Top Apps to Download to Travel to Accra, Ghana Like a Pro
These Apps Help You Stay Connected, Manage Money, Navigate the City and More Like a Local
Whether you’re planning for Detty December or visiting sooner, Accra, Ghana is a vibrant city is known for its lively markets, stunning beaches, rich cultural history, and friendly locals. To make the most of your visit, having the right apps on your phone can simplify your travel experience, help you navigate the city, and immerse you in Ghanaian culture. Here are some must-have apps I needed in Ghana to download before your trip to Accra.
WiFi isn’t available in as many places as I expected so I spent a lot of my trip with no service. It was a great way to stay present and immersed in the culture and my experience but it made it difficult to communicate with my tour guides and people back home in real time. HolaFly is an e-sim service that gives you data internationally on your phone for a reasonable price.
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in Ghana and the fastest way to chat with people you meet during your trip. Many locals, businesses, and tour operators rely on WhatsApp for quick and convenient communicatioV n. This is the go-to app for most international travel.
Stay on top of exchange rates with the XE Currency app. It’s especially useful for converting Ghanaian cedis (GHS) to your home currency. This app works offline, so you can avoid surprises when shopping at local markets or dining at Ghanaian restaurants.
This app is the equivalent of CashApp or Venmo in the States. If you run out of cedis (the Ghanaian currency) you can simply send funds to locals for free. I used it twice while in Ghana. It’s simple and gives real-time updates to the sender and recipient. Be sure to download the app before you leave home so you can do the necessary security authentication with no issues.
Craving some local delicacies but don’t feel like heading out? Jumia Food lets you order everything from jollof rice to kelewele (spiced fried plantains) and have it delivered to your doorstep. It’s perfect for when you want to enjoy authentic Ghanaian cuisine from the comfort of your hotel.
Navigating any new city can be tricky, especially if it’s a new continent. Google Maps is helpful for finding your way around the city, from iconic landmarks like Independence Square to bustling markets like Makola Market.
GhanaPost GPS is the national digital addressing system, and it’s essential for navigating in Ghana. Some locations in Ghana don’t have traditional street addresses, but this app gives you a unique code for your exact location, making it easier for delivery drivers and taxi services to find you.
Bolt is the go-to ride-hailing app in Accra. It offers safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options to get you to your destination without haggling over taxi fares. Uber is also available in Accra but Bolt can get you around in Accra and other cities like Tema and Cape Coast.
While English is widely spoken in Accra, knowing a few phrases in Twi (one of Ghana’s major local languages) can be helpful and endearing to locals. Use Google Translate to learn basic phrases or to communicate in areas where English isn’t as prevalent.
If you’re traveling with a group, Splitwise makes it easy to split costs for meals, transportation, and activities. It helps you keep track of shared expenses without the hassle of calculating who owes what.
Accra is known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and cultural events. Use EventNoire (or Eventbrite) to discover what’s happening during your visit, from Afrobeat concerts to art exhibitions and festivals.
Final Tips
• When in Rome…errr, Ghana, Ghanaian Cedi, the local currency, are most widely accepted. You can do a currency exchange at the airport or use your debit card at an ATM to get cedi out. I put myself on a daily budget so I went to the ATM each morning to get cash for my daily shopping
• Tipping is customary and another reason you’ll want to have cedis.
• It’s easier to negotiate prices when using cedis. Be sure to get smaller bills when you go shopping at the markets.
• The conversion rate from US dollars to Ghanaian cedi changes daily but $100 is around 1500 cedi.
• Carry a portable charger, as some apps like navigation and ride-hailing can drain your battery.
By downloading these apps, you’ll be better equipped to explore Accra with confidence, convenience, and ease. So pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer!
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