Kenya Currency: The Kenya Shilling, The Euro, The Dollar, and Sometimes a Goat or a Chicken
The Official Kenya Currency is the Kenya Shilling- KES.
and while it is the Official currency of Kenya in practice, the Euro, the British Pound, and the US Dollar are accepted as well. The Kenya Shilling has been relatively stable over the years, Today one US dollar is equal to about 73 shillings. You can get the current exchange rate of the Euro, British Pound and US Dollar as well as other currencies by clicking the link that says 'Currency Converter' (opens in a new window/tab..simply close it to return to this site.) Currency Converter byOANDA.com, The Currency Site
If you pay for a visa (this means they have 'seen' you and stamp your passport) when you arrive in Kenya they like crisp bills: preferably Euros or US Dollars You can use Bank Cards- preferably Visa Card which is widely accepted. And using a debit card is probably the cheapest way to exchange currencies... with a debit card at an Automatic Teller Machine.
However as you travel out of the cities into the smaller towns and villages the banking system is a little less convenient. Sometimes the power goes out or the machine doesn't like your card (Maybe it's not on the same network) Restaurants, hotels and established businesses will normally accept credit cards. Tipping at restaurants, hotels, drivers/safari guides and cooks is best done in Euros, Dollars and Pounds. And remember that service workers in Kenya are not paid extravagant wages. Depending on the level of service- expect to tip 3-5 dollars a day...and more if you eat at fine restaurants or take a luxury safari. If you go to Kenya and help some of the people in rural areas build a new home or provide medical care, you may be offered a goat or a chicken. Not as easily exchanged as coins or bills but given with lots of gratitude.
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