Kenya Currency

How Far Will Your Money go in Kenyan Shilling?

You can go a long way with Kenya currency. With a favorable exchange rate for many international currencies, you'll find Kenya a fairly inexpensive destination.

For example:

One US dollar will get you a good cup of Kenyan coffee in a cafe or a can of coke with change back, when it is converted to Kenya currency. An economy class return flight between Nairobi and Mombasa will cost about $170.

One British pound will buy you a good cup of Kenya tea and a daily newspaper.

kenya currency

The currency unit in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (KES), comprising 100 cents (c). Coins are available in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings.

Bank notes(bills) are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.

You can bring as much foreign currency as you want into the country and you don't have to declare it on arrival.

Currency Converter

If you are preparing to travel to Kenya, use the currency converter below to find the most up-to-date exchange rate in Kenya shillings.

Note: The currency converter will open in a new window. It displays your entered amount of money in Kenya currency or any other currency you select. When you're done, simply hit the "Close" button on your browser to return to this site.

Currency Converter

Banking Made Easy in Kenya

From the moment you land at the airport and arrive in the city, you will notice an abundant number of banks, foreign exchange bureaus (Forex) and automated teller machines (ATMs). You can use their services to convert your money to Kenya currency. The banks are open for business between 9.00 am and 3.30 pm Mondays through Fridays, and between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm on the first Saturday of each month. The airport offers banking during normal business hours, in addition to 24-hour Forex bureau services.

The major banks have branches, as well as ATMs, in most large towns and cities. You can use your foreign ATM/debit cards in Kenya; however, you will incur a small international transaction fee every time you use your card.

Below is a list of some of the major banks available in Kenya. Each of these banks will convert your money to Kenya currency and offer other banking and financial services, including cashing travelers checks (cheques). Credit cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and establishments, with the most recognized cards being MasterCard, Visa and American Express. It is still important to remember to keep some cash in hand because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Kenya's Big Banks

All of the following big banks have branches in both Nairobi and Mombasa. Some have additional branches in other major cities. All of these banks also offer banking and foreign exchange (Forex) services.

Major Foreign Exchange Services/Forex Bureaus

Nairobi

ABC Place Forex Bureau Ltd, ABC Place Ground Floor, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Telephone:(020) 4450445, 4450006, 4450446

Chase Bureau De Change, Gilfillian Hse Ground Floor Kenyatta Ave/Banda St , Telephone:(020) 2227777

Euro Dollar Bureau Ltd De Change Ltd, Mpaka Hse, Mpaka Rd, Westlands, Telephone: (020) 4448501

Gigiri Forex Bureau Ltd, Gigiri Shopping Centre, U. N. Avenue, Telephone: (020) 7121515

Karen Bureau De Change Ltd, Karen Shopping Centre, Telephone: (020) 884674

Maxfair Forex Bureau, Standard Bldg Ground Floor, Wabera St, Telephone: (020) 226212

Muthaiga Forex Bureau De Change Ltd, Muthaiga Shopping Centre, Limuru Rd, Telephone: (020) 3748883

Nairobi Bureau De Change Ltd, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Unit 2, Telephone: Tel: (020) 822884

Pearl Forex Bureau Ltd, Unipen Apartments Ground Floor, Hurlingham, Telephone: (020) - 2724769

Pinnacle Forex Bureau Ltd, Corner Hse Ground Floor Kimathi St, Telephone: (020) 249283

Travellers Forex Bureau, The Mall Westlands, Lower Ground Floor, Telephone: (020) 4447204

Village Market Forex Bureau, Village Market, Opposite Food Court, 1st Floor Limuru Rd, Telephone: (020) 7122901

Yaya Centre Exchange Bureau Ltd, Yaya Centre 2nd Flr Argwings Kodhek Rd, Telephone: (020) 3869097

Mombasa

Coast Forex Bureau Ltd, City Hse, Moi Ave, Telephone: (041) 2225140

Fort Jesus Forex Bureau Ltd, Ndia Kuu Rd, Mombasa, Telephone: (041) - 2230116

Leo Forex Bureau Ltd, TSS Towers Ground Floor, Nkrumah Road, Telephone: (041) 2230396

Maritime Forex Bureau, Diani Beach Rd, Telephone: (040) 3202660

Pwani Forex Bureau Ltd, Telephone: (041) 2221727, http://www.pwaniforex.com/

Related Information About Kenya

Find the easiest, fastest and most economical way to book your flight to Kenya

Where to Stay: Accommodation and Hotels in Kenya. Book online.

Book Domestic & Regional Flights. Travel around Kenya & Africa.

Kenya Safaris - different choices and possibilities for a safari in Kenya.

Travel smart: Need to know facts about Kenya for the traveler - visa information, dress code, money matters and more.

Travel smart: find books about Kenya travel, including books by Kenyan authors, or about Kenya's culture, religion and more