How to Live in Accra Ghana: A Guide for Expats

Accra is a beautiful and vibrant city, but it can be very challenging for expats moving there. Here's a guide to help you get the most out of your time there!

Speed up the process. Get in touch with us on Whatsapp now!
Uncategorized
1607 views
How to Live in Accra Ghana: A Guide for Expats
CLICK HERE TO BROWSE APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN ACCRA

How to Live in Accra Ghana: A Guide for Expats

Accra, Ghana's capital and largest city, is a melting pot of cultures. You can find people from all over the world here. This makes it an ideal place for expatriates to live. But before you move in, there are a few things you need to know about living in Accra.

Living in Accra requires certain concessions that would not be needed in other cities. For example, the street is where most of life takes place in Accra. It is not uncommon for cars to drive on the sidewalk or for pedestrians to take up two lanes!

Accents and languages vary depending on the ethnic group and this can make it hard for foreigners who don't speak English to communicate with locals. The average wage for workers is also low so expect your standard of living to be different than what you're used to back home. That said, there are still plenty of reasons why you should consider living in this fascinating city full of opportunities!

 

Accra, Ghana's capital and largest city

.

Ghana's capital and the largest city, Accra is a melting pot of cultures. You can find people from all over the world here. This makes it an ideal place for expatriates to live. But before you move in, there are a few things you need to know about living in Accra.

 

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Accra.

You can fly via Kotoka International Airport if you're coming from a country outside of Africa.

If you're coming from an African country, you'll need to travel by land or sea. You can take a bus or rent a car and drive.

Taking the bus is an option that is affordable and safe. However, it will take longer than driving and may be inconvenient for those with larger luggage. If this sounds like a viable option for you, Greyhound has buses that go from Johannesburg in South Africa to Accra, Ghana's capital city. They also have buses that go from Lagos in Nigeria to Accra!

Packing for your trip is imperative as you may not be able to find what you need once you arrive in Accra."

 

What life is like in Accra

Accra is a fascinating mix of cultures and histories. It's not just a tourist destination, it's also home to many people who choose to live and work here.

The pace of life in Accra is fast. The street is where most of the day-to-day activities happen here. People can be found driving on the sidewalk or walking on two lanes all while things are being sold in the street. Things are generally less expensive than those in other countries which can make living more affordable for some expats.

Accents and languages vary depending on ethnic group, so for an outsider it might be difficult to communicate with locals without knowing English. However, there are still plenty of benefits that make this city worth considering as a place to live!

 

What you need to know before you move in

Before you move to Accra, there are a few things you should know. For example, the street is where most of life takes place in Accra. It is not uncommon for cars to drive on the sidewalk or for pedestrians to take up two lanes!

Accents and languages vary depending on the ethnic group and this can make it hard for foreigners who don't speak English to communicate with locals. The average wage for workers is also low so expect your standard of living to be different than what you're used to back home. That said, there are still plenty of reasons why you should consider living in this fascinating city full of opportunities!

 

Living Expat Life in Accra

Expats can find a lot of benefits in living in Accra. There are plenty of international schools where the curriculum is taught in English and there are also many other expat families to meet. The cost of living is also low for Western standards, but you should still be aware that you will need to get used to life as an expat in Accra.

For example, the street is where most life takes place and cars drive on the sidewalks or pedestrians block two lanes! Accents and languages vary depending on the ethnic group and this can make it hard for foreigners who don't speak English to communicate with locals. The average wage for workers is also low so expect your standard of living to be different than what you're used to back home. That said, there are still plenty of reasons why you should consider living in this fascinating city full of opportunities!

 

The Street Is Where It's Happening

If you've never been to Africa before, then prepare for a different way of life. One thing that you will notice is the heavy use of the street. This is where most of life takes place in Accra. It's not uncommon for cars to drive on the sidewalk or for pedestrians to take up two lanes! Some people think this is dangerous, but it has its benefits as well. For example, street vendors and shop owners can set up their storefronts right on the street and you can easily walk around them without any interference.

 

You Are What You Speak

Ghana is a melting pot of cultures and the result is that people speak many different languages. English (and to a lesser extent French) are taught in schools across Ghana, but you may find it difficult to communicate with locals as accents and languages vary depending on the ethnic group.

Many international corporations have offices in Accra and this provides a valuable opportunity for foreigners who are not fluent in English to learn about other cultures or to improve their language skills.

With so many opportunities for employment, there is plenty of work available for expatriates who don't speak English. But this means that the average wage will be lower than what you're used to at home.

 

Pros and Cons of Living in Accra

Some of the pros of living in Accra are that you will have a different experience living in an African city. You'll also have easy access to beaches and world-class nightlife.

On the other hand, you might be less comfortable with some of the characteristics that come with living in this city. For example, it can be difficult to communicate with locals because English is not widely spoken. There is also very little recycling and a high crime rate; this can make life difficult for expatriates who are just getting used to their new surroundings.

But the pros outweigh the cons! If you're able to get past some of those initial challenges, you'll find that there are many benefits of living in Accra, Ghana's capital and largest city.

 

The Pros of Living in Accra

There are many pros of living in Accra. The cost of living is low, the people are friendly, and there are plenty of opportunities for work. It is also an ideal place to learn more about African culture.

The people are friendly in Accra and it is a city of opportunity. There are many international companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have offices here. This makes it easy to find employment if you're looking for a job or want to start your own business. In addition, there are over 20 universities in the Greater Accra region so there is plenty of opportunity for education as well!

Accra's residents are very welcoming to foreigners and this makes it an ideal place to learn about African culture. You'll find that Ghanaians will talk with you openly about their lives and traditions without any hesitation. They truly want you to understand what life is like in Ghanaian society!

 

The Cons of Living in Accra

When you live in Accra, there are certain things to be aware of. The first is that the traffic can get hectic and chaotic at times. There are very few rules and regulations here so you need to be careful when crossing the street. You also must pay close attention when driving. This is because pedestrians often wander into the middle of streets without warning. Another thing to be aware of is theft. As a foreigner, it is common for people to assume you have more money than them and this makes you a target for theft and robbery.