All You Need to Know Before Planning a Trip From Canada to Ghana (2025 Guide)

Canada is currently the home of more than 100,000 Ghanaians, and what does this mean? It means Ghanaian-Canadians coming back home for vacations, to visit family, or to monitor their business. Whatever your reasons may be, you need to be adequately prepared before embarking on the trip to Ghana, especially when it comes to finances. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before booking your flight, from how to send and carry money to what to expect in Ghana.

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1. First things first: How to handle money transfers from Canada to Ghana

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Before packing your bag and heading to the airport to jet off to Accra, you'd better have your finances in order. Ghana is a cash-friendly country, but mobile money and bank transfers are widely accepted, and that’s where Pesa comes in.

With Pesa, you can:

• Send money directly from Canada to Ghana with competitive exchange rates
  
  
• Hold funds in CAD to facilitate secure transfers using a multi-currency wallet.
  
  
• Send money home to your family or vendors (such as Airbnb hosts) ahead of your arrival.
  
  

Whether you're booking accommodation, paying for a tour, or handling family expenses, Pesa makes it easy to move money when and how you need it.

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2. Where to go while in Ghana

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If it’s your first time in Ghana from Canada, or your first time home in a long time, there’s a lot to see, learn and explore in Ghana.  From beaches and history to vibrant food scenes and nightlife, here are a few places to add to your itinerary:

• Accra (The capital city with so much art, music, culture and lively markets)
  
  

1. Visit the Independence Arch — It’s free to attend, but donations are appreciated. 
2. Jamestown — Learn the deep history of slavery in Ghana. This is a paid tour that costs approximately CAD $10 per person. 
3. Osu Castle 

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• Cape Coast: Tour the Cape Coast Castle and learn about Ghana’s history.
  
  
• Kakum National Park: For nature lovers — don’t miss the canopy walkway.
  
  
• Kumasi: Explore the heart of the Ashanti kingdom, with rich traditions and local crafts.
  
  
• Volta Region: Waterfalls, mountains, and hiking trails, this area is ideal if you're craving something off the beaten path and is a 3-hour 17-minute drive away from Accra. 

Payments to access these areas are mostly cash-only, but Momo payments are very popular in Ghana and may be accepted.

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3. How are payments made in Ghana?

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Although Ghana has a thriving digital payment ecosystem, cash remains the preferred method of payment in some parts of the country. Mobile money is also a rapidly growing and widely accepted option.

Here’s how people typically pay:

• Mobile Money: Many businesses and people you meet have a mobile money account, as it’s a go-to for many Ghanaians. MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) is the most popular, followed by Vodafone Cash and AirtelTigo Money.
  
  
• Cash: Even with the popularity of mobile money apps and easy transfers, cash is always a reliable option, especially in markets, taxis, and smaller shops.
  
  
• Bank Transfers: Larger payments, particularly for business or rent, are often processed through traditional bank accounts.
  
  
• Card Payments: International credit and debit cards are accepted at select restaurants, hotels, and malls. You can also link your CAD card to your preferred ride-hailing services to avoid paying cash.
  
  

4. Need to send or receive money while in Ghana?

Once you’re in Ghana, you might still need to send money to Canada for bill payments. 

Here’s how Pesa can help:

• Hold and convert funds between GHS and CAD
  
  
• With your CAD wallet, you can send CAD to Canada while at home in Ghana and keep all your bills paid fast and easy without your flow being interrupted.
  
  
• Enjoy low fees and fast delivery times.

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No bank queues, no hidden charges - just smooth international payments at your fingertips.

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Final tips to know before travelling from Canada to Ghana! 

Get a local SIM card — Depending on the duration of your trip, a SIM card may be necessary for staying connected while on the move, enjoying internet access at all times, and accessing your mobile transfer apps.

• Download the Pesa app before you travel to send or receive money instantly.
  
  
• Keep both cash and digital options handy, as not every vendor accepts the same payment method.
  
  
• Consult with your Ghanaian contacts to determine their preferred payment methods and avoid potential delays or confusion.