The currency and rough figures
The shilling is divided into 100 cents, but in practice only banknotes and coins of 1 to 40 shillings are used. As a rough guide, one euro is worth somewhere around 140 to 150 shillings; check the day's rate before you leave, as it varies. Always keep small notes (50, 100, 200 KES) for taxis, markets and tips: sellers rarely have change for a large note.
Withdrawing cash
- ATMs are plentiful in Nairobi, Mombasa and tourist towns, far fewer in the villages near the parks. Prefer those inside a bank or a shopping centre.
- Withdrawals are often capped per transaction and Kenyan banks add fees on top of your own bank's: one larger withdrawal, less often, costs less.
- Tell your bank about your trip and enable payments abroad.
- Avoid withdrawing at night, alone, on a quiet street: see scams and safety in Kenya.
Paying by card
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels, city restaurants, supermarkets, lodges and safari agencies, sometimes with a surcharge. For small purchases, markets and transport you need cash. National park fees for non-residents are set in US dollars and are generally paid online or through your safari operator: do not count on paying cash at the gate.
M-Pesa: useful, but not essential
M-Pesa is the phone payment service of the operator Safaricom, used by the vast majority of Kenyans. You will recognise it by the green "agent" signs and the "Till" numbers displayed in shops. A passing visitor can buy a Safaricom SIM card (with a passport for registration) and activate M-Pesa, but it is not essential: card and cash are enough for a tourist stay. If you use it, check the fees, top up at an agent or by transfer, and never share your PIN.
Exchanging money
Exchange is done at banks, licensed bureaux de change and airports. Airport and hotel rates are less favourable than those of bureaux in town. Keep your receipts and turn down street changers. If you bring dollars or euros in cash, favour recent notes in good condition, as old or damaged notes are often refused.
Tipping
Tips are not compulsory but are expected in tourism. Usual (unofficial) guidelines:
| Situation | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 5 to 10% if service is not already included (check the bill) |
| Safari driver-guide | around 10 to 20 USD per day per vehicle, shared according to the group |
| Lodge or camp staff | a shared envelope at the end of the stay, or 100 to 300 KES per person for a one-off service |
| Luggage porter | 50 to 100 KES |
| Taxi | round up |
Many restaurants already add a 10% service charge and VAT: read the bill before leaving a tip. In safari lodges, tips are often left at the end of the stay in a shared box at reception.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not plan to pay for a safari in cash to a stranger: use a recognised agency, see Masai Mara from Nairobi for what is included.
- Do not exchange in the street and do not let a driver "keep the change" by default.
- Do not carry all your cash on you: split it between the hotel and your bag.
- Check the change you are given, especially after withdrawing large notes.
Going further
To estimate the total cost of your trip, see budget for a trip to Kenya; for the train to the coast and paying on the spot, see the SGR train Nairobi-Mombasa.
