LOCAL CURRENCY

The local currency in Ghana is the "cedi". You cannot buy cedis outside of Ghana. The exchange rate is: 1 U.S. Dollar = approximately 9000 cedis(for small dollar bills $1 to $20) 9100 Cedis (big dollar bills $50 t0 $100) (currently 2006).

Visa cards are widely accepted in bank machines in Ghana for cash advances. MasterCard is rarely accepted, and American Express is hardly accepted at all. Using either your Visa card or bankcard in a local Ghanaian bank machine is easy, safe, secure and convenient. Please note that most of the bank machines in Ghana operate on the "Plus" system, not "Cirrus" or "Interac".

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING TO GHANA?

It is always a good idea to bring at least some cash (U.S dollars) with you to Ghana, even if you are planning on using your Visa or bankcard to withdraw money when you arrive. We will show you the best places to exchange your currencies ("forex"). However, you might want to exchange a small amount (U.S. for example) at the airport, in case you need to purchase anything before we take you to the Foreign Exchange (usually the afternoon after you arrive). We will meet you at the airport, so there is no need to worry about taxi fare to your residence.

Although American Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange, there are places to exchange Euros and Canadian Dollars, though the exchange rate is not as good as that offered for the U.S. Dollar. Also, bringing larger bills will earn a better exchange rate than smaller bills.

Budgeting approximately - 50 U.S. Dollars per week should be enough money to moderately shop, take taxis, and use the internet cafes, etc. almost anything can be bargained and telephone cards come in cedis denominations.

There are Western Union offices throughout and, if necessary, money can easily be wired to you from home.