Ghana is a beautiful country with stunning tourist attractions and events worth witnessing, but the cost of moving about in Ghana can be shocking.
But even with the country’s high prices for public transportation, attraction fees, food, and lodging, there are numerous ways to travel Ghana on a budget.
Today, we’ll show you how to navigate about in Ghana on a shoestring budget and still have a good time!
It might be a pretty inexpensive nation to visit depending on how you organize your finances.
Here is some advice on how to save money on a vacation to Ghana while still having a fantastic experience:
Use Cash
The best option is cash. Credit cards are not generally accepted in Ghana, you should withdraw a substantial amount of cash before arriving. This is possible at any bank, as well as at various ATMs placed throughout the airport and in several hotels.
Use an ATM or an exchange agency to obtain local currency.
For budget travelers, we recommend withdrawing money at an ATM or exchange office rather than a bank.
Banks charge higher fees for converting foreign cash into Ghanaian cedis.
In addition, if you make a payment with a credit card, you may be charged a small transaction fee.
Just keep in mind that walking around with wads of cash or displaying your affluence may draw unwanted attention.
Get a low-cost accommodation
When looking for a low-cost hotel, you should look on TripAdvisor.
Staying in low-cost hostels, hostels, or guesthouses is an excellent option to cut costs on your trip. While they may not be the most luxurious, you will have access to common areas such as kitchens and communal spaces.
These areas allow you to meet other travellers, which can be useful when organizing your itinerary or getting recommendations on where to go.
Long distance transportation
If you’re traveling long distances in Ghana, try taking the local buses. These are a wonderful opportunity to meet the locals while also seeing some of Ghana’s stunning countryside.
Look for the best deals. This is usually found through looking at more than one company, so make sure to look into all of them before making a decision.
If there is no bus timetable in English (or any other language you speak), use Google Translate on your phone or tablet device.
Trotro is a local bus service that will take you all over the country for considerably less amounts than taking cabs. Trotro buses are inexpensive and safe. They are always available and provide a authentic way to explore city life.
Just bare in mind that TroTro’s are not as comfortable as taking an Uber or renting a car. Especially when you’re out and about the whole day, not having an AC in a packed car can get exhausting.
Click here to read: How to pick TroTros in Ghana
Walking distance?
The simplest and most obvious recommendation is to walk around. If you are staying in Accra, you can walk to a market or restaurant instead of using a taxi.
It’s also worth considering how close your hotel is to popular attractions. In some cases, staying closer to the city may be more convenient in order to save money on transportation costs. These costs can easily skyrocket, when you’re staying further away and need to book a car every time (considering traffic as well).
Buy at the market
Buying stuff in the market is one of the best methods to save money as a traveller. Markets are usually less expensive than supermarkets, and you may obtain fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat for much less than you would in a store.
You’ll also be able to buy local products from Ghanaian craftsmen, including traditional textiles, crafts created from natural materials like palm leaves or wood, and even snacks like groundnut (peanut) butter or artefacts, which make great gifts.
Eat local food
Eating at local eateries might be an excellent way to save money. It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll come across a variety of recipes and ingredients that will give you an idea of how Ghanaians cook. Eat at neighbourhood eateries and street food stalls, or go to markets and bakeries, food kiosks, food trucks, carts, and so on.
You’ll also get to eat some traditional Ghanaian dishes while learning more about the culture. If you want to learn more about Ghanaian culture and meet friends, this is the ideal alternative for you! Any local eatery should serve jollof rice with chicken, Banku, Fufu, or tuozafi. These are some of the most popular local foods that you’ll like.
We hope this essay has inspired and given you the confidence to travel on a budget. We hope that these suggestions will help you make the most of your visit to Ghana, especially if you are on a low budget.
The country is lovely and has a lot to offer!
Don’t be afraid to take chances, have fun, and save money whenever possible.
See you in our next article!
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