Kenya Currency

How far will your money go in Kenyan Shilling?

A long way. With a favorable exchange rate for many international currencies, you'll find Kenya a fairly inexpensive destination.

One US dollar will get you a good cup of Kenya coffee in a cafe or a can of coke with change back. 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. Coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings. Bank notes(bills) are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.

You can bring in as much foreign currency as you want. You don't have to declare it on arrival.

If you're preparing to travel to Kenya, use the currency converter below for the latest exchange rate in Kenya Shillings.

Note: It opens in a new window. When you're done, simply hit the "Close" button on your browser to return to this site.

Currency Converter

Banking made easy

From the moment you land at the airport and into the city, you will notice banks, foreign exchange bureaus (Forex) and ATMs are all over. The banks are generally open from 9am to 3.30pm Mondays through Fridays, and 9.000am to 12am on the first Saturday of the month. The airport offers banking during normal business hours and a 24hr Forex Bureaus services.

The major banks have branches as well as automated teller machines (ATMs) in most large towns and cities. You can view a list of some major banks available in Kenya Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and establishments, the most recognized being Master Card, Visa and American Express. However, you will need some cash in handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Kenya's Big Banks

All the following big banks have branches in both Nairobi and Mombasa. Some have more branches in other major cities. All these banks 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/

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