Kenya is one of Africa's most visited destinations, and for good reason. Whether you are heading to the Masai Mara for a safari, relaxing on the coast at Diani Beach, or exploring Nairobi, Kenya leaves a lasting impression. Getting your money sorted before you travel makes the whole experience smoother, so here is what you need to know.
What Is the Official Currency of Kenya?
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling as its official currency. The currency code is KES, and you will see prices displayed with the symbol KSh.
One shilling is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings, while coins cover smaller values. For most everyday spending, notes are what you will use most. It is a good idea to keep a supply of smaller-denomination notes handy, as 500- and 1,000-shilling notes can sometimes be difficult to break at smaller vendors and roadside stalls.
Can You Use Pounds or Other Foreign Currencies?
The Kenyan shilling is the currency you need for day-to-day spending. Pounds are not widely accepted, but US dollars are a different story. Many safari lodges, camps and tourist-facing businesses quote prices in US dollars and will accept them as payment. If you are heading on a safari, it can be useful to have some dollars alongside your shillings, particularly for settling larger bills.
That said, for local transport, markets, street food, tips and smaller purchases, shillings are always the better option and often the only one.
Exchanging Money in Kenya
Nairobi and Mombasa have plenty of banks and licensed exchange bureaux where you can exchange pounds for shillings at decent rates. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport also has exchange facilities on arrival, though as with most airports, rates there may not be the best you will find in the country.
For the best rates, exchange money at a reputable exchange bureau in the UK before you leave. Hotel exchange desks are also convenient but tend to offer noticeably worse rates.
Ordering your Kenyan shillings in advance of your trip is likely the most stress-free option to consider. It means you arrive with local cash ready to use straight away, without the need to find an exchange on arrival. TravelCash offers Kenyan shillings at competitive rates with 0% commission, and you can collect from a bureau near you at a time that suits.
Using ATMs in Kenya
ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and other major cities, and most machines in tourist areas accept international Visa and Mastercard. Outside of the cities and main tourist hubs, availability drops off considerably, so if you are heading into more remote areas for a safari or beach trip, it is wise to carry enough cash to last the duration.
When using ATMs, choose machines located inside banks or shopping centres where possible, as these tend to be more secure. Always cover your PIN and be aware of your surroundings.
Paying by Card in Kenya
Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and most tourist attractions in Nairobi and the main towns. Contactless payments are becoming more common in urban areas.
Away from the cities, card acceptance is less reliable. Local transport, markets, smaller guesthouses, roadside stops, and tipping are typically cash-only. If you are going on safari, check with your lodge or camp in advance about payment options, as policies vary.
If offered the choice to pay in pounds rather than shillings at a card terminal or ATM, always choose shillings. Paying in your home currency through Dynamic Currency Conversion almost always costs you more.
M-Pesa and Mobile Payments
You may notice that mobile payments via the service M-Pesa are extremely popular in Kenya. It is widely used by locals for almost everything, from buying groceries to paying for transport. As a tourist, accessing M-Pesa requires a Safaricom SIM card and registration at a local agent, which is possible but adds a step most short-term visitors will not want to bother with. For the majority of travellers, a combination of cash and card covers everything you need.
Is Cash or Card Better in Kenya?
Cash is essential for most trips to Kenya, particularly if you are spending time outside Nairobi. Markets, tuk-tuks, minibuses, tips, entry fees at some sites and most small purchases all require shillings.
Cards are useful for hotels, lodges and larger restaurants in cities, and for keeping a backup in case you need to access more funds. The most practical approach is to carry a decent amount of cash and supplement with your card where it is accepted.
For more on this topic, our guide on whether to use cash or card abroad covers the key considerations in more detail.
Tipping in Kenya
Tipping is a normal and expected part of life in Kenya, particularly in the tourism industry. In restaurants, 10 per cent is a good guide if you have had good service. Safari guides, drivers, camp staff and porters all appreciate a tip at the end of a trip.
Tipping in cash is standard, and shillings are perfectly appropriate for most situations. For safari guides and lodge staff, US dollars are also widely accepted and appreciated.
How Much Does Kenya Cost?
Kenya covers a wide range of price points. Budget travellers can get by on relatively little, particularly if they eat local food and use public transport. Safari experiences vary enormously in price depending on the operator and the level of accommodation, from more accessible mid-range options to very high-end luxury camps.
As a rough guide, a mid-range daily budget covering accommodation, food and local transport might be around £60 to £120, though this rises considerably if you are on a guided safari. Entrance fees to national parks such as the Masai Mara are charged in US dollars and can be significant, so factor these into your planning.
Practical Money Tips for Visiting Kenya
Order or exchange your shillings in advance to arrive with local cash ready to use
Carry plenty of smaller denomination notes for tips, transport and everyday purchases
Stock up on cash before heading into rural areas or on safari, as ATMs are scarce
Keep US dollars handy if you are visiting safari lodges or national parks
Always pay in shillings rather than pounds when given the choice on a card terminal
Split your cash between a few secure locations rather than carrying it all at once
Inspect any notes you receive, as torn or damaged shillings are often refused by vendors
Let your bank know you are travelling to Kenya before you leave the UK
Get Your Travel Money Sorted Before You Go
Having Kenyan shillings ready when you land means you can pay for your taxi, grab something to eat and get settled without any added stress. At TravelCash, we offer great exchange rates with 0% commission, and ordering is quick and straightforward.
Find your nearest TravelCash location and collect your shillings before you fly.
