Kenya (KE)
Kenya is East Africa's economic, tech, and diplomatic powerhouse — home to the United Nations' Africa headquarters, the Silicon Savannah startup ecosystem, and some of the world's most iconic wildlife.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Kenya.
Denominations
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 Ksh. Notes: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 Ksh. New polymer notes introduced 2019. Old Kenyatta-era notes demonetised 2019.
Payment Culture
Kenya is a mobile-money-first economy. M-Pesa (Safaricom) is the dominant payment system — accepted in supermarkets, restaurants, taxis, kiosks, and even informal traders. Card (Visa/Mastercard) is accepted in large supermarkets, hotels, and formal restaurants. Cash is still essential for local markets, matatus (minibuses), and smaller shops. Always carry KES 500–1,000 in cash. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated at 10% in upscale restaurants.
ATM Tips
ATMs widely available in Nairobi, Mombasa, and major towns. Equity Bank, KCB, and Absa Kenya ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Maximum withdrawal typically KES 20,000–40,000 per transaction. Fee: KES 200–350 per foreign card withdrawal. Inform your home bank before travel. Some ATMs in rural areas may be empty — withdraw in cities.
Exchange Tips
Currency exchange bureaus (forex bureaus) offer better rates than airport counters. Reliable bureaus in Nairobi CBD and Westlands. The KES floats freely against major currencies. Wise and similar apps work well for KES transfers. Airport exchange at JKIA should be avoided for large amounts — rates are significantly below market. USD, GBP, and EUR are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents