I'm getting ready to go to Ghana, West Africa. Does any one know what I should expect or prepare for?

Question

How much Money should I take? What else should I have to make my stay pleasent, what customs should I be familiar with, etc.

Answer 1

depends on what you will be doing and how long you are going to be there... i went to ghana for three weeks last summer on a study tour, most of the accomodations, meals, and travel costs were included, but i would say that if you plan to move around a lot and buy gifts, you should bring about $1000 with you...you definitely will need to bring bug spray, your anti-malaria medications, and cipro (for traveler's diarrhea)...some items might be hard to find or expensive to buy there, like batteries, film, and feminine hygiene products, so it's a good idea to stock up for your trip

expect to be blown away by the enormous hospitality and spirit of the Ghanaian people...you will feel like you have come back home and are amongst family and friends everywhere you go!
just be gracious and genuine and you should have no problem interacting with Ghanaians as they will welcome you with open arms.

as far as customs to keep in mind, just be respectful, especially to elders, and mindful of what clothing you wear in public...i went with a friend to the kineshie market (a big marketplace in accra where they sell everything) and my friend was wearing a shirt that revealed her belly button...as soon as we got out of the taxi, women were calling out to her and letting her know that she needed to pull her shirt down and be more modest in public. so be aware of that. also, it is important when you are taking pictures to never take someone's picture without asking first, out of respect for that person.

can't think of anything else at the moment. i really hope you enjoy your trip...my experience was truly life changing and i can't wait to go back in may of this year!! have a wonderful trip!!


btw, you also need to make sure you get the necessary vaccinations: yellow fever (mandatory to get into Ghana), hepatitis A and B, tetanus/diptheria, typhoid, polio (recommended)

Answer 2

You should put on a smiling face whiles in Ghana because if you don't people might not be willing to help you out when you need it.Ghanaians like to compliment people a lot so don't take offense when you hear one. You will need light weigh clothes ,handy bag to carry little stuffs around because your purse could easily be snatched away from you.You could probably wear anything you want ,however, skimpy clothes will get you in trouble.The Ghanaian culture frowns at provocative dresses,even though some 'wild' University student dress like the western world they are used to the public outcry and humiliation but as a foreigner,you must be wary of this.
Sundays are beach days; lots of people go to the beaches on Sundays but you can visit any of the beaches on any day.
Cab drivers know every corner of Accra so if you have problem locating an address,any cab driver you ask for help will definitely help you out.There are lot of food vendors along most roadsides in Accra and buying food from them isn't illegal but i advice that you use your visual judgement to know an unhygenic food.There are lots of restaurants in Osu Oxford street-Accra.home "to go" meals are popularly known as "take away" in Ghana.
You must bargain on any payment you make in Ghana: foreigners usually pay twice the price of anything they buy( this is fraud but no one cares about a foreigner being defrauded).Cab drivers are a good example of people who will charge you fares twice as most Ghanaians will pay,they do it any vulnerable passenger.The cheapest means of transport in Ghana is "tro tro" which a commercial transport usually vans and buses.You will only have to queue for a little while.When going to a place you don't ask passengers or the driver's conductor,usually called "mate" for assistance.You will get a fair fare with a "tro tro".
Lots of Ghanaian cuizines,you will like them very much.Ghana is not like the US, a police could even "milk' the $$$ out of you.
9000 Ghanaian cedi = $1,however,you will need more money to make some purchases in Ghana.Apart from making any extravagant purchases like crafts,i think $ 2000 onwards should keep you good.this amount does not include your ticket back home.visit http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/tourism/advice.php
Have a pleasant journey.

Answer 3

i really wish i could help, i love to travel, but have never been there. i am starting a travel company right now and would love it if you could add me to your email list and tell me about your trip.
thanks,
adam

Answer 4

Sunglasses,a week's supply of Big Macks,and LOTS of $$$

Answer 5

how long u goin for?

Answer 6

don't drink any cool-aid