Ghana, a vibrant West African nation, boasts rich history, lively culture, and a stunning coastline. From Accra’s markets to Cape Coast’s forts and Mole National Park’s wildlife, Ghana offers varied experiences. Despite growing digital payments, cash is still crucial. This guide details cash and ATMs in Ghana, covering withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance for a smooth trip.
Where to find ATMs in Ghana?
Urban Areas: Major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi have many ATMs, especially in commercial districts, shopping centers, and near bank branches. Banks like Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and Consolidated Bank Ghana have extensive ATM networks. You can find Access Bank’s ATM locations here, Zenith Bank’s ATMs here, and Consolidated Bank Ghana’s ATMs here.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, and Mole National Park have ATMs in nearby towns. However, within the parks or remote tourist sites, ATM availability may be limited.
Rural Areas: In smaller villages and remote regions, ATMs are less common. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Ghana for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Ghana are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Prudential
- UBA
- Zenith Bank
- Absa Bank
- NIB
- GT Bank
- CBG
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Some international banks also have their ATMs in Ghana namely Standard Chartered.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Ghana.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs
In Ghana, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in GHS).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also. So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in GHS’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Ghana?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs here – cards like Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them also accept Union Pay cards. Others like JCB, Amex, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
ATM opening hours
ATMs are available usually 24/7 except those within bank branches typically from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays.
ATM operations
-Word ‘ATM’ is widely used in signage
-ATMs operate in English.
-ATMs dispense cash only in the local currency, Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).
ATM withdrawal limits in Ghana
ATMs in Ghana have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of ₵ 10,000 (Ghanaian Cedi ₵). ATMs typically have a daily withdrawal limit of ₵ 60,000 within a 30-day period.
ATM Fees in Ghana
There are some fee-free ATMs in Ghana. Bank ATMs in Ghana charge between ₵ 15 and ₵ 30 per transaction as ATM Access Fees to foreign card holders. Two bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees to foreign cards holders so be sure to use these.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Ghana. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Ghana
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for Decline Conversion or Without Conversion during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs in this country on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Ghana. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you figure out exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Ghana.
Safety at ATMs
In Ghana, while ATMs are widely available in urban areas, there have been reports of credit card fraud and skimming devices. And also theft and mugging. Try and use ATMs inside secure, guarded areas like shopping malls or banks. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in urban areas, and avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated locations. Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If you used an ATM inside a bank branch, contact the bank staff to help retrieve your card. If not, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Ghana?
Yes, there are some fee-free ATMs in Ghana. Two bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees to foreign cards holders so be sure to use these.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Ghana.
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Ghana. Cryptocurrency adoption is still in its early stages in the country.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Ghana
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: Yes, Barclays operates ATMs in Ghana, primarily in major cities like Accra.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: Yes, Standard Chartered has a significant presence here with numerous ATMs across major cities.
