{"id":2339,"date":"2025-06-24T17:59:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T15:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africanfootprints.de\/currency-and-payment-in-kenya\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T13:06:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T11:06:00","slug":"currency-and-payment-in-kenya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africanfootprints.de\/en\/kenya\/currency-and-payment-in-kenya\/","title":{"rendered":"Currency and payment in Kenya"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2339\" class=\"elementor elementor-2339 elementor-2188\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bee174 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3bee174\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-08ad2c3 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"08ad2c3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e4f5cd e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5e4f5cd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28feb0a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28feb0a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Before travelling to Kenya, you should also consider the currency and cash supply. <br \/>While the days of having to carry large amounts of cash are long gone, there are still a few things to keep in mind in order to pay without any problems in Kenya.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b450be elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"2b450be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;bullets&quot;,&quot;icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;],&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tCurrency and payment in Kenya\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__2b450be\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__2b450be\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__2b450be\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10afc20 e-grid e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"10afc20\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4bc54fa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4bc54fa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9e496c elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"b9e496c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 24 24&#039; fill=&#039;black&#039; stroke=&#039;none&#039;%3E%3Cpolygon points=&#039;9.4,2 24,2 14.6,21.6 0,21.6&#039;\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d300245 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d300245\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Kenyan shilling \u2013 an overview of the national currency<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-814583e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"814583e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>ATMs are widespread in Kenya and are the most convenient way to obtain Kenyan shillings. In all major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret, you will find numerous ATMs that accept international cards. Even in smaller towns and at petrol stations, ATMs are now standard.  <\/p>\n<p>Most Kenyan ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard without any problems. EC cards with the Maestro symbol also work at many ATMs, but you should check with your bank in advance about any fees. The daily withdrawal limit is usually 40,000 Kenyan shillings (around 300-350 euros), which is sufficient for most travellers.  <\/p>\n<p><strong>Current exchange rate at: <a href=\"https:\/\/wise.com\/de\/currency-converter\/eur-to-kes-rate?amount=10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wise.com\/eur-to-kes-rate<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kenyan banknotes are colourful and feature various motifs from Kenyan culture and wildlife. The newer editions in particular have modern security features and are difficult to counterfeit. Nevertheless, you should always check the authenticity of the notes when exchanging money.  <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b68da1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3b68da1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Withdrawing money in Kenya \u2013 easier than you might think<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69ae021 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"69ae021\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>ATMs are widespread in Kenya and are the most convenient way to obtain Kenyan shillings. In all major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret, you will find numerous ATMs that accept international cards. Even in smaller towns and at petrol stations, ATMs are now standard.  <\/p>\n<p>Most Kenyan ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard without any problems. EC cards with the Maestro symbol also work at many ATMs, but you should check with your bank in advance about any fees. The daily withdrawal limit is usually 40,000 Kenyan shillings (around 300-350 euros), which is sufficient for most travellers.  <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-720ec65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"720ec65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Important tips for withdrawing money in Kenya:<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-576474f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"576474f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>Use ATMs in banks or shopping centres, as these are more secure.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid ATMs in isolated locations, especially at night.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t let strangers \u2018help\u2019 you withdraw money.<\/li>\n<li>Cover the keypad when entering your PIN<\/li>\n<li>Keep your card safe and carry a spare card with you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44d5126 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"44d5126\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The fees for withdrawing money vary depending on the bank. Many direct banks offer free withdrawals abroad, while traditional banks often charge 5-10 euros per withdrawal. Find out in advance about your bank&#8217;s terms and conditions or get a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees.  <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a5efc9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3a5efc9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8bf136c elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"8bf136c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 24 24&#039; fill=&#039;black&#039; stroke=&#039;none&#039;%3E%3Cpolygon points=&#039;9.4,2 24,2 14.6,21.6 0,21.6&#039;\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80e903b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"80e903b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cash is king \u2013 why cash is indispensable in Kenya<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8245411 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8245411\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Although Kenya is a global leader in digital payments with the <a href=\"https:\/\/de.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/M-Pesa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">M-Pesa<\/a> system, <strong>cash remains the most important means of payment for tourists<\/strong>. There are several practical reasons for this, which you should take into account when planning your trip. <\/p>\n<p>Although credit cards are often accepted at safari lodges and camps, you will almost always need cash for tips, small purchases and local activities. Many of the most memorable experiences \u2013 such as visiting a Masai village, buying handicrafts or enjoying a spontaneous snack on the go \u2013 can only be paid for in cash. <\/p>\n<p>Cash is not only common on local markets, it is often the only accepted form of payment. Here you can also use your bargaining skills, which would be difficult with a credit card. Cash is essential, especially at the famous Masai Market in Nairobi or the souvenir markets in Mombasa.  <\/p>\n<p>You will also need cash for transport such as matatus (local minibuses), taxis without meters or boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis). Even on organised tours, there are often small additional costs that must be paid in cash. <\/p>\n<p>Tips are an important part of the service sector in Kenya and are given exclusively in cash. Safari guides, hotel staff, drivers and restaurant employees expect tips, which are usually between 5-15 percent of the bill. <\/p><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a7c343 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1a7c343\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">US dollar as an alternative<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-720537d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"720537d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>US dollars are widely accepted in Kenya, especially in tourist areas. Many safari lodges, hotels and tour operators even quote their prices in US dollars. However, you should note that the exchange rate is often less favourable than when paying directly in Kenyan shillings.  <\/p>\n<p>If you wish to bring US dollars, please ensure that the notes are in good condition and not older than 2006. Damaged or very old dollar bills are often not accepted. Large bills (50 and 100 dollars) achieve better exchange rates than small denominations.  <\/p><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca46594 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ca46594\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Credit cards \u2013 limited but useful<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a2fb90 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3a2fb90\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Credit cards are mainly accepted in upmarket hotels, restaurants and shops. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express or Diners Club. In Nairobi and Mombasa, you can pay by card in most modern restaurants and shopping centres.  <\/p>\n<p>Beware of credit card fraud: Unfortunately, credit card fraud is not uncommon in Kenya. Never let your card out of your sight and make sure that it is only swiped once through the reader. Check your account statements regularly and report any suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.  <\/p>\n<p>For security reasons, it is advisable to carry several means of payment with you: a main credit card, a spare card and some cash kept in different places.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41981c2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"41981c2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-223928d elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"223928d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\" style=\"--divider-pattern-url: url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=&#039;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&#039; preserveAspectRatio=&#039;none&#039; overflow=&#039;visible&#039; height=&#039;100%&#039; viewBox=&#039;0 0 24 24&#039; fill=&#039;black&#039; stroke=&#039;none&#039;%3E%3Cpolygon points=&#039;9.4,2 24,2 14.6,21.6 0,21.6&#039;\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;);\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35d028a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"35d028a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mobile payment using M-Pesa <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a931017 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a931017\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Kenya is a pioneer in mobile payments with the M-Pesa system, which is used by most Kenyans on a daily basis. As a tourist, you can theoretically use M-Pesa, but in practice it is complicated because you need a Kenyan SIM card and registration. For short stays, it is usually not worth the effort.  <\/p>\n<p>M-Pesa is nevertheless interesting because it shows how advanced Kenya is in terms of digital payments. Many small retailers accept M-Pesa, but not necessarily international cards. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8558423 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8558423\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Currency exchange \u2013 where and how?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6431a49 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6431a49\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Banks offer the most secure exchange rates, but often have long waiting times and limited opening hours. The major Kenyan banks such as KCB, Equity Bank and Standard Chartered have branches in all major cities. <\/p>\n<p>Currency exchange offices (forex bureaus) are often more convenient than banks, as they have longer opening hours and work faster. Make sure that the currency exchange office is licensed \u2013 reputable providers display their licence clearly. <\/p>\n<p>Hotels do exchange money, but they usually offer worse rates than banks or exchange offices. However, this is a practical option for small amounts or emergencies. <\/p>\n<p>Airports also have currency exchange offices that are open around the clock. The rates are often slightly worse, but they are quite practical for your first expenses after arrival. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5650756 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5650756\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Practical tips for handling money in Kenya\n\n\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ae9623 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2ae9623\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Small bills are worth their weight in gold<\/h3><p>Make sure you always have small notes (50, 100, 200 schillings) with you. Large notes can cause problems when making small purchases, as change is often not available. <\/p><h3>Negotiation is part of it<\/h3><p>At markets and souvenir shops, bargaining is common and expected. Start with about a third of the asking price and work your way up. <\/p><h3>Tipping etiquette<\/h3><p>In restaurants, 10 percent is customary; safari guides expect around 10-15 US dollars per day, hotel staff 2-5 US dollars depending on the service.<\/p><h3>Safety first<\/h3><p>Never carry large amounts of cash openly. Use money belts or hidden pockets and keep your money in different places. <\/p><p>The currency situation in Kenya has become less complicated for tourists than many people think. With a good mix of cash and credit cards, you will be prepared for any situation. The most important thing is to find out about your bank&#8217;s fees in advance and always have enough cash with you for the small but unforgettable experiences that will make your trip to Kenya special.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before travelling to Kenya, you should also consider the currency and cash supply. While the days of having to carry large amounts of cash are long gone, there are still a few things to keep in mind in order to pay without any problems in Kenya. Currency and payment in Kenya The Kenyan shilling \u2013 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2339","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-kenya"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Kenya currency and payment with the Kenyan shilling - Sandai Kenya<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about currency and payment in Kenya. 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