Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Ghana
GHSCedi
Money in Ghana
Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in malls, hotels and upscale restaurants in Accra; cash and mobile money run everyday life, taxis and markets. US$1 ≈ GH₵11.60 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: 10% is welcome in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis and give small notes to porters.
- ATMs: Withdrawal limits are often 1,000–2,000 GHS per transaction; fees vary by bank. Use ATMs inside bank branches or malls.
- 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.
- Price level: about 38% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accra | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in malls, hotels and many Osu restaurants; cash or mobile money for trotros, markets and street food. |
| Cape Coast | Mostly cash | Cards work at a few hotels and tour offices; cash or mobile money for most things. ATMs are in town. |
| Kumasi | Mostly cash | Cards work in some hotels and malls; cash or mobile money for markets, trotros and street food. ATMs in town. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Ghana?
10% is welcome in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis and give small notes to porters.
Is Ghana cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in malls, hotels and upscale restaurants in Accra; cash and mobile money run everyday life, taxis and markets.
What currency does Ghana use?
The Cedi (GHS). US$1 ≈ GH₵11.60 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ghana Tourism Authority
- Speedtest Global Index: Ghana
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.