Basics
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Money
Currency
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (symbol: Sh), code KES.
Banknotes come in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 shillings. Shilling is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 40, 20, 10, 5 and 1 shillings and 50 cents.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Kenya since staff depend on tips to supplement their often minimum wages.
ATMs
Automatic teller machines (local name: ATM) are rare in Kenya. Your best bet is to look for them in large cities and community places.
You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Communications
Internet
Internet speed in Kenya is on average 5.0 Mbps.
WiFi coverage in Kenya is low. It is not as easy to find one.
Mobile phone
Kenya uses GSM mobile networks GSM 900 and GSM 1800.
If you don't want to buy SIM card in Kenya upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Dial code
To call Kenya, dial +, then 254 (the country code for Kenya), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.
For local calls within Kenya, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 20 .
Health & safety
LGBTIQ+
Homosexual practices are illegal in Kenya. Punishment includes imprisonment and a fine.
Same-sex marriage is illegal.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.
Travel advisories
Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.
