Ghana

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Internet Access/Cafés | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical but relatively mild for the latitude. Climatic differences between various parts of the country are affected by the sun's journey north or south of the equator and the corresponding position of the intertropical convergence \one, the boundary between the moist southwesterly winds and the dry northeasterly winds. Except in the north, there are two rainy seasons, from April to June and from September to November. In the north squalls occur in March and April, followed by occasional rain until August and September, when the rainfall reaches its peak.

Temperatures range between 21°C and 32°C (70°F - 90°F), relative humidity between 50% and 80%. Rainfall ranges from 30 to 80 inches a year. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the northeast from December to March lowering the humidity and causing hot day and cool nights in the north. The effect of this wind is felt in the south during January. In most areas, temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August after the rains. Variation between day and night temperatures is relatively small, but greater in the north, especially in January, on account of the harmattan.

Climate chart for Accra

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

  Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
  US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

To enter Ghana, citizens of all but ECOWAS -member States require visas (at a nominal fee). Visas issued to Egyptian, Kenyan and Zimbabwean nationals are free for the first 30 days, but there is a charge for extended stays. Group visas for tourists may be issued at entry to Ghana if prior arrangements were concluded between the tour operator, the Ghana Tourist Board and the Ghana Immigration Service.


Visa requirements can change at any time - we recommend you contact your local representative to find out the latest requirements

Listing of Ghanian Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    100 pesewas=1 Cedi
Current Exchange Rate:   Today's Exchange Rate

The Cedi is far from stable and fluctuates against foreign currencies daily. Bank rates are slightly lower than those obtained from Forex bureaus. Barclays Bank will accept visa and mastercard for cash advances. Unused local currency can be re-exchanged on proof of authorised exchange, and visitors are advised to retain all currency exchange receipts.

Location of Visa ATM's
Barclays Bank Cash Machine Locations

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    08:30 - 14:00 (Monday to Thursday)    08:30 - 15:00 Friday.
A few banks in the larger cities are open from 08:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays

LOCAL TIME

Ghana has the same time as that of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights KLM - Flights from Europe BA.com - Flights from Europe From USA:  Afrinat International Domestic Flights Domestic flights are available on military planes out of Accra airport to Kumasi and Tamale.
Rail:	A slow but fairly comfortable railway system connects Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi
Public Transport:	There is a fairly efficient bus services connecting the major cities in Ghana. A minibuses service (called tro-tros) also operates in the country connecting smaller towns and urban areas, these are often overcrowded.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Ghana Travel Map  (Maps Worldwide) Published by ITMB Publishing Ltd - Series Africa Format Folded Map - Scale 1:750 000 ITMB Publishing specialise in areas that are interesting, exotic and off the beaten track - wealth of detail - many of the maps are strong on the physical features of the various countries - there is usually informative text included with the map, dealing with the history, culture, etc. The maps are light, practical and should be invaluable for the backpacker, traveller or tourist Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	Driving is on the right hand side and an international Permit is recommended. A British licence is acceptable for a period of up to 90 days.

INTERNET ACCESS/CAFÉS

BusinessGhana Internet Cafe - Accra
3rd floor Unity House,next to Opera Cinema.On Opera Square. 15 computers available, printer, aol 'friendly'

Click Cyber Cafe - Tema
Rooms 103 & 104, Tiwaa House, Community 6, Tema
Opposite First Baptist Church
EMail:clickcybercafe@yahoo.com

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Ghana, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.