Ghana

Currency in Ghana: what to use and how to exchange

Ghana uses the Ghanaian cedi (GHS, GH₵), roughly 10–12 per US$ in 2026 (check). Bring some US dollars or euros in clean, large notes for exchange, then withdraw cedis from bank ATMs in Accra or Kumasi. Change money at banks, forex bureaux or your hotel — not on the street — and carry small notes for tro-tros, markets and tips.

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Updated Sep 20263 min read

GuideGhana

Key facts

Currency: Ghanaian cedi (GHS, GH₵); 100 pesewas = 1 cedi
Rough ratecheck: About 10–12 GHS per US$ in 2026
Best way to get cedis: Bank ATM in Accra or Kumasi, or a forex bureau with a posted rate
Cash to bring: US dollars or euros, clean and unmarked, in large notes
Cards accepted: Hotels, malls and larger restaurants in Accra; rarely in markets or tro-tros
Street changers: Avoid; rates and notes are the usual problem
Small notes: Keep GH₵1–20 for transport, snacks and tips

Details

The cedi is a managed float, so the rate moves through the year. Treat any figure you read online as a starting point and check the posted board before you hand over money. Prices in Ghana are quoted in cedis; a few tourist hotels and tour operators also quote in US dollars, and you can usually pay in cedis at the day's rate.

Cash still runs daily life outside the big hotels. Tro-tros, shared taxis, market stalls, small chop bars and roadside vendors work in notes and coins. In Accra and Kumasi, supermarkets, malls, chain hotels and some restaurants take Visa and Mastercard; American Express is much less useful. Mobile money (MTN MoMo and others) is widely used by Ghanaians, but setting it up as a visitor takes a local number and patience.

For exchange, banks and licensed forex bureaux in Accra, Kumasi and the airport area give posted rates and receipts. Hotels are convenient but usually the weakest rate. US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to change, followed by euros and pounds; notes should be clean, unmarked and not torn, because worn bills are often refused or discounted. Street changers may offer a better headline rate, but counting, counterfeit notes and sudden renegotiation are common problems.

ATMs from major banks are found in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Takoradi and Tamale, and at Kotoka International Airport. Withdrawals are usually capped per transaction, so a large cash need may take several withdrawals and several fees. Tell your bank you are travelling, and carry a second card in case one is blocked. If an ATM refuses your card, try another bank's machine before assuming the card is the problem.

Change a small amount at the airport for the first taxi, then use a city bureau or bank.
Ask for a mix of GH₵50, 20, 10 and 5 notes; large notes are hard to break in markets.
Count your money before leaving the counter, and keep the receipt.
Photograph the ATM or bureau receipt if you may need it for an insurance or expense claim.

Details
Where	Rate	Safety	Best for
Bank branch	Posted, usually fair	High	Large amounts, receipt needed
Licensed forex bureau	Posted, often slightly better	High	Quick exchange in cities
Airport bureau	Weaker than city rates	High	Small amount on arrival
Hotel front desk	Usually weakest	High	Convenience, small amounts
Street changer	Advertised high, often not real	Low	Skip

Rates move; compare two or three boards before changing a large amount (check).

Tips

Budget in cedis, not dollars. Once you know your daily spend in cedis, the exchange rate stops mattering much. Carry a reserve of US dollars in a money belt or hotel safe as a backup, but do not plan to pay for everyday things with them.

Cards and cash each have a failure mode: cards get blocked or the machine is empty, cash runs out or gets refused for being torn. Carry both, split between bags, and keep a small emergency stash separate from your wallet. For a fuller picture of daily costs, see the budget and cost pages linked below.

Withdraw during bank hours when branches are open, in case a machine eats your card.
Keep coins and small notes in a separate pocket for tro-tro fares.
Refuse any note that is torn, taped or heavily marked; you may struggle to pass it on.
Use a card with no foreign transaction fee if you have one; ATM fees add up fast.

FAQ

Questions people ask

What currency is used in Ghana?

The Ghanaian cedi, written GHS or GH₵, divided into 100 pesewas. It is the only currency accepted for everyday purchases; US dollars work at some hotels and tour operators but not in markets or on transport.

Where is the best place to exchange money in Ghana?

Licensed forex bureaux and bank branches in Accra, Kumasi and other cities give posted rates and receipts. Airport counters and hotel desks are convenient but usually cost more. Avoid street changers, where counting and counterfeit problems are common.

Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Ghana?

Bring both. Cash in cedis covers markets, tro-tros and small food; cards work at hotels, malls and larger restaurants in the cities. Withdraw cedis from bank ATMs and keep a backup card plus some US dollars in reserve.

Deep dive

Every source; changeable facts are marked check