Money & Payments in Accra

Restaurants

Tipping is expected at upscale, full-service restaurants. The standard 15%-20% given at US restaurants would be excessive. Something like 5% - 10% would be very well received. In restaurants a ten per cent service charge is often added to the bill.

Other Venues

It's a little more complicated with guides out of town. It's common to have a tour around Elmina and Cape Coast forts for example, however in our experience in the more organised Cape Coast the tour was included in the admission price, but in Elmina the guide demanded a tip of GH¢10. Always organise the money and even tips beforehand.

Taxi Drivers

It's not necessary to tip taxi drivers. Locals typically don't tip taxi drivers. You agree on a fixed price beforehand and you're expected to pay only that amount.

Casual Establishments

But otherwise tipping is not a common practice in Ghana. It is not normal to tip in cheap, roadside eateries and fast food places.

Availability

Major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi have many ATMs, especially in commercial districts, shopping centers, and near bank branches.

Card Compatibility

You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Ghana.

Overview

Ghana is one of the African countries where it's easier to spend on your credit card. Visa is the main credit card network in the country. It may be possible to use Mastercard and American Express, although you are more likely to get turned away with these cards.

Acceptance Notes

Credit cards can be used at upscale locations in Accra, Kumasi and a couple of the larger coastal cities, but are mostly useless outside these locations. Not all establishments or service providers, including Uber drivers, may accept card payments.

Necessity

Despite growing digital payments, cash is still crucial. It's advisable to always have some local cash on hand, as not all establishments or service providers, including Uber drivers, may accept card payments.

Exchange Tips

When exchanging cash, larger denomination bills (50 and over) fetch a better exchange rate.

Providers

Leading platforms such as WorldRemit, Vodafone, AirtelTigo, and MTN Ghana enable instant transfers to personal mobile wallets.

Mobile Money

The major digital payment channels in the country are mobile money platforms and mobile apps, internet banking, digital wallets, e-checks, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), and electronic funds transfers. Ghana has the third highest mobile payment usage rate in the world, after China and Kenya.

Account Types

• Savings Account (lowest fees)
• Current Account
• Foreign Currency Accounts (USD, GBP, EUR, GHS)
• Fixed Deposit Account
• Diaspora Accounts (for Ghanaians abroad)

Banking Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30-5pm; some banks open Saturday mornings until noon

Digital Banking

Most banks offer mobile banking apps, SMS alerts, and integration with mobile money services (MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, AirtelTigo Money)

Local Transfers

GHS 12

International Transfers

25 USD plus additional fees; SWIFT transfers take 2-5 business days

ATM Withdrawals At Other Bank

GHS 10