Ghana

[Blastoff]

Thanks very much you have been extemly helpful.

I was getting the impression that I had to be paying USD$100 to $200 per day to stay there and that is a bit crazy unless you have to do business there or are just over loaded with money. LOL.

Thanks again.

For short term rentals such as a couple of weeks to couple of months, there are several reasonable places depending on your budget:

$600/month or $200/week - a furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath in Dzorwulu
$1200/month - Hisbiscus hotel in Abelemkpe for a 2 bedroom apartment

I am renting a 4 bedroom house 2 bath with 2 bedroom fully self contained servant's quarters for $575/month - paid 6 months up front and quarterly thereafter in Dzorwulu so reasonable rents are available - just have to be patient and look !

As for transportation, car rentals here is ridiculously expensive ($65/day or more) and most places that will rent you a car will demand that you rent their driver as well. What I did when I first came here is rent a car for $100/week from someone I knew. Private car rentals are by far a cheaper way to go. The problem with taxis here is you have to negotiate all the time and unless you know what the going rate is from point A to point B, you'll pay too much. If you're staying for a couple of months, it's almost worthwhile to buy a cheap car when you get here and sell it before you leave (which is what a German friend of mine used to do).

As for cash, you can always use a Visa card to get cash advance at the Barclays's Bank in Accra Central.

As for girls, pretty much EVERYONE who is not married (even some married ones) is available to an Obroni (non-black person) - however, I stand by my previous comment that there is no such thing as a freebie here in Ghana. The minimum you have to giveup is "transport" money of at least 100,000 Cedis but as MichaelTheOne says :



All in all, Ghana is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live here - hey wait a minute - I do live here ! Thank God I'm going back to China in a few weeks for a holiday !

GC

[Global Citizen]

For short term rentals such as a couple of weeks to couple of months, there are several reasonable places depending on your budget:

$600/month or $200/week - a furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath in Dzorwulu
$1200/month - Hisbiscus hotel in Abelemkpe for a 2 bedroom apartment

I am renting a 4 bedroom house 2 bath with 2 bedroom fully self contained servant's quarters for $575/month - paid 6 months up front and quarterly thereafter in Dzorwulu so reasonable rents are available - just have to be patient and look !

As for transportation, car rentals here is ridiculously expensive ($65/day or more) and most places that will rent you a car will demand that you rent their driver as well. What I did when I first came here is rent a car for $100/week from someone I knew. Private car rentals are by far a cheaper way to go. The problem with taxis here is you have to negotiate all the time and unless you know what the going rate is from point A to point B, you'll pay too much. If you're staying for a couple of months, it's almost worthwhile to buy a cheap car when you get here and sell it before you leave (which is what a German friend of mine used to do).

As for cash, you can always use a Visa card to get cash advance at the Barclays's Bank in Accra Central.

As for girls, pretty much EVERYONE who is not married (even some married ones) is available to an Obroni (non-black person) - however, I stand by my previous comment that there is no such thing as a freebie here in Ghana. The minimum you have to giveup is "transport" money of at least 100,000 Cedis but as MichaelTheOne says :

"what is 100,000 cedis to us, but a mere USD 10! Later you exchange numbers, and include her in your list of "fuck-on-call".

All in all, Ghana is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live here - hey wait a minute - I do live here ! Thank God I'm going back to China in a few weeks for a holiday !

GC

[MichaelTheOne]

Blastoff,

Answer to your uestion:

Credit Card: USELESS. Only usefull at the top hotels e.g. Golden Tulip, La Palm, Novotel. Apart from that useless, outside Accra..forget it. There are few ATMs where you "might" use them. Electricity power permiting. Also, fraud-risk is high.

This kind of environment, yup, there's ample opportunity to make money. High margin, but collection is a serious problem. In most work like repairs, renovations, etc. payment upfront is normal. For us who have to pay, there's no guarantee that delivery will be any better either. Go in with your eyes wide open.

Hire a taxi with the driver on full time (cheap and at the same time you gain a guide). You can choose from the entire spectrum of hired vehicle.

[Blastoff]

Blastoff,

The price I quoted war for a "1st world" grade accommodation. "Local" grade premise are naturally cheaper but I would not recommend. The problems you would encounter are, water cuts (5-6 days are normal), daily power cuts, horrendous road (pot holes the size of bomb cratters), 10 year old air-conditioner (if you are lucky), all these in addition to lowly 3rd workd country quality of build (Philipine accomondation are light years ahead).

Ghana is still a HIPC designated (Highly Indebted Poverty Country). Very little resources available to build 1st world premises. Just look at the government office or even the Osu castle - seat of government. So good quality accomodation are few...demand outstrip supply.

Also, almost in all cases, most type of rented accommodation require 2 years (yes!!) upfront payment.

To answer your question, if you are here only for 3 months, stay at one of the newer second tier hotels...good bets are Cresta Royalle, M-Plaza, Nagohill Hotel. Of even some of smaller bungalow style hotels in up-market East Legon, like Mensvic Hotel,..and a few others in the same vicinity. They cost about USD 50-USD 70 a day. Off course you can bargain. Forget about the hotels your hear around Osu..e.g Penta, Byblos, they are a rip off.

Finally, I always tell this to my friends coming to Ghana/Africa...bring "enough" money, because money gets you comfort,security and piece of mind after the daily madness call Africa that USD 500 leather chair from Italy, watching Dallas / Knightrider on satelite TV which you pay USD 70 per month and eating Papaye fried chicken which cost USD 4 with your USD 2 beer doesn't seems expensive anymore. LOL

Thank gawd for the women. LOL

Mike

Thanks Mike for the info.

Can you use credit cards easily to withdraw money from ATM machines or is this a problem as you mentioned to bring plenty of money. LOL.

Your suggestion that demand out strips supply of good quality accomidation makes me think in business terms as it is easy to renovate properties in 3rd world countries as I have done in other places and made a small profit. What do you think?

Is it worth hiring a full time driver to get around and if so how much per day can I expect to pay or are taxis quite O.K. and well priced?

Regards

Blastoff

[MichaelTheOne]

Blastoff,

The price I quoted war for a "1st world" grade accommodation. "Local" grade premise are naturally cheaper but I would not recommend. The problems you would encounter are, water cuts (5-6 days are normal), daily power cuts, horrendous road (pot holes the size of bomb cratters), 10 year old air-conditioner (if you are lucky), all these in addition to lowly 3rd workd country quality of build (Philipine accomondation are light years ahead).

Ghana is still a HIPC designated (Highly Indebted Poverty Country). Very little resources available to build 1st world premises. Just look at the government office or even the Osu castle - seat of government. So good quality accomodation are few...demand outstrip supply.

Also, almost in all cases, most type of rented accommodation require 2 years (yes!!) upfront payment.

To answer your question, if you are here only for 3 months, stay at one of the newer second tier hotels...good bets are Cresta Royalle, M-Plaza, Nagohill Hotel. Of even some of smaller bungalow style hotels in up-market East Legon, like Mensvic Hotel,..and a few others in the same vicinity. They cost about USD 50-USD 70 a day. Off course you can bargain. Forget about the hotels your hear around Osu..e.g Penta, Byblos, they are a rip off.

Finally, I always tell this to my friends coming to Ghana/Africa...bring "enough" money, because money gets you comfort,security and piece of mind after the daily madness call Africa that USD 500 leather chair from Italy, watching Dallas / Knightrider on satelite TV which you pay USD 70 per month and eating Papaye fried chicken which cost USD 4 with your USD 2 beer doesn't seems expensive anymore. LOL

Thank gawd for the women. LOL

Mike

[Blastoff]

Christ P,

The prices are correct. In fact arounf cantonment, East Airport.It would be USD2,000 for bungalows.

It never ceases to amaze me the high prices for accommodation quoted on the African boards based on the low monthly income of it's population.

I find this is the same in many 3rd world countries but I cannot understand why as apartments and hotels are relatively are inexpensive to purchase compared to the western world and the labour to run them is cheap.

Cuba is also the same way, their average monthly salary is USD$5 p/m and it can cost USD$70 to $200 per day to stay in an average quality apartment or hotel. Makes no sense.

The Philippines is the opposite in that there monthly salary is around USD120 p/m but the accommodations are USD$15 to $40 per day. I am afraid I will just have to throw my arms up and say, "I will just never work this out!"

If I were to come over to stay for one or two months, what would you recommend be the best value for the money? I can afford $2,000 per month but it just doesn’t seem right in a 3rd world county to pay that much. May be contacting the real estate agents directly form here and try to set up a long term rental at a better rate?

In some countries I found it cheaper to pay for a 3 months rent of an apartment and leave after 1 month than it was to rent short time apartment for just 1 month.

Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Blastoff

[MichaelTheOne]

Christ P,

The prices are correct. In fact arounf cantonment, East Airport.It would be USD2,000 for bungalows.

[Chris P]

"A double storey bungalow goes for USD 1200-USD 1500"

A double storey bungalow? Is this Accra or Dublin? :-)

[MichaelTheOne]

GE

<I remember the Shangri La well, and in fact stayed there for three months in one of the little bungalows. I really liked the place, but was surprised at the prices quoted here. Granted, I have not been been there for four years, but I had a deal for $1,200 per month with breakfast included. I wonder if the same kind of bargain is still available with enough persistence.>

For that kind of money now..you can now rent a nice bungalow..1st world standards in Regimanuel Estate..off Spintex Road - gated community, security and stuff. I am renting my single storey bungalow - 3 rooms and 3 toilets..at USD 1000 pm. A double storey bungalow goes for USD 1200-USD 1500.

Obviously, the rates for places like Labone, Cantonment, Airport are much more.

<Aquarius is the only place I ever picked up a white lady in Accra, when I did one of the Russian ladies that frequent the place. It was an excellent night as I recall, but I did not go back for more. There's just something about the local lasses that's too hard to resist.>

Aquarius has gone downhill since the previous owners left. But there's a new club in town: TANTRA. A first world type of club located in Osu, same compound as that of the Chinese restaurent, Sisters of the East. AWESOME, nuff said!

Strictly obroni stuff, opposite of Macumbah. (to be honest most local expats stay away from the place due to its unsavoury reputation as a sleezy pick up joint). Wanna pick up some one. Do it in style, LOL. Come only after midnite, the place a blast.

<I always found the Moroccan places a total rip off and, though I was inside the clubs several times, was never tempted to take out one of the ladies. The proposed cost was ridiculous and the quality was not nearly high enough to justify the asking price.>

Into Moroccan?...check out New Casablanca...turn left at Papaye , Osu..head down, and turn first left and first left again....very discreet and oh-so-private "club"..only for Morrocans/Indians....customers base..Lebanese/Indians...no locals. Belly dancing after midnite.

Rates: bar fine, champaign bottle at 700,000 cedis. Girl: USD 100-USD 200.

Fantastic Euro/Arab stuff, lol

Cheers

[MichaelTheOne]

GB,

Point taken.

My definition of a freebie as oppose to outright prosties, i.e. the absence of an INITIAL negotiations on the amount to be paid in exchange or sex. Prosties will quote rates from 300,000 cedis to 500,000 cedis, or even in USD rates..if they think they can get away with it. Both of you then negotiate and probably settle for something less.

As for freebie, these are girls you pick up, literary off the streets. Take them out for dinner, go clubbing, drinking. Then head back for a bonk, no mention of money to transact. You may or even may not "pay" afterwars by giving her taxi fare, handphone credit, but most of us do, because after all the swallowing she did. Any punter worth his salt will invariable give something back, even if not asked, what is 100,000 cedis to us, but a mere USD 10! Later you exchange numbers, and include her in your list of "fuck-on-call". LOL

[Global Citizen]

I don't think there is such a thing as a freebie in Ghana - even with GF's, you'd still have to give money each time you see her (for transport, Spacefone units, etc...)

I have yet to meet someone who will be your GF without having to shell out any Cedis.

GC.

[GoodEnough]

I remember the Shangri La well, and in fact stayed there for three months in one of the little bungalows. I really liked the place, but was surprised at the prices quoted here. Granted, I have not been been there for four years, but I had a deal for $1,200 per month with breakfast included. I wonder if the same kind of bargain is still available with enough persistence.

Aquarius is the only place I ever picked up a white lady in Accra, when I did one of the Russian ladies that frequent the place. It was an excellent night as I recall, but I did not go back for more. There's just something about the local lasses that's too hard to resist. I always found the Moroccan places a total rip off and, though I was inside the clubs several times, was never tempted to take out one of the ladies. The proposed cost was ridiculous and the quality was not nearly high enough to justify the asking price.



GE

[Blastoff]

English is the way to go as a rule. French is usefull for those into the delectable Morrocan dishes.

Tates:

Local: cedi 150, 000 or thereabouts < usd 20 / all nite long.

* international cuisine: usd 50 - usd100 depends st. usd 100 - usd 150 overnite. available stocks: moroccan, prc, ex-cis

* I have quoted international cuisine because some mongerers here are into "variety".

The above are Accra rates. The other hot spot is Tema. Being a port/industrial city: rate are marginally lower.

Even then, there are good odds, I'd say 40% chance of freebies.

Where do you find them? Anywhere and everywhere. Being white (obroni) or foreigner or having loads of cash and a flashy car is a sure fire ticket to some pussy. No need to go out of hotel.

Best place: those university chicks from Legon. Hunt them at on the run outlet at Legon Rd on Fridays for some weekend fun. Or, if you have a car, pick them out in the university itself as they walk around. Its that easy. LOL

All in all, remember. supply outstrip demand. Its a buyers market!

Any expats here in ghana intested in pack hunting. Buzz me.

Many thanks. You sound like you know your stuff. I am dating a Nigerian in my home country and that has got me hooked on the saying and fact that "Once you tried black you never go back!"

I will be planning a trip to several African countries for early next year. I am off the Philippines on the 4th of August (@ week time) and have Peru and Brazil booked for later this year. So that about takes me close to Christmas this year.

I would like to give you a buzz once I put my trip together for Africa even though I am not an expat, yet LOL.

Regards.

[MichaelTheOne]

English is the way to go as a rule. French is usefull for those into the delectable Morrocan dishes.

Tates:

Local: cedi 150, 000 or thereabouts < usd 20 / all nite long.

* international cuisine: usd 50 - usd100 depends st. usd 100 - usd 150 overnite. available stocks: moroccan, prc, ex-cis

* I have quoted international cuisine because some mongerers here are into "variety".

The above are Accra rates. The other hot spot is Tema. Being a port/industrial city: rate are marginally lower.

Even then, there are good odds, I'd say 40% chance of freebies.

Where do you find them? Anywhere and everywhere. Being white (obroni) or foreigner or having loads of cash and a flashy car is a sure fire ticket to some pussy. No need to go out of hotel.

Best place: those university chicks from Legon. Hunt them at on the run outlet at Legon Rd on Fridays for some weekend fun. Or, if you have a car, pick them out in the university itself as they walk around. Its that easy. LOL

All in all, remember. supply outstrip demand. Its a buyers market!

Any expats here in ghana intested in pack hunting. Buzz me.

[Blastoff]

Shangri-La Hotel

This is a medium range hotel located near the airport, no relation to the international Shangri-La group of hotels. I took a chalet at a cost of $105 per night including breakfast, very comfortable place with big swimming pool and tennis court. I originally had a reservation at the Dutchotel which is located on the Accra - Tema road, looks nice on the website but is a real hike out of Accra and very isolated, I took one look at the room and decided to turn around straight away and head foer the Shangri-La, a decision I did not regret.

I had made contact with a few non pro girls over the net previously so decided to call a them up over the next days and they were only too happy to come and see me, and make sure I enjoyed my stay in Ghana, so much so I really didn't have to venture out too often. However variety is the spice of life and I got friendly with the tennis coach, Dennis who is a great guide to having fun in Accra as long as I bought the drinks.

I made one error one night. Having spent the afternoon in the company of a delightful young thing called Elsie, from Tema, I was chilling at the bar with Dennis. There seemed to be a couple of girls at the bar looking for trade most nights, not aggresively though and this one girl joined us, my radar was up but I was really not interested, anyway she and Dennis started chatting in some local dialect and I later found out she was telling Dennis to move on so she could trap me, against my better judgement I took her back, as I insisted, just for a massage. Within minutes she was down to her undies, fair enough, massage was poor as she made a beeline for what was in my boxers...what the hell I thought, so we got down to it, very mechanical and no enthusiasm, I gave up as I was pretyty spent anyway and told her to leave. That was when the fun started! I offered her 200,000 cedis, more than I'd "gifted" anyone else as I knew she was a pro but she started asking for 500,000, shouting and screaming! well I wasn't putting up with this nonsense. I called security and , obviously known to them, they slung her out. Amazingly, she was back in the bar 2 nights later. I had to laugh.

This was my first visit to Ghana, I have been in Africa many times before but not really had the opportunity to indulge in the hobby. The Ghanaians are really friendly and great looking people on the whole though Accra has few attractions for the non hobbyist. I am planning on returning later in the year for a longer visit, when the weather is better (it was the rainy season and boy can it rain) and intend to explore further inland off the beaten track...I shall report as and when.

Great report thanks. Is English widey spoken or is it a must to speak French?

Also, did you take any pictures.