Kumasi Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

Local SIM cards are readily available. MTN typically offers the widest network coverage.

Local SIM Card Details

Easily purchased at major provider stores (MTN, Vodafone).
Passport needed for registration.
MTN provides wide and reliable network. Airalo eSIMs also offer convenient data.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is found in many accommodations, but mobile data is usually more dependable.

Connectivity Options

Wi-Fi in most mid-range and luxury hotels.
Quality and pace vary.
Local SIM with data bundle for consistent access. Solis Wi-Fi offers portable options.

Language & Phrases

English is the official language, but Twi dominates locally.

Language Insights

English is Ghana's official language, widely spoken in urban areas.
Twi is the dominant local language in Kumasi.
Language barriers occur in rural settings.

Helpful Twi Phrases

Practice these basic Twi phrases for better local interaction.

Basic Twi for Travelers

Hello: Akwaaba (Welcome) / Agoo (response: Amee).
Good morning: Maakye.
Thank you: Medaase. Rosetta Stone for deeper learning.

Postal Services & Information

Ghana Post

Available for sending letters and parcels.
Services can be slow for urgent items.
Local post offices suffice for postcards.
Translation Resources: Google Translate (offline Twi pack) is useful.

More Helpful Twi Phrases

Good afternoon: Maaha.
Good evening: Maadwo.
How are you doing?: Wo ho te sɛn? (Response: Me ho yɛ, medaase).
I don't understand: Menntɛ aseɛ.

Small Efforts, Big Smiles

Practice these phrases. Even a small effort to speak Twi improves interaction and makes a good impression on locals.

Operating Hours & Important Days

Plan your activities around typical business hours and federal holidays.

Government Offices

Typically operate Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Shops & Stores

Generally open Monday-Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some smaller shops open earlier/close later.

Kejetia Market

Open daily from early morning (approximately FIVE:00 AM) to late evening.

Banking & ATMs

Banks and ATMs are available for your financial needs.

Financial Access

Banking Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
WHERE To find atms: Widely available at banks, shopping centers.
Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard.

Public Holidays

Ghana observes several public holidays. Government offices and banks close.

Holiday Planning

Government offices, banks, some businesses close.
Public transport and market activity affected.
Major Holidays: National Day of independence (March 6), Easter.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass: Offers independent airport lounge access globally.
Comfort and amenities during layovers.
Available in major airports for members.

Flight Compensation

Compensair: Helps with flight delays or cancellations.
Assistance for denied boarding situations.
Simplifies compensation claims.

Local Etiquette Tip

Always greet people when entering a shop or joining a group. A simple "Maakye" (good morning) or "Hello" with a smile goes a long way.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Greeting people is a valued custom. Handshakes are common.

Social Etiquette

Always greet people, especially when entering a shop.
A handshake is common, often initiated with the right hand.
Elders should be greeted first as a sign of respect.

Appropriate Attire

Modesty in dress is appreciated, specifically for women.

Dress Codes

Modest attire is appreciated in general.
For mosques, women cover heads, shoulders, knees; remove shoes.
Dress modestly for churches or traditional shrines.

Dining and Tipping

Local dining has particular customs. Tipping is a gesture of appreciation.

Mealtime Manners

Always eat with your right hand, especially with communal food.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service.
Consider rounding up taxi fares or restaurant bills.

Photography Permissions

Always seek permission before taking photos of individuals.

Ethical Photography

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.
Respect "No Photography" signs at museums, religious sites.
Be discreet in crowded markets.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Cultural No-Gos

Avoid using your left hand for giving, receiving, eating.
Refrain from pointing your feet directly at people.
Keep public displays of affection to a minimum.

Social Awareness

Ghanaian society is generally conservative.
Discuss politics or religion with caution and respect local views.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Ghana and punishable by law.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure for mobility challenges is limited.
Sidewalks are often uneven, broken, or non-existent.
Organizing private transportation is the best option.

Sensory Impairments

Specialized services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.
Ghanaian sign language is local, but interpreters for tourists are not readily available.
Contact local tour operators for specific advice.

Meticulous Planning

If you have mobility challenges, plan your trip meticulously. Communicate your needs clearly to accommodations and tour providers in advance to satisfy your requirements.

Local Customs & Gender Considerations

Navigating social dynamics in Kumasi. Ghanaian society is generally patriarchal, with particular sensitivities around LGBTQ+ topics.

Gender Considerations

Ghanaian society is generally patriarchal. Female people who travel are safe, but solo women may attract attention.

Social Norms

Female travelers are generally safe.
Solo women may attract more attention.
Modest attire is appreciated.

LGBTQ+ Information

Homosexual acts are illegal in Ghana and punishable by law.

Traveler Awareness

Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not advised.
Such displays can lead to negative attention or legal issues.
Discretion is strongly recommended.

Religious Site Etiquette

Respect local customs at religious sites.

Visit Guidelines

Mosques: Remove shoes, women cover heads, shoulders, knees.
Churches/Shrines: Dress modestly.
Maintain silence and observe local customs or rituals.

Taboos to Avoid

Be aware of actions considered disrespectful in Ghanaian culture.

Sensitive Actions

Don't use your left hand for giving, receiving, eating, or pointing.
Refrain from pointing your feet directly at people.
Keep public displays of affection to a minimum.

Public Holidays & Seasonal Closures

Holiday Impact

Government offices, banks, and some businesses close on public holidays.

Service Changes

Public transport and market activity may be affected (busier or less frequent).

Seasonal Note

No significant seasonal closures for tourist attractions are common in Kumasi.

Exercise Discretion

For delicate topics and personal interactions, discretion is a valued approach. Respect community standards and cultural views during your visit.

Kumasi Travel Tips