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🇬🇭 Ghana

Moving Guide

Moving to Ghana is logistically straightforward compared to many African destinations — English is official, the expat community is established, and Kotoka International Airport is well-connected to global hubs. The critical sequencing: secure your visa, get your yellow fever vaccination (mandatory), arrange short-term accommodation, and budget for advance rent payments.

Mandatory

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Required for ALL travellers

Right-hand traffic

Driving

International licence valid initially

Applies

Import Duty

On household goods and vehicles

Limited

USD Acceptance

GHS primary; USD at hotels and some businesses

Required

GRA TIN

For banking, employment, and tax

Overview🏙️Accra🏰Cape Coast
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Overview

Moving to Ghana is logistically straightforward compared to many African destinations — English is official, the expat community is established, and Kotoka International Airport is well-connected to global hubs. The critical sequencing: secure your visa, get your yellow fever vaccination (mandatory), arrange short-term accommodation, and budget for advance rent payments. The Beyond the Return community and Ghana expat networks are exceptionally welcoming and will accelerate your settlement considerably.

Key Takeaways

  • Secure your visa: tourist visa, work permit, or Right of Abode application — start 2–3 months before arrival
  • Get an MTN SIM card at Kotoka Airport — fastest network, best coverage, required for MoMo
  • Personal effects imported as part of relocation are subject to customs assessment by Ghana Customs
  • Greeting is everything in Ghana — always greet people before starting any conversation or transaction
1

Before You Arrive

Pre-arrival preparation is crucial for a smooth transition to Ghana. Visa, vaccinations, and financial setup should be completed before departure.

  • Secure your visa: tourist visa, work permit, or Right of Abode application — start 2–3 months before arrival
  • Yellow fever vaccination: MANDATORY for all travellers entering Ghana — get it at least 10 days before travel
  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, meningococcal, tetanus — consult a travel medicine clinic
  • Malaria prophylaxis: begin Malarone before arrival — all of Ghana is malaria-endemic
  • Arrange comprehensive health insurance before landing
  • Research neighbourhoods and book short-term accommodation (Airbnb, serviced apartments) for the first 4–8 weeks
  • Join Ghana Expat and Beyond the Return Facebook groups pre-arrival for advice and connections
  • Budget for advance rent: have access to $3,000–10,000 for 6–12 month rent payments
2

First Weeks in Ghana

The first weeks focus on establishing administrative foundations — SIM card, banking, and finding permanent accommodation. The expat community is extremely helpful for orientation.

  • Get an MTN SIM card at Kotoka Airport — fastest network, best coverage, required for MoMo
  • Register for MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) at any MTN agent or service centre — essential for daily life
  • Register with your embassy or high commission (important for emergencies)
  • Apply for a GRA TIN (Tax Identification Number) — required for banking and formal transactions
  • Open a bank account: Ecobank, Standard Chartered, or GCB Bank — bring passport, permit, and TIN
  • Find permanent accommodation using meQasa.com, agent referrals, and expat Facebook groups
  • Explore your neighbourhood on foot and by Bolt — Accra is best understood by walking around
3

Shipping & Customs

Importing household goods into Ghana is subject to customs duty. The rules and costs can be significant — many expats choose to ship minimal personal items and buy locally.

  • Personal effects imported as part of relocation are subject to customs assessment by Ghana Customs
  • Import duty: budget 20–35% of declared value for general household goods
  • Ghana Customs can be slow — clearing goods at Tema Port or Kotoka Airport may take 1–3 weeks
  • Use a licensed customs clearing agent to navigate paperwork — essential for smooth processing
  • Vehicle import: Ghana drives on the RIGHT; significant duty applies (20–50% depending on age and type)
  • Vehicles older than 10 years face higher duties and may be prohibited — check current regulations
  • Many expats buy vehicles locally rather than importing — Kantamanto and Tema have active used car markets
4

Settling In & Local Tips

Ghana's culture is warm, community-oriented, and deeply social. A few cultural insights will help you settle in faster and build genuine relationships.

  • Greeting is everything in Ghana — always greet people before starting any conversation or transaction
  • The right hand is used for handshakes, eating, and giving/receiving — the left hand is considered impolite
  • Ghanaians are deeply religious — church (Sunday) and mosque (Friday) are central to social life
  • Naming ceremonies, funerals, and festivals are important community events — you will be invited; attend!
  • Haggling is expected in markets (Makola, Kaneshie) but not in supermarkets or formal shops
  • Time: 'Ghana time' is a real cultural concept — meetings and social events often start 30–60 minutes late
  • The Beyond the Return diaspora community organises regular orientation events for new arrivals
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in Ghana

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🏙️ Accra🏰 Cape CoastBack to Ghana Overview