Ghana

[Chris P]

Hey there,

My "Accra or Dublin" post had a double-meaning; first of all surprise at the price, but also at the term "double-storey bungalow" - after all, the definition of a "bungalow" is that it only has one storey, right, hence the Irish connotation :-)

Anyway, shocking "humour" aside, yes, Blastoff is right about the vast expat/local price disparity. Most "first-world" style hotels are $100+, but if you stay in a "guest house", you'll probably pay about $5-10. They actually aren't too bad - I stayed at one right next to the Trust Tower for a couple of nights, and it seemed perfectly safe, and basic but not dirty (they had a daily cleaner). There were a couple of other obroni who stayed here while I was there. I brought back a different chick each night and that was no problem with the owners. The first girl was fine, but the second was a snotty ***** who turned her nose up and seemed to think I should be staying at the Accra Ritz. She was also a psycho who was scared of the dark and nicked £80 from my wallet, but that's another story (which I think I posted earlier).

As for withdrawing money, Visa is the only card which is accepted: I'm from the UK, and I can usually withdraw money from various places (Brazil, Dubai, etc) with my HSBC Switch Debit card. However, this didn't work in Ghana, and I don't think they even have HSBC in the country. So yeah, the simplest thing is just to bring money and take care of it.

Transportation - I found taxis to be perfectly adequate and very cheap. I stayed at the Paloma Hotel most of the time (the place where Champs Sports Bar is found) and a taxi from there to the Aviation Centre next to the airport, which is a fair hike, cost me about £1 or so. Don't pay any more than that - it's a buyer's market (there are loads of taxis).

BTW about Champs Sports Bar, do any of you regulars or guys who live in Accra frequent it? It's the kind of place I would live in if I were there - loads of big-screen TVs showing every live sport under the sun; great Tex-Mex style food; regular movie-nights; and lots of sexy girls, particularly on the karoake night, which I think is a Friday. Actually, Paloma wasn't a bad place at all - fairly reasonably priced (though my group got a corporate rate), with everything on site (food, entertainment, girls) and lots of taxis waiting outside. Too bad I was surrounded by colleagues the whole time!

Apparently the guy who owns and runs Paloma is an American or Canadian: he's a white guy and I saw him around once, but it was during a very busy time. I meant to ask him about the place - how he got it, what it cost, whether he has some kind of special dispensation from someone in government (in many countries foreigners aren't allowed to own businesses or property), etc. Did he start it from scratch, even build it himself? Is it profitable?

Does anyone here know the place, and the owner? I'd be very interested to know more about the potential to start a place like that (or buy one) in Accra. I imagine it would be a pretty good life.

[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.