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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Cape Coast is a coastal city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, located in the Central Region of Ghana. |
👥 Population | Approximately 170,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 20 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 10.57 GHS; multiple ATMs available, major banks include GCB and Stanbic. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/G sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo are popular options with good coverage. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banks offer expat accounts. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to hotels and guesthouses; popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; mobile payments are gaining traction but cash is still commonly used. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short-term stays. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers’ Lodge and Easy Life are good budget options. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the Cape Coast Castle for historical access and tourist amenities. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Pedu Junction is recommended for longer stays, as it has quiet residential streets. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Cape Coast Coworking Hub offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Nkrumah is popular for its good coffee and quiet atmosphere, ideal for work. |
💼 Networking Events | Regular digital nomad meetups occur at the Coworking Hub; check local social media groups for details. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Cape Coast Expats Group on Facebook for community events and gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, but local taxis are also available and affordable. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes are available for rent at various local shops near the university. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Coconut Grove Beach is a popular beach just 10 minutes from the city center. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Africa World Airlines provide connections to Accra and Kumasi. |
✈️ Top International Airline | International flights available via Kotoka International Airport in Accra. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the N1 highway connects to major cities like Accra and Takoradi. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cape Coast Railway Station serves regional connections, mainly for freight. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Matatus (shared taxis) provide affordable transit within and outside the city. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Accra and Takoradi operate regularly from local stations. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is the main healthcare facility offering comprehensive services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | A few local yoga classes available through community initiatives. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Cape Coast offers a variety of fitness equipment and classes. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Several local laundromats operate; most hotels also provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers a variety of local and international dining options. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fufu and light soup, a staple of Ghanaian cuisine, can be found at many local eateries. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Vegetarian offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cape Coast Coffee serves delightful pastries and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Cape Coast Market, located in the city center, offers fresh produce and local goods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Jiji are popular for purchasing goods online. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local stores may offer home delivery; check with specific vendors. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Cape Coast Castle area features several bars and beach clubs for nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Club Beer is the most popular local brew enjoyed throughout the country. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Few options available; most bars serve beer and local spirits. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors offer delicious kebabs and fried plantains on the streets. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta and Pizza spots like La Loma are popular among locals and expats. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site that highlights Ghana's legacy in the transatlantic slave trade. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Cape Coast Castle Museum and the nearby local arts centers showcase Ghanaian history and culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Fort William and the various slave forts along the coast are significant historical attractions. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Cape Coast Cathedral is a notable architectural landmark. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Fetu Afahye Festival celebrates the local culture and traditions every September. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area features colonial architecture and vibrant markets. |
🎭 Theater Venues | The Cape Coast Arts Center hosts various cultural performances and theater events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Cape Coast Market is vibrant and filled with local crafts, clothing, and food stalls. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music, highlighting Ghanaian highlife and reggae. |
🎨 Street Art | Various murals and art pieces can be found throughout the city, particularly in busy neighborhoods. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The African Heritage Centre offers cooking classes focusing on traditional Ghanaian cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local crafts are showcased at the Arts Centre and various local markets. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Numerous colonial-era buildings are dotted throughout the city, reflecting Cape Coast's history. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Cape Coast is known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, deeply influencing its cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kakum National Park, famous for its canopy walk, is roughly 30 minutes away. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cape Coast is close to several beautiful beaches and nature reserves. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Biking along the coast is popular, especially near beaches. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cape Coast is known for stunning seaside views, particularly from the Cape Coast Castle. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kakum National Park also serves as a great spot for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Riverside and beach areas are popular for bonfires, especially during local festivities. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can assist with basic tech repairs; check at local markets. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer tables for recreation. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language centers provide English language classes for locals and expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local universities have libraries; cafes also serve as study spots. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The Cape Coast Community Center hosts cultural activities and events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some internet cafes offer gaming services. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Ghana has limited casinos; most entertainment focuses on bars and clubs. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $18,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $14,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $24,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $18,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $380 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $30,400). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $280 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $22,400). |
💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 8% withholding tax rate on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on residency and income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% maximum personal income tax rate. |
🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value and locality. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% tax on property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Exemptions on certain taxes might apply for non-residents. |