Currency

The unit of currency is the Kenya shilling (Ksh). Each shilling is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Ksh. Coins are 5, 10, 50 cents and 1 Ksh. Foreign currency or travelers checks must be declared on a declaration form when entering the country. You are not allowed to take out more foreign currency than you bring in. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and many hotels. Exchanges should be noted on your declaration form. This form must be turned in when you leave the country.

Hold on to your exchange receipts to change shillings back to foreign currency. Customs may inspect these records before departure. Don't be suprised if you can't get as much as you ask exchanged for shillings, particularly at hotels. Notes aren't always readily available in good supply. Spend all your shillings before you get to the airport if possible. You are not allowed to take them out of the country. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels. American Express, Diner's Club, Visa and Mastercard all have local agents in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Return to top.