- Kenya’s official currency is Kenyan shilling (KSH or KES).
- In some places USD is also accepted or even required (like in national parks or hotels). As a general rule we recommend you to use the currency that is given for the price (to avoid loss in the exchange rates).
- Many currencies (EUR, USD, GBP etc.) are changed in the banks and exchange offices or in some hotels, though exchange rates can vary. Best exchange rates can be expected in exchange offices.
- You can get the best exchange rate for USD, but EUR and GBP are widely used and exchanged as well. If you have EUR or GBP, just come with it (no need to exchange it for USD). However if you have other – less used – currencies that are not exchanged in Kenya (e.g. Hungarian forint, Moroccan dirham etc.) we recommend to bring USD with you.
- Old USD and EUR notes (before 2000) and coins are not accepted. Small notes (e.g. 1, 5, 10, 20) are exchanged at lower rates. So we recommend you to bring 50 and 100 notes issued after 2000.
- ATM machines (Visa/Mastercard) to withdraw cash are available in most cities.
- Credit and Debit cards can be used for payment in most hotels and supermarkets, however in many other places (small shops, vendors, sites etc.) you can pay only by cash.
- No ATMs, banks or exchange offices are available in small rural villages and national parks. Please make sure you have enough cash with you before heading to such areas.
- You can check the current, approximate exchange rates here.