Moving to Accra as an expat can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. There are many ways you can make your transition smoother and easier. This is a guide that will help you prepare for what to expect when moving to Accra as an expat. You'll find tips on how to get a visa, find housing, set up internet, and more!
Follow this guide to help you have an enjoyable experience in Accra as an expat!
It may seem like a lot of work, but there are many steps and resources you can take to prepare for your move.
- Before you start looking for housing, make sure to set up utilities such as gas, electricity, and internet.
- Get your visa ready beforehand. There are several visa options available; research the one that will work best for your situation. Visa requirements differ by nationality and depend on the length of stay.
- Contact local consulates or embassies in your home country to see if they offer visas for Ghanaians.
- Prepare for the heat! It's important to dress appropriately while outside in the heat of Accra. You should wear light clothes that are made of natural fibers like cotton or linen because these materials breathe well during the heatwave. Also, drink plenty of water while outside in order to avoid dehydration which is very common among expats in Ghana.
When you move to Accra as an expat, the first thing you'll want to do is find a way to work and stay in Ghana. You won't be able to live here without a visa.
You can apply for a residence permit with the Ghana Immigration Service. They will give you advice on how best to apply and the different types of visas available for your situation.
If you don't have enough money or documents, they will even help you get those as well. It's important that if you're planning on staying in Ghana long-term, it's best to go through the process of getting a permit before you come here.
Accra is a relatively affordable city. You can find a lot of affordable housing options, from renting to buying. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more luxurious lifestyle, Accra may not be a great place for you. It's important to research what kind of housing you want before going into the market.
If this is your first time moving abroad, chances are that you'll need to buy furniture for your new home. It's important to do some research on how much prices will be and what types of items you need before deciding where to purchase them from. Accrakation has some excellent furniture shops with reasonable prices. If you don't have the time or energy to shop around, this is an excellent option for you!
One of the first things you might need is to set up internet and phone lines. If you're moving internationally, your cell phone won't work right away. You'll need to get a new mobile plan that supports your location.
You can set up internet by checking out local providers in Accra that offer internet packages. There are many companies that will help you find affordable high-speed internet with all the features you need for your home office or business. You can also ask your friends who live in Accra for recommendations on who they use for their service provider.
If you're looking for a landline, it's best to call an international telephone company before coming over so you know what type of phone service is available, and what's required to activate it. You should also ask about the cost of renting the phone lines and how long it takes them to be installed after making an order.
Language and Educational opportunities:
There are many language and educational opportunities in Ghana. There is the Deutsche Schule, a German School, and various international schools to attend. If you speak French, there is a French Lycee that you can attend.
Finding employment in Accra is not too difficult. Although finding someone to speak English with can be more challenging, the government has set up websites where you can find work. They also have an organization called Ghana Employment Service (GES) which provides many jobs for foreigners.
It's best to use the GES site or even just google "jobs in Ghana" and explore while living there. You may find that it's easier than you think!
Accra is a city of opportunity. It’s the perfect place to build a new life for yourself, no matter what your background. Now that you have some more knowledge about the city, what are you waiting for? Get packing!
