The Kenya currency is the Kenyan shilling, written KES or KSh. Money is rarely the stressful part of a safari, but a little preparation avoids awkward moments at park gates, roadside stalls and tip time. Here is how most travellers handle it.
The basics
Kenyan shillings come in notes of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 and in several coin values. The exchange rate moves daily, so check a live converter before you travel and again when you land. Prices for safaris, park fees and many hotels are often quoted in US dollars, but day-to-day spending such as meals, drinks, taxis and souvenirs is in shillings.
Cards and ATMs
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Nairobi, in larger hotels and lodges and in many restaurants and shops. Smaller towns, local markets and roadside vendors prefer cash. ATMs are common in cities and bigger towns; in remote areas they are scarce or offline, so withdraw before heading to the parks. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, so it helps to compare options and tell your bank you are travelling. Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN and use machines inside banks or malls.
US dollars
Lodges and tour operators may accept dollars, and many travellers carry a small amount for tips. Newer, clean notes are preferred, and very old or damaged bills can be refused. You will almost always get a better rate paying in shillings for small items than paying in dollars.
M-Pesa
M-Pesa is Kenya’s mobile money system and is used for everything from bus fares to market stalls. As a visitor you can use it if you register a Safaricom line with your passport, although you do not need it for a typical safari. See our SIM card and M-Pesa guide for the practical steps.
Tipping and small change
Carry a stack of small notes for tips, porters and small purchases. Our Kenya safari tipping guide explains typical amounts for guides, camp staff and drivers. Keep tips in an envelope so they are easy to hand over discreetly.
Handy tips
- Change a little money at the airport, then use ATMs in town for better rates.
- Keep cash and cards in separate places in your bag.
- Ask for receipts at lodges and check your bill before you pay.
- Keep some shillings for park shops and curio stalls, which often prefer cash.
- Do not exchange money on the street.
Most guests spend more on tips and souvenirs than they expect, so allow a small buffer. If you want help working out what is included in your safari price and what you will pay on the ground, send us a message and we will walk you through it. Our safari cost guide gives a broader picture of budgets.
Quick answers
What is the currency of Kenya?
The Kenyan shilling, abbreviated KES or KSh. Many safari and park prices are quoted in US dollars, while daily spending is in shillings.
Can I use credit cards in Kenya?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Nairobi, lodges and larger restaurants, but small towns and markets often prefer cash.
Should I bring US dollars to Kenya?
A small amount of clean, recent notes is useful for tips, but you usually get better value paying small bills in shillings.
Safaris that fit this guide
These Cherish Africa Safaris trips match what this guide covers. We can adjust any of them to your dates, group size and budget.
- 7 Days Classic Kenya Safari – Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha
- 5 Days Mid Range Maasai Mara Migration, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha Safari
- 8 Days Kenya Safari Tour – Stunning Wildlife and Scenic Lakes Experience
Not sure which trip suits you? Browse all our Kenya safari tours or send us an enquiry.
Plan it with people who live here
We are a Nairobi-based team and every trip starts from our own doorstep. If you would like help turning these ideas into a real itinerary, message us on WhatsApp (+254 794 588 242), write to info@cherishafricasafaris.com, or use our contact form. We usually reply the same day.
Kenya currency: Key Takeaways
The main points on Kenya currency are covered above. If you would like help applying them to your own dates and budget, our team can plan the trip with you. For more advice on Kenya currency, or a quote tailored to your group, contact Cherish Africa Safaris and we will reply the same day.
