Currency Guide Kenya

Currency

Kenyan Shilling = 100 cent(s). Notes are in denominations KES1000, 500, 200, 100, 50

To view images and descriptions of all these denominations [click here]

Credit Cards

Restaurants, hotels, lodges and big shops accept the major credit cards. Because of the difficulties in telephone communications and occasional power shortages, at the time of payment you may have to pay in cash or travellers cheques, so it is best to carry cash with you.

Currency Regulations

The import and export of local and foreign currencies is free. However, amounts over KES500,000 or USD5,000 or equivalent must be declared. Currencies whose export is restricted may not be imported to Kenya.

Also note that visitors to Kenya must settle hotel bills in foreign currency or against an external account.

[Click Here] for more information on doing a money transfer to Kenya.

Currency Exchange

The most favourable exchange rates are usually found at the exchange offices, found in the city centres. You can also exchange currency at any of the large hotels, even if you are not a guest, but only a small amount at a time (usually the equivalent of USD100 ). It is a good idea to keep all receipts for any money exchange until you have left the country. In rural areas, in addition to the National Bank of Kenya, it is frequent to find an office of the Barclays Bank, which will allow you to obtain certain amounts of cash that can be charged to your credit card as a cash advance.

Banks

Banks are open from 9 AM to 2 PM Mondays to Fridays, except the airport banks which open 24 hours. Some banks open the first and last Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 AM.

Exchange Rate History

Date   KES Rate
01/01/02   111.511
01/01/03   121.450
01/01/04   132.610
01/01/05   147.030
01/01/06   120.989

A rough guide to the tourists rates for the Kenyan Shilling since the beginning of 2002

View Kenyan Shilling exchange Rate

Order Kenyan Shilling

Register for an International money Transfer to Kenya