Kenya
Money in Kenya: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Kenyan shillings (KES) for most purchases; cards work in hotels and malls, but keep cash or M‑Pay for markets, tips and small shops. Switch to cash if ATMs are scarce or you need exact change.
More
GuideKenya
Key facts
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KES)
- ATMscheck
- Available in major cities, airports and malls; limited in rural areas
- Card acceptancecheck
- Visa/Mastercard in hotels, lodges, larger shops; cash or M‑Pay preferred in markets
- Typical tipcheck
- US$5–10 per day for guides, US$2–5 for staff; small cash or USD notes
Quick answer
Kenyan shilling (KES) is the legal tender. Use cards in urban hotels and malls; carry cash or M‑Pay for markets, taxis, and tips. If you are in a remote park, bring enough shillings for the day.
Currency, ATMs and cards
The Kenyan shilling is used for all transactions. ATMs are common in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and at major airports; they dispense KES in 500‑ and 1,000‑shilling notes. Rural lodges often have no on‑site ATMs, so withdraw enough before heading out.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, lodges, large restaurants and shopping centres. Small shops, street vendors and many safari camps prefer cash or M‑Pay, Kenya’s mobile‑money system. You can register for M‑Pay with a local SIM and passport; it works for payments to guides and camp staff.
Tipping guidelines
Tips are not mandatory but expected for good service. Typical amounts (2026 estimate):
- Safari guide: US$5–10 per day (or equivalent in KES).
- Camp staff (cooks, cleaners): US$2–5 per day.
- Restaurant waiter: 5–10 % of the bill, round up.
- Taxi driver: round up to the nearest 10 KES.
- Carry small US‑dollar notes (1 USD ≈ 140 KES) for easy tipping.
- If you pay by card, ask if a tip can be added to the receipt; otherwise give cash.
Practical tips
Exchange a small amount of KES at the airport or a bank before traveling; rates improve in city banks.
Notify your bank of travel to Kenya to avoid card blocks.
Keep a backup of your passport and SIM card details for M‑Pay registration.
Check with your safari operator which payments (fees, park entry) are covered; many are electronic.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Kenya?
Kenyan shilling (KES) is the official currency. US dollars are accepted only in a few tourist spots for large purchases.
Should I use cash or a card in Kenya?
Use cards in hotels, malls and larger restaurants. For markets, taxis, tips and remote lodges, carry cash or use M‑Pay.
How much should I tip in Kenya?
Guide: US$5–10 per day; camp staff: US$2–5 per day; restaurant waiters: 5–10 % of the bill; taxi drivers: round up to the nearest 10 KES.
Can I use my phone to pay in Kenya?
Yes, M‑Pay is widely accepted. Register with a local SIM and passport at any Safaricom shop. Many small businesses, taxis and market stalls prefer it over cash.
Are ATMs easy to find outside Nairobi?
ATMs are common in major towns and at airports. In rural areas and near national parks, they are scarce. Withdraw enough KES before heading out.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Kenya guide
Ask about Kenya
Loading…
Was this useful?