Janet @ 70
The airport you will be traveling to is Kotoka International Airport (ACC).There are two direct flights:
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Delta Airlines- New York JFK
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United Airlines- Washington DC Dulles
We recommend utilizing one of these two options to get to Accra, but there are several options through Europe and the Middle East.
Vaccinations
It is REQUIRED to have the Yellow Fever vaccine to apply for a visa AND to enter the country. Consult your doctor or use the CDC website to find medical providers that offer the Yellow Fever vaccine. You will be provided with a "Yellow Fever Card" that you MUST present at passport control to enter Ghana.
Although there are no additional required vaccines but there are additional that are recommended. Please consult your medical provider to get input on what they recommend for you. We STRONGLY recommend discussing your Malaria Prevention options with your medical provider.
The CDC website has a comprehensive lists of all the recommendations for travel to Ghana.
To secure a visa for Ghana you will need to apply via the visa applicant portal and then mail your passport for processing. Recommend watching the visa application guide video and review requirements thoroughly before beginning application. See visa cost fees below.
Time to Travel
Luggage
Make sure to verify your luggage allowance for your airline based on your fare and consider whether you plan on doing additional shopping when packing. For example, if you are allowed 2 checked bags and 1 carry-on, and you plan to shop, consider packing 1 checked bag and nestle in an empty second to use for any shopping you do while in Ghana upon return.
Additionally, airlines sometimes lose luggage or delays cause you to spend a night in unexpected places. Recommend packing an "emergency" set of clothing and toiletries in your carry-on in case of delays- under garments, top, bottom, socks, pajamas etc.
Documents
In addition to your passport and yellow fever immunization record, consider bringing a photo copy of your passport ID page, visa and driver's license.
Health & Hygiene
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Bring all prescription medications
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Medications used for common ailments such as headaches, indigestion, diarrhea, allergies, cold/flu etc.
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Insect Repellent
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Sunscreen
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Basic First-Aid kit
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Toiletries
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Hand Sanitizer and Antibacterial Wipes
Money
Ghana's currency is the Ghana Cedi. Although credit card payments are accepted most places, we recommend still having cash. Regardless, make sure to notify your bank of your travels to ensure your cards stay available to you while you travel.
Cash
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Money can be exchanged in Ghana (bring newer and $50 & $100 bills to exchange)
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ATM can be used to pull out Cedis (review any applicable fees your bank might have before doing this).
Credit Cards
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Visa and Mastercard widely accepted, many places also accept American Express
Electronics
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Bring an adapter to plug in any electronics. Ghana uses type D & G plugs.
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Power bank for extra power while moving around for devices
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Your mobile phone will not work unless you pay for international roaming. If you require having the ability text and make phone calls regularly recommend working with your carrier to get roaming added to your plan. Otherwise, leveraging WiFi based calling and texting apps will be available when connected to WiFi ex WhatsApp.
Apparel
Ghana's temperatures range from 90s to mid-70s F in October with high humidity. So, packing light and breathable clothing (cotton, linen etc.) is recommended. You can also look into UV protection clothing as well! Recommend wearing clothing that covers arms and legs in the evenings as further mosquito protection when outside. Some additional apparel options recommended include:
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Hats and Sunglasses
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Bathing suit and coverups
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Light jacket
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Rain jacket/ rain poncho/ umbrella
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Comfortable walking shoes ex sneakers that you are okay getting dirty
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Sandals/ Flip-Flop
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Nice outfit and shoes for a night out (just in case!)