Money in Kenya
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- KESKenyan shilling
- Symbol
- KSh
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Kenya
Mobile money is widely used locally. Carry some cash outside cities.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Smaller businesses and rural areas may take only cash or mobile money. Carry some cash for incidentals and outside Nairobi.
- ATMs
- ATMs are found at banks, petrol stations and malls in Nairobi and other urban areas. Use ATMs inside a bank, mall or secure booth, and choose to be charged in KES if offered.
- Foreign currency
- Tourism prices are often quoted in US dollars and USD, GBP and EUR cash is generally accepted, but shillings are better for everyday purchases.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at banks, licensed forex bureaux or reputable hotel desks, where bureaux usually beat banks and hotels give poorer rates. Street changing is illegal and the airport banks at Nairobi and Mombasa offer 24-hour exchange (per World Travel Guide).
- Watch out for
- US dollar note rules differ by source: Rough Guides says under five years old, Chalo Africa says issued after 2006, and SafariFind says confirm the accepted series with your operator. Card payments for tourist services may carry a surcharge of about 5% (Rough Guides).
Tipping in Kenya
Tip safari guides, drivers and camp staff. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Rough Guides, SafariFind, World Travel Guide, Chalo Africa, Jacada Travel, Asilia Africa.
Convert to and from KES
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 130 KES | 145 KES | 174 KES |
| 10 | 1,299 KES | 1,455 KES | 1,743 KES |
| 50 | 6,494 KES | 7,275 KES | 8,714 KES |
| 100 | 12,988 KES | 14,550 KES | 17,428 KES |
| 500 | 64,938 KES | 72,750 KES | 87,138 KES |
What each amount is worth in KES. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Kenya use?
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES).
Do you need to tip in Kenya?
Expected. Tip safari guides, drivers and camp staff. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added.
Can you pay by card in Kenya?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Smaller businesses and rural areas may take only cash or mobile money. Carry some cash for incidentals and outside Nairobi.
Are there ATMs in Kenya?
ATMs are found at banks, petrol stations and malls in Nairobi and other urban areas. Use ATMs inside a bank, mall or secure booth, and choose to be charged in KES if offered.