Traveling through Ghana is an unforgettable experience, rich with culture, adventure, and warm hospitality. But to navigate everything from transportation and communication to payments and local recommendations, the right mobile apps can make all the difference.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, trying to exchange currency, or sending money via mobile, here are the essential apps every traveler should have when exploring Ghana.
1. Google Maps
Use for: Navigation, directions, and locating places
Google Maps works reliably in Ghana’s major cities and many rural areas. It’s essential for finding landmarks, calculating travel times, and navigating traffic.
Key Features:
- Accurate driving and walking directions
- Local business listings (restaurants, ATMs, etc.)
- Offline maps (download areas in advance)
Pro Tip: Download offline maps for entire regions like Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, or Tamale to avoid issues in areas with poor reception.
2. Bolt
Use for: Ride-hailing in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi
Bolt (formerly Taxify) is Ghana’s most widely used ride-hailing app and a safer, more convenient alternative to local taxis. It’s available in several major cities.
Why You Need It:
- Fixed pricing, avoiding haggling
- Cash or card payments
- Driver tracking and in-app support
Note: Uber also operates in Ghana (mainly Accra), but Bolt typically has better coverage and cheaper fares.
3. GhanaPost GPS
Use for: Locating digital addresses in Ghana
GhanaPost GPS is the official app for Ghana’s national digital addressing system. Every location has a unique digital address, which can be essential for delivery services, ride-hailing, or locating guesthouses in rural areas.
Features:
- Find your current location’s digital address
- Share addresses via WhatsApp or email
- Get directions using built-in mapping tools
Tip: Many local businesses use these digital addresses for deliveries and pickups.
4. ExpressPay
Use for: Paying bills, sending money, mobile money top-ups
ExpressPay is a trusted fintech platform that allows you to:
- Send money across networks (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo)
- Buy airtime and data
- Pay for services (DSTV, ECG, internet, etc.)
- Link Ghanaian bank cards for seamless payments
Note: For tourists, this app is helpful if you get a local SIM with MoMo enabled.
5. MoMo Apps (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo Money)
Use for: Mobile money transfers, merchant payments, buying airtime
Mobile Money (MoMo) is everywhere in Ghana—used for everything from market transactions to hotel bookings. Each mobile network provider has its own app:
- MTN MoMo App
- Vodafone Cash App
- AirtelTigo Money App
Functionality:
- Send/receive money
- Pay bills and buy data
- Use QR codes for merchant payments
Important: You need a local SIM card and valid ID (passport) to register and activate MoMo services.
6. XE Currency
Use for: Real-time currency conversion
Ghana’s currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS), and exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. XE Currency allows you to monitor real-time rates and make quick conversions between USD, EUR, GBP, and GHS.
Tip: Always check the current rate before exchanging money or making larger payments.
7. Jumia Food (Now Glovo)
Use for: Ordering food and groceries in major cities
Jumia Food has been absorbed by Glovo, one of Ghana’s largest delivery services. Use it to order food, groceries, or even pharmacy items to your hotel or guesthouse.
Cities Covered:
- Accra
- Kumasi
- Takoradi
- Tema
Features:
- Pay via MoMo or card
- Restaurant ratings and delivery tracking
- Contactless delivery options
8. Trove or Bamboo (For Long-Term Visitors)
Use for: Investing and banking (Ghana/US-based)
If you’re a long-term traveler or digital nomad staying in Ghana, fintech apps like Trove and Bamboo allow you to invest in U.S. and local stocks from your phone.
Important: These apps are more relevant for residents or extended travelers with local banking setups.
9. TripAdvisor & Google Reviews
Use for: Restaurant, hotel, and attraction reviews
While not Ghana-specific, these platforms are still helpful for checking:
- Tourist attractions
- Hotel cleanliness and quality
- Local restaurant reviews
Local Tip: Many Ghanaian-owned businesses may not be listed or reviewed extensively, so ask locals too!
10. WhatsApp
Use for: Everything from communication to customer service
WhatsApp is the primary mode of communication in Ghana—used by individuals, guesthouses, tour companies, and even banks. Many services share GPS locations or conduct bookings via WhatsApp.
Why You Must Have It:
- Book tours, confirm hotel reservations, order food
- Share digital addresses (GhanaPost GPS)
- Communicate with drivers and hosts easily
Travel Tip: Ask for business WhatsApp numbers when making local arrangements.
11. AccuWeather or MyRadar
Use for: Reliable weather forecasts
Ghana’s weather can be unpredictable during the rainy season, especially in the south and Volta Region. Use AccuWeather or MyRadar for up-to-date forecasts and storm alerts.
Bonus: Rain forecasts help you plan hikes, market visits, and beach days.
12. Bradt Travel Guide (eBook App or Kindle App)
Use for: Offline travel guidance
The Bradt Guide to Ghana is the most comprehensive guidebook on the country. Download the eBook and read it via Kindle or Google Books apps for offline access.
Great For:
- Deep cultural insights
- Off-the-beaten-path suggestions
- Historic context for religious and heritage sites
Getting a Local SIM Card in Ghana
To make the most of the apps above, you’ll need mobile data and network access. Here’s how to set it up:
- Choose a network: MTN has the widest coverage. Vodafone and AirtelTigo also work well in urban areas.
- Bring your passport for SIM registration.
- Buy data bundles via scratch card, MoMo app, or vendor.
- Enable roaming only if your home plan is affordable—Ghana data is far cheaper locally.
Conclusion
Whether you’re navigating a busy Accra street, sending MoMo for souvenirs in Tamale, or booking a ride from Mole to your guesthouse, these essential apps make your journey through Ghana smoother and smarter.
By staying digitally equipped, you’ll spend less time figuring things out—and more time enjoying the vibrant markets, landscapes, and hospitality Ghana is known for.
