Currency
The Kenya currency is the Kenyan shilling (Kshs)
To get the current exchange rate click here
The notes available are in the denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. The coins are available in the denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings.
Currency converter
At the moment in Kenya there are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country. However when you wish to take out of the country more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings you will need official authorisation from the Central Bank of Kenya
Banks
In Kenya most of the banks are open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Monday to Friday (except national holidays) & operate half day on Saturday. Most banks have a nationwide network of ATM machines that dispense Kenya Schillings only. On the ATMS will the displays will be in the English language. You can only withdraw cash using your own ATM if your home bank uses internationally recognized electronic banking systems. Also many of the ATMS will accept VISA or MasterCard to ensure the ATM has this facility watch out for the logos as they should be displayed prominently.
Currency Exchange
When you do decide to change your money make sure you do it in a bank or registered forex bureau.To change most international currencies is fairly easy. If you have travellers cheques these can be accepted in any bureau or bank as well.
Wire/Money Transfers
You can make wire transfers to any local bank but the cost & time implications can be steep.
We also have money transfer services from Western Union & Moneygram which are fairly cheap. As well for money transfer in the local market there is the m-pesa service which is very efficient
Credit and Debit Cards
Use of credit cards is only acceptable at established businesses like the hotels, department stores, travel agents and petrol stations. The most widely accepted cards are VISA, MasterCard, diners club, American Express & JCB
If you will need to get cash using your credit cards most banks have this facility either through their banking halls or ATMS.
To prevent Credit-card fraud ensure that you don’t leave your card unattended at any time. When you are in any shop always ensure that you check the amount in the receipt carefully before you sign it.