What currency does Kenya use?

Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). The symbol is KSh. Banknotes come in KSh 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50. Coins are KSh 40, 20, 10, 5, and 1.

What is M-Pesa and can tourists use it?

M-Pesa is Kenya's revolutionary mobile money system used by over 30 million Kenyans. Tourists can register with a local Safaricom SIM card and passport. You can use M-Pesa to pay for almost everything: taxis, restaurants, shops, markets, and even some hotels. It is the easiest way to handle money in Kenya.

What is the Kenya Shilling exchange rate?

As of early 2026, the rate is approximately 1 USD = 128-135 KES, 1 GBP = 165-175 KES, and 1 EUR = 140-150 KES. Safari and tourism operators often quote prices in USD.

Should I bring USD or local currency to Kenya?

Bring USD for safari bookings and park fees (which are priced in USD). For everyday expenses, exchange to Shillings at forex bureaux in Nairobi or Mombasa. Many ATMs dispense both KES and USD.

How much should I tip on safari in Kenya?

For safari guides, tip $10-20 per person per day. For camp staff, $10-15 per person per day goes to a shared tip pool. City restaurants expect 10% if no service charge. Hotel porters get KSh 100-200 per bag.

Kenya Currency Guide 2026 - Shilling & M-Pesa Tips

Kenya is the birthplace of M-Pesa mobile money. Here is your complete guide to the Kenyan Shilling, M-Pesa, exchange rates, and budgeting for Nairobi, safaris, and the coast.

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES / KSh). M-Pesa mobile money is accepted almost everywhere and is the easiest way to pay.

Exchange Rates (Early 2026)

Currency	Buy Rate (KES)	Sell Rate (KES)
1 USD	128	135
1 GBP	165	175
1 EUR	140	150
1 CAD	93	100
1 AUD	82	90

Safari operators and national parks quote fees in USD. Everyday transactions are in KES.

M-Pesa - Kenya's Mobile Money

M-Pesa is essential in Kenya. Over 30 million Kenyans use it daily, and it is accepted almost everywhere.

How to Get Started as a Tourist:

Buy a Safaricom SIM card at the airport or any Safaricom shop (KSh 100 / ~$0.75)
Register for M-Pesa with your passport at a Safaricom shop or agent
Deposit cash at any M-Pesa agent (green kiosks everywhere) or at an ATM
Send money to merchants by dialing *334# on your phone

What You Can Pay With M-Pesa:

Taxis and ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber, Little Cab)
Restaurants and cafes
Supermarkets and shops
Market vendors and street food
Hotel bills and tour operators
Utility bills, airtime, and data

Transaction limits: KSh 300,000 per day ($2,300). Individual transaction max: KSh 150,000 ($1,150).

Best Places to Exchange Money

Avoid

Street money changers: Common scam targets for tourists
Hotel reception exchange: Very poor rates

ATMs and Cards

ATM networks: KCB, Equity, Standard Chartered, Barclays/Absa - widely available in cities and towns
Withdrawal limit: KSh 40,000-100,000 per transaction ($300-$770)
Foreign card fees: KSh 200-350 per withdrawal + your bank's fee
Card acceptance: Good in Nairobi malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants. Limited in rural areas and on safari.
Safari tip: Bring USD cash for park fees and tips. Cards are rarely accepted in safari camps.

Tipping Culture

Service	Suggested Tip
Restaurant (no service charge)	10% of bill
Hotel porter	KSh 100-200 per bag
Housekeeping	KSh 200-500 per day
Safari guide	$10-20 per person per day
Safari camp staff (tip pool)	$10-15 per person per day
Taxi/Uber driver	Round up or KSh 50-100
Tour guide (day trip)	$5-10 per person

Daily Budget Guide

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury / Safari
Accommodation	KSh 1,500-3,000 / $12-23	KSh 5,000-15,000 / $38-115	KSh 30,000+ / $230+
Food	KSh 300-800 / $2-6	KSh 1,500-3,000 / $12-23	KSh 5,000+ / $38+
Transport	KSh 200-500 / $2-4	KSh 1,000-3,000 / $8-23	KSh 5,000+ / $38+
Activities	KSh 500-1,000 / $4-8	KSh 2,000-5,000 / $15-38	KSh 10,000+ / $77+
Daily Total	$20-40	$70-200	$400+

Safari costs typically $200-$600 per person per day (all-inclusive at mid-range to luxury lodges).

Money Tips for Kenya

Get M-Pesa immediately: Buy a Safaricom SIM at the airport. It will be your most useful tool.
Bring USD for safaris: Park fees, tips, and some lodges only accept USD
Use new USD bills: Bills older than 2006 or torn/marked bills are often refused
Negotiate at markets: Expect to bargain at Maasai Market, City Market, etc.
Uber/Bolt work well: Use ride-hailing apps in Nairobi and Mombasa for safe, metered rides
Keep small notes: For matatus (minibuses), tips, and street food

Currency Quick Facts

Currency: Kenyan Shilling
Code: KES
Symbol: KSh
1 USD = ~128-135 KES
1 GBP = ~165-175 KES
Mobile Money: M-Pesa (essential)
Cards: Good in cities
Safari fees: Pay in USD

Money Safety

Use ATMs in malls, not on streets
Split your cash between locations
Keep safari tip money separate
Use ride-hailing apps, not street taxis
Nairobi pickpocketing is common in crowds