USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT KENYA

Currency   Tipping   Time, Public Holidays, Business Hours
Post   Telecommunications   Internet   Media   Electricity

Currency

The official currency in Kenya is the Kenya Shilling, abbreviated “KSh” or “/=”. There are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shilling bills. Available coins are 5, 10, and 20 Shillings.

When visiting Kenya you should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and Euros. Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, which you can also use at most banks for cash withdrawal. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. It is recommended to exchange any surplus cash before departing for your home country. The departure tax can be paid in both local and foreign currency. Anyone wishing to take more than 500 000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorisation from the Central Bank.

Back to the top

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya, however drivers, waiters and hotel staff can be tipped at your discretion.

Back to the top

Time, Public Holidays and Business Hours

The time-zone in Kenya is GMT+3 in the whole country.

Public holidays include:

Kenyan businesses are open 9 to 5 from Monday to Friday, though some also trade on Saturday. (lunchbreak between 1 and 2pm). Banks close earlier at 3pm, however many banks are now equipped with 24 hour cash withdrawal machines.

Back to the top

Post

Kenya has a good postal service for both local and international post. You can obtain stamps at most lodges or hotels and there are post offices and post boxes in most towns. The rates vary depending on weight and sizeof the letter/parcel.

Back to the top

Telecommunications

Kenya has a telecommunications network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections and is in the process of introducing fibre optic cables.

Most hotels and lodges offer international telephone and fax services. In larger towns, private telecommunication centres also offer international services. If your mobile phone has a roaming connection you can make use of Kenya’s cellular networks, which cover most larger towns and tourist areas. When calling Kenya, the international prefix is +254.

Back to the top

Internet

Many hotels and lodges offer email and internet services. You can also go to one ofthe many internet cafés or private business centres that offer access to the WWW.

Back to the top

Media

There are several English language newspapers in Kenya i.e.The Daily Nation or The East African Standard, a weekly newspaper sold throughout Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. There are two seperate Swahili newspapers, Taifa Leo and Kenya Leo. There is also locally produced television and radio media. International newspapers and magazines are also widely available in Kenya. Digital Satellite Television has become widespread throughout Kenya. Many hotels provide this South African based service, offering a range of channels.

Back to the top

Electricity

The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz. Plugs are 3 point square. If you intend to bring electrical equipment, please also bring voltage and plug adaptors.

Back to the top