Ghana Travel Guide

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Shopping

Almost all commodities, including luxury items, can be found in the shops and markets. Artefacts from the Ashanti region and northern Ghana can be bought along with attractive handmade gold and silver jewelry. Modern and old African art is also available (although prices are high), in particular, Ashanti stools and brass weights formerly used to measure gold. Earthenware pots, leatherwork, locally woven shirts and Bolgatanga baskets woven from multicolored raffia are sold in all the northern markets. Ghana is home to the traditional Kente cloth. Shopping tours are organized by the Ministry of Tourism.

Shopping hours: Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1730; Wed and Sat 0800-1300.

Currency

Ghana Cedi (GHS; symbol ¢) = 100 Ghana pesewas. Notes are in denominations of ¢50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ¢1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesewas.

Currency Exchange

The exchange rate system has been liberalized and foreign currency is freely available through authorized dealers including banks and foreign exchange bureau. Cash is exchanged at a more preferential rate than traveler's checks.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Credit cards (mainly American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa) are accepted by leading hotels, restaurants, banks, businesses and some shops. Some banks may give cash advances against leading cards. However, those using credit cards should be aware that credit card fraud is common. In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi ATMs are commonplace.

Travelers Checks

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Traveller's checks can be exchanged in large hotels, banks and foreign exchange bureau.

Currency Restrictions

The import of local currency is limited to the amount previously taken out of the country and declared. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but must be declared upon arrival. The export of local currency is limited to cedi ¢1,000. The export of foreign currency is limited to US$5,000 or equivalent.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0800-1400; Fri 0800-1500.

Exchange Rate