City in Ashanti, Ghana
Kumasi
Ashanti cultural capital with huge Kejetia market, Manhyia Palace and nearby kente and adinkra villages. Friendly and cheaper than Accra; hot, congested and with fewer visitor services.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$690–1,290Comfortable, one person · GH₵8,000–15,000Details
- Value for money84/100Better value than 83% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Feb, 33°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledUse bottled water or sealed 'pure water' sachets.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$13–39Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in some hotels and malls; cash or mobile money for markets, trotros and street food.Details
Where to stay in Kumasi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Adum–Nhyiaeso | Central, hotels, restaurants and shops; busy and convenient |
| Ahodwo–Danyame | Quieter residential area with restaurants and embassies |
| KNUST area (Ayeduase–Kentinkrono) | Student cafés and cheap stays near the university |
Apps that work in Kumasi
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glovo | Limited zones in central Kumasi |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- MTN MoMo: Paying locals if you hold a Ghana SIM
- STC: Intercity coach tickets and routes
- Taxis: Taxis are shared or private; agree the fare first. Apps help avoid haggling.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ghana.
- Mostly cash Cards work in some hotels and malls; cash or mobile money for markets, trotros and street food. ATMs in town.
- Currency: Cedi (GHS). US$1 ≈ GH₵11.60 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Withdrawal limits are often 1,000–2,000 GHS per transaction; fees vary by bank. Use ATMs inside bank branches or malls.
- Tipping: 10% is welcome in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis and give small notes to porters.
- Paying by phone: MTN MoMo and Telecel Cash dominate locally but need a registered Ghana SIM; foreign cards work at larger shops. Apple Pay is not common.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most nationalities need a visa arranged before travel through a Ghanaian embassy or its online system; check the Ghana Immigration Service and embassy pages.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry and is checked at Accra airport.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; declare cash over the equivalent of USD 10,000.
Emergency numbers
Police 191 · Ambulance 193 · Fire 192 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type D, G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at the Accra airport (KIA) kiosks or carrier shops; SIM registration with passport and Ghana Card or visitor ID is required. Roughly 50–150 GHS for a month of data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ghana
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.