamale and Kumasi where there has been an increase in crime including muggings and attacks on foreigners. There is a potential for outbreaks of violence between rival political factions, fighting between inter-ethnic groups and civil unrest; travellers are advised to stay up to date with daily developments. Visitors to the Northern Region should be alert to the possibility of renewed outbreaks of inter-ethnic fighting. When travelling along the Ghanaian coastline, please exercise caution given the occurrence of strong tidal waves striking the coast.
Communications
The international dialling code for Ghana is +233. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Accra's city code is 21. The telephone system is relatively reliable, but most people use mobile phones. Telephone, fax and telex services are available in all main towns, and hotels.
Ghana Emergency Numbers: 999
Time zone
Local time is GMT
Climate
Ghana is a tropical country lying just north of the equator. The rainy season lasts from April to October in northern Ghana and from April to June and again from September to October in the south. Temperatures range from about 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) and the humidity is relatively high. The rest of the year is hot and dry with temperatures reaching up to 100°F (38°C). In most areas the temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August, after the rains. Variations between day and night temperatures are small.
Duty Free
Travellers to Ghana over 16 years do not have to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 454g of tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these items; 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits; and 237ml of perfume and eau de toilette. Gift items are dutiable.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Both round and flat three-pronged plugs are most commonly used.
http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Ghana/Basics
