£1 GHS 14.63
Today
4:01 am
Same time as you
Travel warning
Parts of the country are considered unsafe due to a high risk of violent attacks and armed robberies.
Weather in Ghana
Ghana
32°
Overcast
Wed
26
32
Thu
26
32
Fri
26
33
Sat
26
34
Sun
26
33
SPF level in Ghana
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Ghana
Languages in Ghana
Tipping in Ghana
Tipping is not mandatory in Ghana, but it is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas, as a reward for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service.
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
2-5 GHS per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 GHS per day.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Safety in Ghana
Tips for British travellers
Ghana is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be aware of your surroundings, especially at busy public places like beach resorts, hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Be careful on beaches, do not go alone, and watch for theft and isolated incidents of violent crime.
Keep your passport and valuables in a hotel safe and carry a copy of your passport's photo page as ID.
Do not carry large sums of money, be alert at ATMs, and avoid walking alone, particularly after dark.
Be careful in taxis, use licensed services, check driver ID, and avoid travelling alone in taxis after dark.
Bonus tips:
Swimming on southern beaches is dangerous due to rip tides and undertows.
Dress modestly in public and avoid wearing military or camouflage clothing, which is illegal.
Driving in Ghana
UK driving licenses are valid for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended for longer stays.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Ghana drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
191
Ambulance
193
Fire
192
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Ghana
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
Ghana operates on 230V at 50Hz. Plug Types D and G are used. UK travelers may not need an adapter depending on their appliance plug type.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more accepted, especially in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in major cities. However, cash is still widely preferred.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +14105819994
ATMs in Ghana
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural locations.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most reliable way to get cash. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Inform your bank before travel.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for international roaming charges in Ghana. Roaming can be expensive, consider a local SIM card for cheaper data.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 300 GHS (~£25)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in major cities, but may be less common or have lower speeds in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan is generally the most cost-effective way to access the internet. Public WiFi networks are available, but their security may vary.
Health & vaccinations in Ghana
While Ghana is not in the EU and the GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable, it's crucial to have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation. Medical facilities, especially outside of Accra, may be limited, and serious cases may require evacuation.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. Consult your doctor well in advance of travel for recommended vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Drink only bottled water and be cautious of food hygiene. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present.
Calling Ghana
Country code
+233
To call Ghana from the UK, dial 00 233 followed by the local number (without the leading zero).
To call the number 0302 213200 within Accra from the UK, you would dial 00 233 302 213200.
The country code for Ghana is 233. When calling Ghana from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 233, followed by the local number. Remove the leading zero (if any) from the local number.. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
UK Embassy in Ghana
British High Commission Accra
Osu Link, Off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, Accra
Airports in Ghana
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.
