Currency in Kenya
- Currency
- Kenyan Shilling (KES)
- Symbol
- KSh
- ATM availability
- ATMs are common in cities and towns; withdraw during the day from bank machines and watch withdrawal limits.
- Card acceptance
- Cards are accepted at hotels, malls and upscale venues, but cash and M-Pesa dominate elsewhere.
Overview
Kenya uses the shilling, and the mobile-money system M-Pesa is central to daily transactions nationwide.
Exchange tips
Exchange at banks or licensed forex bureaus in Nairobi for good rates; US dollars (post-2009 notes) are widely accepted.
Notes
Keep cash for safaris, markets and tips. Some lodges and parks require US dollars for entry fees.