Location: West Africa
Local Time: GMT
Capital City: Accra
Population: 23.3 million
Area: 238,537357,021 square km, 148,226 square miles.
Language(s): English, many local languages
Dialling Code: 233
Emergency: Police, Fire & Ambulance: 999
TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. International Driving Permit recommended
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: New Cedi (GHS 1 = 100 Pesewas)
Notes: GHS: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000
Coins:
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Limited acceptance of credit cards. Foreign currency must be exchanged with authorised dealers only
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1400 Mon-Thur, 0830-1500 Fri
Office: 0800-1200 & 1400-1700 Mon-Fri, 0830-1200 Sat
Shops: 0800-1200 & 1400-1730 Mon-Fri, 0800-1300 Sat
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region.
Business/Social Hints: It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. Body language differences include the custom of a greater degree of physical contact compared with Western Europe
Tipping: When there is no service charge, tips are around 10%
