Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In 2007 four zeros were lopped off the value of the old Ghana cedi (divided into 100 pese-
was), making it the highest-value currency in West Africa. For the most part, Ghanaians
have adjusted, but you'll still hear people asking for C10,000 when they really want C1.
The best currencies to bring are US dollars, UK pounds and euros, in that order.
Barclays is the only bank to exchange travellers cheques; there is a maximum of US$250
per transaction.
Foreign-exchange bureaus are dotted around most major towns: note that they give lower
exchange rates for small USD denominations, so pack your $50 and $100 notes.
There are ATMs virtually everywhere; almost every bank accepts Visa. Stanbic accepts
Mastercard and Maestro.
Midrange and top-end hotels tend to accept credit cards, but at a surcharge.
OPENING HOURS
Administrative buildings
From 8am until 2pm or so. Embassies tend to keep similar
hours.
Banks
8am-5pm Monday to Friday; some additionally run until noon on Saturday.
Markets
7am-5pm; in predominately Muslim areas, Friday is quieter; in Christian areas,
it's Sunday.
Shops
9am-5pm or 6pm every day except Sunday, when only large stores open.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day
1 January
Independence Day
6 March
Good Friday
March/April
Easter Monday
March/April
Labour Day
1 May
May Bank Holiday
1st Monday in May
Africa Unity Day
25 May
Republic Day
1 July
Founders Day
21 September
Christmas Day
25 December
Boxing Day
26 December
Ghana also celebrates Muslim holidays, which change dates every year.
