Travelers have plenty to look forward to on their trip to culturally rich Ghana. The country’s compelling history, vibrant clothing prints and flavorful dishes are attractive to first-time visitors and keep people coming back for more. Ghana’s warm-hearted citizens make the country one of the friendliest spots in West Africa.

Life in Ghana generally moves at a slow, relaxed pace, but it can also be chaotic and fast in different settings. Embrace the cultural differences, mass traffic and intense bargaining, and you may fall in love with the place.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re returning, navigating the ways of Ghana can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your trip to Ghana.

Gather the necessary documents for entry

Getting the paperwork together to visit Ghana is a process on its own and can be pricey. All visitors to Ghana must have a valid visa, and they range in cost depending on whether you apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Your visa for Ghana can take nearly three weeks to arrive unless you shell out extra for an expedited service.

A yellow fever vaccine is also required for entry into Ghana. Check with your local health department or medical clinics to get vaccinated. Malaria pills are also strongly recommended for visitors and can be prescribed by your doctor. If you can’t get your hands on them before coming, pharmacies in Ghana have plenty in stock, and they tend to be a lot cheaper.

Bring a copy of your passport

If you plan to visit different cities outside of Accra, be sure to print a copy of your passport to keep in your bag as you travel around the country. Police stops are common, and officers are known to ask for passport information.

Forget you have a left hand

In Ghana, actions like eating, waving and handing an item to someone are to be done with your right hand only (sorry, left-handers!). From an early age, many Ghanaians are taught that their left hand is to be used for cleaning themselves in the bathroom. Therefore, your left hand is considered filthy and should not be used for eating and other activities. Using your left hand for gestures and main tasks is considered highly disrespectful.

Eating with your hands is a cultural practice

Soup-based meals are paired with a starch staple food like fufu or banku and eaten with your hands (remember the right-hand rule!). Be observant of how those around you are eating, embrace the culture and dig in.

Keep your thumbs down

While the thumbs-up gesture in many places signifies approval, in Ghana, it shows disrespect.

Always greet others

Greetings in Ghana are a big deal, and it’s considered rude to not greet others. When you enter a room, you should say hello, good morning, good afternoon or good evening. When you meet a group of adults and greet them with a handshake, start with the person on the farthest right.

Respect your elders

Respect for elders is immense in Ghana. You should not greet elders with a hat on your head. If you are wearing a hat, take it off completely or lift it halfway while extending your greeting. Give up your seat on the bus for those older than you. Crossing your legs and having your hands in your pockets in the presence of elders are gestures that are frowned upon.

Be mindful of clothing cultures from city to city

Ghanaian clothing culture tends to lean more towards the conservative side. Accra is more relaxed, and you’re likely to see more shorts and crop tops. However, people elsewhere tend to cover up, so bring clothing that covers your chest and shoulders and reaches or goes past your knees.

Learn common phrases in Twi and other languages

English is widely spoken in Ghana, but the country is home to many different languages and ethnic groups. Twi, Ewe, Ga and Krobo are a few of many languages spoken depending on the region. English is widely spoken, but it’s important to remember that not everyone speaks it, especially once you are out of Accra and into rural parts of Ghana. Learning a few phrases in the local language is always appreciated and embraced by Ghanaians.

Watch your belongings

Pickpocketing and instances of petty theft are often the biggest concern you will have in Ghana. Pickpocketing can be prevalent in crowded areas like Osu, Madina and Makola Market. Always keep your bag in front of you and away from the roadside to avoid snatching incidents. Don’t carry a large amount of cash on you.

Your phone should always be in sight and accounted for. Motorcyclists in Accra are known to snatch phones out of the hands of people as they are passing by both in cars and when walking. It is wise to never stick your phone out of a car window for pictures and videos.

Expect police stops all the time

Police stops in Ghana occur frequently, mainly at night but they can happen throughout the day. Your vehicle can be randomly searched by officers, they may ask for ID and search your bag. These searches usually last for about five minutes, and it is best to comply.

Bribery is common in Ghana, and you may be asked to “dash” officers, which means tip. You can choose to give it or not as it’s often only C10 to C20 (US$1.66 to US$3.33), but it may make the difference between a five-minute stop and a 40-minute one.

Police encounters in Ghana are generally nothing to worry about. The officers are usually friendly. They may have a “tough guy” attitude, but as you talk to them more, the guard comes down.

Be wary of those who want to get close to you fast

It’s easy to meet new people in Ghana, and conversations are always flowing. People are open to new connections and tend to get close quickly at times, but be careful of fast-moving romantic approaches and those who immediately ask for favors or money. Scams are common in Ghana and can occur in romantic encounters.

Cash is king

When you’re in Ghana, always have some cash on you, or you may find yourself stuck. Not every establishment accepts card payments, and if they do, the POS systems are often down. ATMs are everywhere in Ghana, so getting cash is always an option. You can still bring both credit and debit cards, and many establishments in Ghana only have debit card machines.

Forex Bureau exchange shops will change your cash to Ghanaian cedis. A tip is to bring big bills (100s) for a higher exchange rate. The smaller your bills, the less money you will get for them.

Avoid drinking the water

Drinking tap water in Ghana is not the best idea because there’s no guarantee to know whether the water has gone through the proper measures to ensure it is safe. Boil your water or use a water filter before you drink it.

Expect weak wi-fi in most areas

Ask your accommodation about wi-fi speeds before your arrival if you plan to use it. Even if internet speeds aren’t the best where you’re staying, you can find reliable spots such as Vida e Caffè and Basecamp Initiative.

Use cash for Uber and Bolt

Download Uber and Bolt before you arrive. While paying by card is an option on both apps, don’t plan on using it. Many drivers prefer cash and will cancel your ride if they find out you are paying using your card, or it could be an issue once you arrive at your destination. You can always ask the driver to stop at an ATM before the final drop-off point.

Get a local phone number

You can get a SIM card at Vodafone, a phone carrier at A&C Mall in Accra so that you can have a Ghana number. Ghana is a place where verbal conversations are preferred over texting and online communication. Drivers often call their passengers to find out exactly where they are and move faster.

Never underestimate Accra traffic

Accra traffic is nothing to be played with. You may see an attraction that you want to check out that is only 15 minutes away from your accommodations and get there in an hour and a half because of traffic. It’s best not to set reservations for a place if you don’t have to. While traffic and delays can be extremely frustrating, you’ll have to learn to go with the flow.

You might wonder why, every time a celebrity steps foot outside, they are dressed to the nines and always looking extremely stylish, even if it’s just in sweatpants. That’s because they often have a creative genius behind their look, also known as a stylist! Most of your favorite stars’ best looks were created by stylists that you might have never heard of — and that needs to change. Here are five celebrity stylists you need to follow right now!

1. Maeve Reilly

If you’re into cool and edgy street style, Maeve Reilly is your girl to follow. She’s worked with so many cool celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Megan Fox, and Charli D’Amelio. Maeve doesn’t keep all her tips and tricks just herself, though; she shares them on her YouTube channel. She makes all kinds of interesting videos regarding fashion, one of our favorites being her “What exactly is Street Style Fashion?” video.

2. Law Roach

If you’re into neutrals and a monochromatic moment, follow Law Roach right now. Not only is he an amazing stylist, but he is also a fashion icon himself — he’s currently the judge on HBO Max’s “Legendary”. He styles so many celebs like Zendaya, Bella Hadid, Venus Williams, Tom Holland, and so many more! Here is one of our favorite neutral red carpet looks he put together for Zendaya!

3. Dani Michelle

Dani Michelle is another great celebrity stylist and who appears to be a Kardashian favorite, with Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian both using her frequently. Her style and styling skills are truly unmatched. One of our favorite looks from her is a street style outfit she did for Kourt consisting of a silver strapless top with cameo cargo pants. I think it’s safe to say cargo pants are cool again.

4. Chloe and Chenelle Delgadilo

A sister styling duo! We love it! Wardrobe scientists Chloe and Chenelle Delgadilo are taking the fashion world by storm. Some of their top clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Willow Smith, and SZA. They styled Olivia for her tour, and let’s just say they did not hold anything back. All her looks are so perfect and match her personality so well! Well done, ladies!

Side Effects of Cucumber: The summer is upon us and with its sweltering heat wave, all we can fancy is cooling foods or drinks that will soothe our body and mind. One of the best cooling foods is cucumber, which is also known as kakdi or kheera in Hindi. This green fruit (yes, cucumber is a fruit, not a vegetable) is full of water and has a light melon aroma. Rich in vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and copper, cucumber will not only keep you hydrated but may also help in avoiding nutrient deficiency and lower the risk of many diseases. But despite its amazing health benefits, this hydrating food can also have its side effects at times.

Why Should Not Eat Cucumber at Night

No, we are not asking you to stop eating summer favourite veggie but going overboard with it can cause a few health issues. Have you ever heard your grand maa or parents telling you to not eat cucumber at night? Well, there is a reason behind it. Eating cucumber right before hitting the bed at night can disturb your sleep cycle.

Other Side Effects of Eating Cucumber:

• It can make you gassy: While cucumber helps in digestion and constipation, it can also result in excess gas, according to a report in Eat This Not That. “Cucumbers contain cucurbitacin, a compound found in other fruits and vegetables including pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. Cucurbitacin results in the bitter taste found in cucumbers and is the cause of gassiness and indigestion. These uncomfortable symptoms may occur if you eat too many cucumbers at a time,” read the report.
• Excess discharge of fluids: Cucumber is loaded with potassium and antioxidants, but it should be eaten mindfully. While it will keep you hydrated, it may harm your electrolytic balance, going overboard with kheera can leave you dehydrated.
• Triggers Sinusitis: Sinus infection also known as sinusitis happens when your nasal passage is inflamed and infected. If you are a patient, then it’s best to eat this veggie mindfully.
• Skin allergy: According to a study by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology people who are allergic to ragweed pollen, melons, chamomile tea, bananas, and sunflower seeds can experience skin allergy after eating cucumber.

Retiring in a country is a crucially decision that almost everyone has to make at some point.

Upon retiring, a lot of retirees may find the transition difficult. This list may help them find the best country to retire to if they are planning to retire outside the United States.  This compilation is based on the average monthly cost of living expenses and the safeness of the country. Searching for the cheapest place to retire may be one of the easiest tasks however, finding a comfortable and safe place to live in is probably difficult. It is not that easy to find a comfortable environment that checks the entire list for the retirees. However if one is only looking for a safe and comfortable place to live in, listed below are the best option for you.

10. Romania

Romania is among the lowest costs of living in the world, ranking as 101^st most expensive country to live in. The monthly cost of living for a single person in Romania is $1000. It is also among the top safest country across the world placing on the 25^th spot. Romania is a great country for US residents to retire to since it is one of the countries in Europe where English is widely used and spoken. Romania places 16^th for English proficiency across Europe, better than countries in the continent such as Italy, Greece, Spain and France.

9. Poland

Poland is considered to be among the most economically developed countries in the area of Eastern Europe. The country ranks as the 24^th safest country to live in and 79th most expensive country in the world. The average monthly cost of living in Poland is around $1,000. Although the English language is only fairly spoken in the country with about 40% of the locals speaking the language, a lot of people are still choosing to retire and move to the country because of good balance of the quality of life in the country.

8. Australia

Australia ranks as the 16^th safest country in the world and also ranked 16^th as the most expensive country. The average monthly cost of living in Australia is around $3,000. Although it might be a little expensive to live in the country, Australia is considered to be the 4^th happiest country in world. The people in the country are known to be envied because of their carefree lifestyle and way of living.

7. Netherlands

Netherlands ranks as the 14^th safest country in the world but it is also among the most expensive country to live in taking the 17^th spot. The monthly cost of living in Netherlands is around $2700. Although it might be an expensive country to live in, people from the United States can comfortably live in the country since the English language is widely used and spoken by about 90% of the population. The quality of life in the country is good as well with a life revolving around biking.

6. Malaysia

Malaysia ranks as the 23^rd safest country in the world however it is among the cheapest country to live in as it is placed on 92^nd spot of the most expensive country in the world. Malaysia is the only Asian country on the list and generally, the people in the country knows how to speak English. The country is friendly and comfortable place to live in with a relatively low crime rate. The monthly cost of living in Malaysia is around $500.

5. Canada

Canada ranks as the 10^th safest country in the world however it is among the most expensive country to live in placing on the 31st spot. Living in Canada might be too expensive, the costs of living in Canada vary in each city, on the average, the monthly cost of living expenses is around $2,200 to $2,500 in the rural areas. Although living in Canada might be a little expensive, the country has a great reputation for being friendly and safe place to live in.

4. Slovenia

On the average, the cost of living in Slovenia is about 27.87% lower than in the United States. The country ranks 43^rd most expensive country in the world and the cost of living in the country averages to about $1,500. Slovenia is considered safe and stable to live in according to the website Smart Asset website. Slovenia is known to have the lowest crime rate in the world, ranking as the 5^th safest country in the world. The locals of the country is said to be welcoming and friendly especially to foreigners.

3. Austria

The cost of living in Austria is about $2,200, which places the country on the 24^th place as the most expensive country in the world. It might be among the most expensive countries to live in but it is also among the safest countries in the world placing on the 6^th place. The quality of life in Austria is high and even a recent survey has placed Austria on the 2^nd spot for the best quality of life. Vienna has bested other cities in the world as the Most Livable City in the world for ten years now.

2. New Zealand

On the average, the cost of living in New Zealand is about 5.68% higher than United States, ranking as 23^rd most expensive country in the world. The average monthly cost of living in New Zealand is around $2,500. Although living in New Zealand might be a little bit more expensive, it ranks as the 2^nd safest country in the world. New Zealand is known for its quality of life combined with great ambiance as numerous wonderful beaches, national park and bike trail surrounds even the biggest cities.

1. Portugal

On the average, the cost of living in Portugal is reportedly 35.76% lower than in the United States, ranking as 56^th most expensive country in the world. The monthly cost of living in Portugal is around $1,500. Portugal is said to be the 2^nd cheapest country to live in the Western Europe area, it ranks 15^th out of 16 countries. It was also reported about a third of Portuguese people can speak English. The nation of Portugal is among the safest countries in the world placing on the 4^th place this year. The sandy beaches and warm weather of the country will surely welcome the retirees from the US.