Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SAFE TRAVEL
Ghana has proved to be a stable and generally peaceful country. Take care of your valu-
ables on beaches and avoid walking alone at night. If swimming, beware strong currents;
ask locals before diving in.
TELEPHONE
Ghana's country code is +233.
Mobile (cell) phones are ubiquitous in Ghana and the network coverage is virtually uni-
versal and excellent value.
If you have an unlocked phone, SIM cards (C5) can be picked up in shopping centres and
communication centres.
MTN, Vodafone, Tigo and Airtel are the main networks; all have 3G.
International SMS costs about C0.1, internationa l calls from C0.13 per minute.
TOURIST INFORMATION
As a rule, tourist information is pretty useless in Ghana, and staff working in tourist of-
fices have little understanding of what travellers need.
NCRC
(
www.ncrc-ghana.org
)
The driving force behind Ghana's most successful community-
tourism ventures and a good source of information on the topic.
No Worries Ghana
(
www.noworriesghana.com
)
Published by the North American Women's Associ-
ation, this guide (both paper and electronic) is more targeted at people moving to rather
than travelling to Ghana; nonetheless, the dozens of eating, drinking and entertainment
listings as well as the information on shipping, transport and so on is very useful.
Touring Ghana
(
www.touringghana.com
)
Ghana's official tourism portal; worth a look for inspira-
tion and general information.
VISAS
Visas are required by everyone except Economic Community of West African States
(Ecowas) nationals. Though it's technically possible to pick up a visa upon arrival, they
only get granted in rare cases, so it is highly advisable you get one ahead of travelling.
Single-entry three-month visas (US$60/£50) and multiple-entry six-month visas (US$100/
£70) are standard.
You can get a visa extension at the immigration office (
Click here
) in Accra near the
Sankara Interchange.
Visas for Onward Travel
Most nationalities need a visa for onward travel throughout West Africa.
Burkina Faso
The embassy issues visas for three months (C73), usually in 24 hours. You
need three photos.
