Best Apps to Download and Travel Ghana Like a Pro
These Apps Help You Manage Money, Navigate the City and More Like a Local
Whether you're flying in for the famed Detty December festivities or a cultural getaway sooner, Accra, Ghana, is a vibrant, bustling city ready to welcome you. Known for its lively markets, stunning beaches, and rich cultural history, you'll want to move like a local.
To truly master your Ghana travel experience, having the right arsenal of apps is non-negotiable. Forget the tourist struggles—here are the must-have apps for Accra that will simplify your trip, help you navigate, and save you money.
Money & Connectivity Essentials
WhatsApp (Messaging)
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 communication. This is the go-to app for all international travel.
HolaFly (Connectivity)
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, but it made it difficult to communicate with guides and family in real-time. Stop the service hunt! HolaFly provides an international e-sim with data for a reasonable price, so you can stop asking for the Wi-Fi password and stay connected without the hassle.
XE Currency (Exchange Rate)
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 out.
Remitly (Money Transfer)
This app is your best friend for sending funds to a local's bank or their Mobile Money (MoMo) account (the local equivalent of Venmo/CashApp). If you run low on cedis, you can easily send funds from your home account. Pro Tip: Locals primarily use Mobile Money (MoMo) for peer-to-peer payments, so using Remitly to top up their account or a business's account is the simplest method. Download it before you leave to complete the necessary security authentication easily!
Navigation & Getting Around
Bolt (Ride-Hailing)
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. While Uber is also available, Bolt can get you around in Accra and other cities like Tema and Cape Coast.
Google Maps and GhanaPost GPS (Navigation)
Google Maps is a great starting point for finding your way around the city, from iconic landmarks like Independence Square to bustling markets like Makola Market. However, a new continent calls for a local advantage. GhanaPost GPS is the national digital addressing system and it is essential. Some locations in Ghana don’t have traditional street addresses, but this app gives you a unique 6-digit code for your exact location, making it easier for Bolt drivers and delivery services to find you.
Food & Fun
Jumia Food (Delivery)
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 or short-term rental.
Google Translate (Language)
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.
Splitwise (Group Expenses)
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.
Eventnoire (Events)
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 (Money, Negotiation, and Power)
• When in Rome…errr, Ghana, use the Cedi. The Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) is the local currency and most widely accepted. You can do a currency exchange at the airport or use your debit card at an ATM to get cash. I put myself on a daily budget, so I went to the ATM each morning to get cash for my daily shopping.
• Negotiate with Cedis. It is easier to negotiate prices when you are using local currency. Be sure to get smaller bills when you go shopping at the markets!
• Tipping is customary and another reason you’ll want to have cedis handy.
• Always Check the Rate: The conversion rate fluctuates daily. Use your XE Currency app to check the current exchange—as of early November 2025, $100 USD is roughly 1,093 Cedi.
• Carry a Portable Charger! Apps like navigation and ride-hailing are battery vampires. You don't want your phone dying halfway through a Bolt ride.
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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