Ghana Currency Guide 2026 - Cedi Money Tips
Your complete guide to money in Ghana: the Cedi, exchange rates, mobile money, ATMs, and budgeting for your trip to Accra, Cape Coast, and beyond.
Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS / GH¢). Mobile money (MTN MoMo) is used nationwide and is often preferred over cash.
Exchange Rates (Early 2026)
| Currency | Buy Rate (GHS) | Sell Rate (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 14.50 | 15.80 |
| 1 GBP | 18.50 | 20.00 |
| 1 EUR | 15.80 | 17.20 |
| 1 CAD | 10.50 | 11.50 |
| 1 ZAR | 0.78 | 0.85 |
Rates fluctuate daily. Check Bank of Ghana or licensed forex bureau rates.
Best Places to Exchange Money
Recommended
- Licensed Forex Bureaux: Best rates, found in major cities and shopping areas
- Banks: GCB, Ecobank, Stanbic, Absa - safe and regulated
- Kotoka Airport: Forex bureaux available on arrival (slightly worse rates)
Avoid
- Street money changers: Risk of scams and counterfeit notes
- Hotel exchange desks: Poor rates with high commissions
- Unofficial dealers: Illegal and risky
ATMs and Cards
ATM Networks:
- Banks with ATMs: GCB Bank, Ecobank, Stanbic, Absa, CalBank - widespread in Accra and major towns
- Withdrawal limit: GH¢2,000-5,000 per transaction ($130-$330)
- Foreign card fee: GH¢10-20 per withdrawal + your bank's fee
- Networks: Visa and MasterCard accepted at most ATMs
Card Acceptance:
- Major hotels and international restaurants accept cards
- Large supermarkets (Shoprite, Marina Mall) accept cards
- Most local businesses prefer cash or mobile money
Mobile Money in Ghana
Mobile money is king in Ghana. Over 20 million Ghanaians use mobile money daily. The dominant platform is:
- MTN Mobile Money (MoMo): By far the most popular. Accepted at shops, restaurants, markets, taxis, and for bill payments. You can register with a Ghanaian SIM card and passport.
- Vodafone Cash: Second largest mobile money platform
- AirtelTigo Money: Third option, less widespread
For tourists: You can get a local SIM card at the airport and register for MTN MoMo. Deposit cash at any MoMo agent (orange kiosks everywhere) and pay merchants by sending money to their merchant number.
Tipping Culture
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% of bill |
| Hotel porter | GH¢5-10 per bag |
| Housekeeping | GH¢5-10 per day |
| Taxi driver | Round up the fare |
| Tour guide | 10-15% of tour cost |
| Safari/nature guide | GH¢50-100 per day |
Daily Budget Guide
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | GH¢100-200 / $7-13 | GH¢500-1,500 / $33-100 | GH¢3,000+ / $200+ |
| Food | GH¢30-60 / $2-4 | GH¢100-200 / $7-13 | GH¢300-500 / $20-33 |
| Transport | GH¢20-50 / $1-3 | GH¢100-200 / $7-13 | GH¢300+ / $20+ |
| Activities | GH¢30-100 / $2-7 | GH¢150-300 / $10-20 | GH¢500+ / $33+ |
| Daily Total | $15-30 | $60-150 | $250+ |
Money Tips for Ghana
- Get MTN MoMo: Buy a local SIM and register for mobile money - it is the easiest way to pay
- Bring USD or GBP: These get the best exchange rates at forex bureaux
- Use clean, recent bills: Damaged notes may be refused
- Bargain at markets: Prices at Makola, Kaneshie, and other markets are negotiable
- Ask for receipts: Always get a receipt when exchanging money
- Carry small denominations: For tro-tros (shared minibuses), taxis, and street food
Currency Quick Facts
- Currency: Ghanaian Cedi
- Code: GHS
- Symbol: GH¢
- 1 USD = ~14-16 GHS
- 1 GBP = ~18-20 GHS
- Mobile Money: MTN MoMo (dominant)
- Cards: Limited outside hotels
- Best to bring: USD or GBP cash
Money Safety
- Use hotel safes for valuables
- Avoid flashing large amounts of cash
- Use ATMs inside banks during daylight
- Keep emergency USD separate
- Report lost/stolen cards immediately