The healthy rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria has gone beyond the Jollof wars to the epic December festivities, drawing global attention. The Detty December season has become a period to look forward to every year in both countries. From ‘I-just-got-backs’ (IJGBs) touching down to have a time of their lives, to electrifying nightlife, reunions, family gatherings, and weddings, it is a full, upbeat cultural immersion.
Little wonder why people say the January after a Detty December is usually long. People fork out a lot of money to keep the energy up. There is a lot of shopping, gifting, travelling, and partying going on. From hotel reservations to concert tickets, if a December really wants to be Detty, it has to cost some cedis. But to avoid having regrets in January, here are some proven tips to help you enjoy Detty December in Ghana without overspending and landing in trouble.
Also read: How to pay for online foreign purchases from Ghana without a credit card
Accommodation takes the biggest share of a Detty December budget. Prices in Accra can double between mid-December and the New Year, especially in high-demand areas like Labone, Cantonments, East Legon, Osu and Airport Residential.
Travellers who want to save should book as early as possible and compare hotels with short-let apartments. Opt for places that are significantly cheaper while still keeping you close to major venues.
Decide how much you can afford to spend overall and on specific categories like events, food, and transport. Stick to it to avoid impulse spending. If possible, lock the rest of your money out of reach till the festivities end. Monitor your spending meticulously to stay on track. And when the hypeman is about to start sweet-talking you, chale, dodge him. If you overspend one day, balance it out the next.
With so many concerts and festivals happening at the same time, it is easy to overspend by trying to attend everything. It is advisable to identify the experiences that matter most to you and prioritise them. Many events offer early-bird pricing, so booking in advance is much cheaper. Also, you can have a great experience at many of these events without buying multiple overpriced VIP and table tickets. Whenever you can, opt for regular. The vibe is even better there.
Transport is another major holiday expense. Ride-hailing apps are reliable in Accra, but prices surge in December. You can cut your costs by:
Ghana’s traffic can also increase costs due to longer ride durations, so leaving early saves time and money.
From waakye and grilled tilapia to brunch spots and beachfront restaurants, food is part of the Detty December culture. However, the more popular the location, the more expensive the meal. Mixing local spots with a few upscale restaurants can keep your budget under control while still giving you the full Ghanaian experience. Markets, street food areas and small local cafés offer excellent meals for far less than high-end restaurants.
Also read: Top platforms for freelancers in Ghana to receive payments in US dollars
Whether you are travelling from London, Lagos, New York or Johannesburg, currency conversion costs can quietly erode your spending money. Using a traditional bank card from home often means:
A multi-currency account on Grey makes things easier by letting you hold USD, GBP or EUR, convert at fair rates, and spend in Ghana without hidden charges. It also reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash, which is safer during crowded events.
Also read: Ghanaians abroad: better ways to send money home this Christmas
Detty December is a period of entertainment, relaxation, and family time. However, it can also land you in a financial mess. With smart planning, the right payment tools and a clear sense of which experiences matter most to you, you can make the most of the experience without overspending. Managing your spending with Grey helps you avoid losing a lot of money to currency conversions and transaction fees.
Get started on Grey today to manage your money smartly this December.
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