Currency in Kenya: Tourists Payment options in Kenya

Currency in Kenya: A Simple Guide for Tourists

If you're planning a safari in Maasai Mara or a beach trip to Diani, it's important to understand how money works in Kenya. The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), symbolized as KSh. Currency in Kenya is used for everything from street snacks to national park entry.

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While credit cards are accepted in big cities and tourist areas, mobile money and cash are still dominant. In this guide, we’ll explain how to exchange money, which digital wallets are popular, how card payments work, and what tipping culture looks like in Kenya.

1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents
Notes: KSh50, KSh100, KSh200, KSh500, KSh1,000
Coins: KSh1, KSh5, KSh10, KSh20, KSh40

Currency Exchange in Kenya

You can exchange money at airports, banks, and licensed forex bureaus. Banks are safe but offer less competitive rates. Forex bureaus in city centers like Nairobi and Mombasa offer better exchange rates with no hidden fees. Avoid exchanging currency in the street or from unlicensed dealers.

Where to exchange safely:

Forex bureaus in Nairobi and Mombasa
Banks like KCB, Equity Bank, or Co-operative Bank
Airport counters (less favorable rates)

Highlights:

USD, EUR, and GBP are easiest to exchange.
Carry your passport for large transactions.
Avoid torn foreign currency, it might be rejected.

Digital Payment Options in Kenya

Kenya is a global leader in mobile money, with M-Pesa being the most used payment platform. It’s used for everything from grocery shopping to paying taxi fares. However, tourists can’t register for M-Pesa without a local SIM and ID. Foreigners usually rely on card payments, or cash where needed.

For tourists:

You can’t use M-Pesa unless you get a local SIM card.
Some vendors accept international payment links or QR options.

Highlights:

Cash and cards are safer options for tourists.
Digital payments are popular, but mostly local-based.
Ask your guide or hotel about PayPal or transfer options.

Credit Card and Debit Card Payments

Cards are widely accepted in upscale hotels, lodges, and supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard are common, while Amex is rare. ATMs are easy to find in major towns and cities.

Accepted cards:

Visa and Mastercard
Limited support for Amex or Discover

Highlights:

Always carry some cash for national parks or rural towns.
Some small businesses charge extra for card usage.
Foreign cards may incur withdrawal or transaction fees.

Tipping Culture in Kenya

Tipping is customary and appreciated in Kenya, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Most salaries are low, so even small tips make a big difference. Hotels and lodges may include service charges, but direct tipping is common too.

When to tip:

Safari guides, hotel staff, drivers, porters
Restaurant servers if no service fee is added

Highlights:

KSh200–KSh500 is typical for good service.
Use local currency for tips.
Guides and drivers often rely on tips as part of their income.

Useful Tips for Tourists

Keep small bills handy for tipping, transport, and market shopping.
Download Google Translate or a currency converter app.
Don’t flash large amounts of cash in public places.
Avoid exchanging money at night or in unlicensed places.
Store extra money and valuables in your hotel safe.

FAQs About Currency in Kenya

1. What is the payment options in Kenya?
Kenya uses mobile money (mainly M-PESA), bank transfers, cash, and cards. Mobile payments dominate everyday transactions.

2. What is the best way to pay for things in Kenya?
Use M-PESA for local transactions and cash in small towns. Cards work well in big hotels and supermarkets.

3. What are the digital payment systems in Kenya?
M-PESA, Airtel Money, T-Kash, and bank apps are the main digital systems. M-PESA is the most widely used.

4. How do I receive payment in Kenya?
You can receive money via M-PESA, bank transfers, PayPal, or remittance services like WorldRemit and Wise.

5. What are the five means of payment options in Kenya?
Businesses use mobile money, bank transfers, credit/debit cards, cash, and online payment gateways.

6. Is GPay available in Kenya?
Google Pay is not widely supported in Kenya. Stick to mobile money or cards.

7. Does Kenya use PayPal?
Yes, PayPal works for online payments. It can be linked with M-PESA for withdrawals via PayPal Mobile Money service.

8. Can foreigners use M-PESA in Kenya?
Yes, foreigners can use M-PESA by buying a local SIM and registering with a passport.

9. Is Kenya cashless?
Kenya is not fully cashless, but mobile money is widely used. Many people still use cash for daily transactions.

10. Can you pay in USD in Kenya?
USD is accepted in some hotels and tour companies. Most businesses require Kenyan Shillings (KES).

11. Which payment gateway is best in Kenya?
Pesapal, Flutterwave, and iPay are among the best gateways in Kenya for online payments.

12. What is mobile wallet in Kenya?
A mobile wallet stores money on your phone for payments, transfers, and bills. M-PESA is the most popular wallet.

13. Which is the instant payment system in Kenya?
M-PESA offers instant peer-to-peer and business payments. Bank systems also offer RTGS and PesaLink for instant transfers.

14. What is the popular payment method in Kenya?
M-PESA is the most popular method across all income levels. Cash comes second, especially in remote areas.

15. What is iPay?
iPay is a Kenyan payment gateway that supports mobile money, card payments, and online checkout solutions.

16. How can I send money to someone in Kenya?
You can use M-PESA, WorldRemit, Wise, PayPal, or bank transfers to send money to Kenya.

17. What is the mode of payment in Kenya?
The main modes are mobile money, cards, bank transfers, and cash.

18. How many payment methods are there?
There are four major types: mobile money, cards, bank transfers, and cash.

19. Which bank is Tier 1, 2, or 3 in Kenya?
Tier 1: Equity, KCB, Co-operative Bank. Tier 2 and 3 include smaller or regional banks like Family Bank or Sidian Bank.

20. How to use Apple Pay in Kenya?
Apple Pay is not widely supported in Kenya. Few terminals accept it.

21. Can GPay be used in Nepal?
Google Pay is not officially supported in Nepal. Most features are restricted.

22. What is the full form of UPI?
UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface. It's used in India, not Kenya.

23. Is PayPal available in Nepal?
PayPal is available for sending payments from Nepal, but you can't receive funds.

24. Do Kenya use Cash App?
No, Cash App is not available in Kenya. Use M-PESA or PayPal instead.

25. What is the mobile payment system in Kenya?
M-PESA is the primary mobile payment system in Kenya. It's used for everything from groceries to rent.

26. How to pay for things in Kenya?
Use M-PESA, Visa/Mastercard, or cash. Most locals prefer mobile money for everyday use.

27. Can a foreigner buy a SIM card in Kenya?
Yes, with a valid passport, tourists can buy a SIM and register for M-PESA.

28. Is M-PESA only in Kenya?
M-PESA started in Kenya but is also available in Tanzania, Ghana, and a few other countries.

29. What cash to take to Kenya?
Bring Kenyan Shillings or exchange USD at the airport or forex bureaus. Avoid old or torn notes.

30. Which country uses no cash?
Sweden is among the most cashless countries. Kenya is moving in that direction with mobile payments.

32. Which payment method is most used?
In Kenya, M-PESA is the most widely used payment method, even in rural areas.

33. Where can I get instant money in Kenya?
Use M-PESA agents, ATMs, or mobile loan apps like Tala or Branch.

34. What is the M-PESA in Kenya?
M-PESA is a mobile wallet and payment service by Safaricom. It lets users send, receive, and store money via phone.

35. Is an e-wallet available in Kenya?
Yes, M-PESA, Airtel Money, and T-Kash are local e-wallets.

36. How to receive money from WorldRemit in Kenya?
Choose M-PESA or bank deposit as the delivery method. You’ll receive funds instantly on your mobile or bank.

37. Which pay system is best?
M-PESA is the best for local payments. For online and global payments, use PayPal or Flutterwave.

38. Is Pesapal in Kenya?
Yes, Pesapal is a Kenyan-based payment gateway for businesses. It supports mobile money, cards, and e-commerce payments.