Accra, Ghana

• Accra sits on Ghana's Atlantic coast with warm temperatures year-round between 75-88°F (24-31°C). The city spreads from upscale embassy districts to busy markets to beaches that fill up with locals on weekends.
• English is the official language, which makes getting around easier than in most African cities. You'll also hear Ga and Twi spoken locally. Areas like Osu and Labone have decent cafe and restaurant scenes where eating or working alone doesn't draw attention. Ghanaians are generally friendly, though you'll get plenty of unsolicited attention as a foreign woman.
• Ghana ranks as one of Africa's safer countries, but Accra requires basic street awareness. Pickpocketing happens in crowded markets and on public transport. Keep your phone out of sight in busy areas and don't wear expensive jewelry. Police emergency is 191, with some English-speaking operators.
• Use Uber or Bolt instead of street taxis or tro-tros, especially at night. Tro-tros are cheap but have high accident rates and theft issues. Wealthier neighborhoods like Cantonments, Labone, and Airport Residential Area have better lighting and stay active later.

English is the official language and widely spoken in Accra. Local languages like Ga and Twi are common. Police operators at 191 have some English-speaking staff, and emergency services offer English support.

• Cover your shoulders and knees outside tourist areas. Accra is more relaxed than rural Ghana, but short shorts still draw attention. Save beachwear for the beach and avoid crop tops in local neighborhoods, markets, and religious sites.
• Use your right hand for everything - gestures, eating, waving, handing things to people. Left hand use is considered disrespectful and people take this seriously.
• Expect constant marriage proposals and romantic attention as a single woman. The culture assumes you're looking for a husband. It's usually harmless but gets tiring. Practice saying no firmly without worrying about being polite.
• People will touch your arm or hold you during conversations to get your attention. It's normal here, not meant to be invasive. Also, don't wear flip-flops outside your accommodation - Ghanaians see them as house slippers only.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police Emergency: 191. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber and Bolt are the safest way to get around. Your trip is tracked and you can share your location. Watch out for drivers who try to turn off their phone mid-ride to demand extra cash - don't let them.
• Tro-tros are how most locals travel and they're cheap, but they have high accident rates and maintenance issues. Overcrowding, reckless driving, and no seat belts are normal. Pickpocketing happens frequently. Most visitors skip these.
• Don't use okadas (motorcycle taxis) - they're illegal in the central business district and poorly regulated. Street taxis are risky, especially at night when foreigners get targeted. Embassies specifically warn about violent robberies in taxis after dark.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Accra with local guides and curated experiences.