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Kenya Kenya Currency Guide

The currency of Kenya and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Kenyan Shilling

KES

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Kenya before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Kenya

Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, set at a high elevation with a cool climate. Its name means 'place of cool waters,' hinting at its connection to the river running through the city.

Mombasa

Mombasa is Kenya's second-largest city, on the Indian Ocean, and a leading hub for coastal tourism. With its large harbor, it offers an exotic seaside atmosphere full of energy.

Kisumu

Kisumu is the main city of western Kenya, a port town on Lake Victoria. Visitors can take in scenery along the lakeshore together with the city's lively atmosphere.

Nakuru

Nakuru is the central city of Kenya's Rift Valley region and one of the country's largest. Bordering Lake Nakuru, it offers scenic views along the lakeshore.

Eldoret

Eldoret is a city on Kenya's central highlands and one of the largest in the Rift Valley region. Its name, meaning 'stony river' in the Maasai language, hints at the natural landscape of the area.