Kenya Travel
Need to know facts for the traveler
Entry Requirements for Kenya. Visas, Embassies, Consulates and Customs information.
Following you will find some practical information that we thought you may find useful when planning your Kenya travel and could use during your stay in Kenya.
- Basic Facts
- Alcohol & Drugs
- ATM Machines
- Dress code & Social etiquette
- Emergency, Health Services & Phone Numbers
- Kenya Tourist Information office
- Driving Permit
- Internet Access
- Phone Services
- Money matters
Basic Kenya Facts
| Currency | Kenya Shilling (KES). See more information on Kenya currency and conversion |
| Electric Voltage | Current is 220/240AC 50HZ. See photo of plug adapter you need in Kenya |
| Language | Swahili and English are the official languages in Kenya. Swahili is the national language while English is the language of business. Kenyans speak other local languages as well. |
| Holidays & Business Hours | In addition to X-mas and Easter Holidays, Kenya celebrates nine public holidays. See Kenyan Holidays for more information on holidays celebrated in Kenya and business/shopping hours. Most businesses, banks, schools and government offices close during holidays. |
| Kenya Newspapers | Four major local Newspapers. See our Newspapers page for more information |
| Temperature | 45-93 F on Average. More about the climate and weather in Kenya |
| Time Zone | GMT +3 | Topography | Low-lying coastal region fringed with coral reefs and islands. Some dry regions covered with savannah and thornbush. Rich plateaus(highlands) as high as 10,000ft to arid and semi-arid north Kenya. |
Alcohol & Drugs
Kenyas drinking age is 18. Drinking culture in Kenya is more relaxed and not as strict as the U.S. Theres no law restricting a drivers Blood Alcohol level. However, it is illegal to drink out of a bottle in the streets of many cities. Drugs and Narcotics are illegal in Kenya, and it is strictly enforced.
ATM Machines
ATM Machines are available 24hrs on all major banks. You will incur a small international transaction fee for using your ATM Debit/Credit card.
Clothes in Kenya, Dress code & Etiquette
If youre going to Kenya on vacation, holiday, Safari or just for fun, bring light-to-moderate casual wear; cargo pants, jeans, cotton shirts and the like. Dress code in Kenyan culture is conservative. Also, many Kenyans adhere to different cultural, religious and customary dress style. Jeans and decent tops for ladies are perfect. For business, you can keep it business-casual, however, business suits and formal wear are more preferred. Swimsuits are acceptable at the beach but not in public places.
Evening Wear: Kenyans dress up for occasions, when going clubbing/dancing or when going out to dinner. In some restaurants and clubs you will probably be fine wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but if you are considering dining at more up-scale restaurants or having a social night out, you may want to show off your nicer clothing and join the party!
Kenyans are very humble and friendly. In whatever you do, respect their customs and culture and you will enjoy a pleasant relationship.
Emergency Services & Phone Numbers
For information on emergency phone numbers, Police stations, fire department, Ambulance and hospitals, visit our Emergency services page.
Kenya Tourist Information office
Kenya Tourist BoardKenya-Re Towers, Ragati Road
PO BOX 30630 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 271 1262
Fax: +254 20 271 9925 http://www.magicalkenya.com/
Driving Permit
You can use your current permit/driver's license from your country for as long as it's valid and you have held it for a minimum of 2 years. International Drivers permit/license is also acceptable. And when you drive in Kenya, please drive on the left side of the road.
Internet Access
Internet Access is extensively available in all major hotels and lodges. Business centers and Internet Cybercafès are popular in most cities across Kenya. Simply walk in and pay per use. Internet access is however limited in very remote towns and camping sites.
Phone Services
Kenya has a very accessible GSM cellular network. You can purchase a cheap handset in Kenya and buy local calling cards to make your international calls. Alternatively, if you own a handset that accepts SIM cards, you can buy local cards and save money, as long as you've unlocked your phone. Before your travel to Kenya, call your carrier to ask for unlock codes or search the Internet for instructions. When you convert your phone to a Kenya Phone, you do not pay for incoming calls only the calls you originate.
Money matters
Currency in Kenya is Kenya Shillings (KSHS). Most major currencies are accepted and you can convert to Kenya Shillings at the nearest bank or Forex Bureau. Although the Kenya Shilling often fluctuates, it is always much lower in value compared to other major currencies such as US$, Sterling pound or the Euro. Use the currency converter to get an up-date currency value.
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.
Travelers Checks are widely accepted at restaurants, stores and major hotels. American Express and Visa are the most recognized brands of travelers checks in Kenya. Always have a photo ID, and never sign them until you are ready to use them. If they are lost or stolen, contact the company that issued them, it may be wise to contact the police, some of the companies that issue them may require a police report.
Major Banks are widely available throughout Kenya. They operate through business hours of 9am-3pm(Mon-Fri) including one Saturday of every month. Kenya Banks are closed on weekends and during Kenya holidays. See more information on banks available in Kenya.
Tipping: Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge in their bill. Although tipping is not mandatory, you may tip porters and taxi drivers at your discretion. 10% is customary in restaurants, clubs and bars where a service charge is not included.
If there is any other information that you feel would be useful on this Kenya travel page, please send us an e-mail. Your feedback is very much appreciated.
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