Getting Kenyan Shillings for Your Trip

Kenya is one of Africa's premier safari destinations, offering incredible wildlife experiences in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and beyond. Managing money in Kenya requires some planning, especially if you're heading out on safari where ATMs and card machines don't exist.

Kenya operates on a dual-currency basis for tourists: US Dollars are widely accepted for safaris, national park fees, and tourist accommodations, while Kenyan Shillings are needed for everyday purchases. Understanding both systems will make your trip smoother.

Best Ways to Get KES

Here are your options for obtaining Kenyan Shillings:

1. ATM Withdrawal with Wise/Revolut Card

The best rate for Kenyan Shillings comes from ATM withdrawals using a multi-currency card. Equity Bank, KCB, and Standard Chartered ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and other cities. Use a Wise or Revolut card to avoid UK bank fees.

2. Bring USD Cash (2013 or newer)

USD is essential for safari trips. Bring crisp, undamaged notes dated 2013 or later — older notes are routinely rejected. $50 and $100 bills get better exchange rates than smaller denominations.

3. Exchange at Forex Bureaux

Forex bureaux in Nairobi (especially downtown and Westlands) offer competitive rates for USD, GBP, and EUR. Rates are better than banks but slightly worse than ATMs. Good for converting leftover USD to KES.

4. Airport Exchange

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has 24-hour forex bureaux. Rates are worse than city exchanges but convenient for getting initial Shillings on arrival. Exchange just enough for transport and first-day expenses.

US Dollars in Kenya

USD plays a special role in Kenyan tourism:

Where USD Is Accepted

National park entry fees (often quoted in USD), safari lodges and camps, high-end hotels, tour operators and transfers, domestic flights, and tips throughout the tourism industry.

Important USD Rules

2013 or newer only: This is strictly enforced throughout Kenya. Notes with series dates before 2013 will be rejected. Check every note before you travel.

Condition matters: Crisp, clean notes are essential. Marked, torn, or heavily worn bills may be refused or exchanged at poor rates.

Larger bills = better rates: $50 and $100 notes get better exchange rates than $1, $5, or $20 bills. However, bring smaller denominations for tips.

How Much USD to Bring

For a typical 10-day safari trip, consider: $200-400 in small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) for tips, $200-300 in larger bills ($50, $100) for drinks and extras, plus any amounts needed for park fees if not included in your package.

M-Pesa Mobile Money

M-Pesa is Kenya's revolutionary mobile payment system, used by over 80% of the adult population. It's transformed how Kenyans pay for everything.

Can Tourists Use M-Pesa?

Yes! To register, buy a Safaricom SIM card (available at the airport), register for M-Pesa with your passport, and deposit money at any M-Pesa agent (green kiosks everywhere). You'll receive a PIN and can then pay anywhere displaying M-Pesa signs.

Where M-Pesa Works

Supermarkets and shops, restaurants and cafes, taxis (many prefer M-Pesa), small vendors and kiosks, petrol stations, and some tourist activities.

Is M-Pesa Worth It for Tourists?

For short safari trips, M-Pesa isn't essential — cash works fine. For longer stays or independent travel, M-Pesa is incredibly convenient. It's also useful as a backup when ATMs fail or you run short on cash.

Using Cards in Kenya

Card acceptance is growing but remains limited:

Where Cards Work

Nairobi shopping malls (Westgate, Village Market, etc.), international hotels and safari lodges, upmarket restaurants, supermarkets (Naivas, Carrefour), airlines and tour agencies, and petrol stations.

Where You Need Cash

Local restaurants and cafes, matatus (minibuses) and tuk-tuks, markets and small shops, tips everywhere, most places outside Nairobi and Mombasa, and the entire safari experience except accommodation.

Card Tips

Visa and Mastercard are most accepted. AmEx is rarely accepted. Always have cash backup — card machines frequently fail. When using cards, choose KES not GBP. Notify your bank before travelling to prevent fraud blocks.

Money for Safari

Safari-specific money advice is essential:

Before Your Safari

Withdraw enough KES for any purchases in Nairobi. Get USD cash for tips (small denominations). Check if park fees are included in your package. Most lodges have no ATMs, shops, or card facilities.

On Safari

Tips are expected and appreciated. Standard tipping: USD $10-20 per day for your guide/driver, USD $10-15 per day for camp staff (often a communal tip box), plus small amounts for anyone who provides special service.

Drinks and extras at safari lodges are usually extra and paid at checkout. Some lodges accept cards, but cash (USD or KES) is safer. Mini-bar, laundry, and curio shop purchases add up.

National Park Fees

Often quoted in USD. Masai Mara is typically $80-100 per person per day. These may be included in tour packages or paid separately at park gates. Park gates usually accept USD or KES, and some accept cards.