Ghana Travel Budget: Daily Costs and Money-Saving Tips

How much does Ghana cost per day?

Ghana is friendlier on the wallet than many travelers expect, though Accra and beach resorts push prices up. Here are realistic daily budgets per person, excluding international flights.

• Backpacker: 250-450 GHS (about 20-35 USD) a day, using tro-tros, hostels and street food.
• Mid-range: 600-1,200 GHS (45-95 USD) for a guesthouse, restaurant meals and the odd taxi.
• Comfort: 1,800 GHS and up for hotels, private drivers and tours.

Sample prices

The currency is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Approximate everyday costs:

• Plate of jollof rice or banku with tilapia at a local spot: 30-60 GHS
• Bottle of water: 3-5 GHS; a large Star or Club beer: 15-25 GHS
• Tro-tro (shared minibus) ride across Accra: 5-15 GHS
• Bolt or Uber across the city: 25-60 GHS
• STC or VIP intercity bus, Accra to Kumasi: 120-180 GHS
• Dorm bed: 120-250 GHS; mid-range double: 400-900 GHS
• Cape Coast Castle entry: around 40 GHS; Kakum canopy walk: about 80 GHS

Money and cards

Ghana is largely a cash economy. Carry cedis for tro-tros, markets and small eateries.

• ATMs are common in Accra, Kumasi and tourist towns; Ecobank, GCB and Stanbic accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are often 1,000-2,000 GHS per transaction with fees.
• Cards work in upscale hotels, malls and supermarkets, but rarely elsewhere.
• Mobile money (MTN MoMo) is everywhere; with a local SIM you can pay vendors directly.
• Change US dollars or euros at forex bureaus, not at the airport, for better rates.

Saving tips

• Eat where locals eat: chop bars and street kebabs (khebab) cost a fraction of hotel restaurants.
• Use tro-tros and shared taxis for short hops, and Bolt for safety at night.
• Buy SIM data and water in bulk to avoid markups.
• Negotiate taxi fares and market prices before you commit.
• Travel in the dry season (November to March) but book Cape Coast and Mole early to lock in rates.

Stay connected in Ghana

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so maps, translation, Bolt rides and hotel bookings just work without costly roaming.