Kenya Travel Tips

Banking Hours are 09:00 to 15:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 11:00 on the first and last Saturday of the month; Mombasa banks open and close 30 minutes earlier. There are national and international banks in the major cities, including: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nyeri.

Nairobi has a bad reputation for crime, including pick pocketing, muggings and other violent crimes against visitors. Stay away from known trouble spots of the city and don’t wander around after dark; always take a taxi back to your hotel. It is recommended that you keep valuables out of sight. Knowing where you are going and exercising common sense is essential.

Particular parts of the country to be wary of are the northern borders with Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia and the towns of Lodwar, Loki, and Moyale. You should seek local guidance if attempting to pass through these areas by car or local transport or simply avoid the region altogether.

Emergencies: 999

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh) which is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of KSh1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50, and coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5. There are roughly 80 shillings to one US dollar.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, and hotels. Airport bureaux de change is open 24 hours a day and it is best to exchange US dollars, Sterling or Euros for cash, and US dollars or Sterling for traveller’s cheques. Major credit Cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores.

There are no currency restrictions on the import and export of local or foreign currency, but you will need authorisation from the Central Bank for sums of 500,000 shillings and above. Kenyan Shillings are difficult to exchange elsewhere so it is advisable to exchange what you have left at the airport before leaving.

Visitors over the age of 16 years can import the following goods into Kenya without duty: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco; one litre of spirits, or two litres of wine; half litre of perfume.

220V - 240V/50Hz, three-pin, UK-type plugs

Malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever are very common diseases in Kenya and you should protect yourself with a suitable mosquito repellent; such as one containing DEET. Wearing trousers and long sleeves also goes some way to protecting the skin further. Anti-malarial drugs need to be taken before leaving home and on return. Speak to a doctor immediately if you get flu-like symptoms.

The mains water in major cities is okay to drink but sticking to bottled water is advisable if you are only here for a short period as the different minerals in the mains water may upset stomachs. The milk is pasteurized in Kenya and eating in licensed restaurants is generally safe; streets vendors should be avoided, however.

Medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa are very good, but it is essential that visitors to Kenya take out a comprehensive travel insurance package that includes health insurance. The East African Flying Doctor Services operate a Tourist Membership programme that covers injured visitors on safari for free air transport.

Nairobi Hospital: Tel: +254 272 2160

Kenya is still a developing country, even though it boasts one of the leading African economies. With that said, Kenyans are fiercely patriotic, largely due to the struggle for independence from the British, and are very friendly. The country is made up of many ethnic groups and tribes spread throughout the land and although Western visitors are a common sight in Kenya, don’t be surprised to receive lots of attention in remote areas.

With the British influence in Kenya, many customs will not seem so alien to outsiders; Kenyan’s shake hands on greeting and dress is informal. Christianity is the main religion in Kenya and there are also Muslim areas mainly along the coastline. While it is okay to wear traditional beach attire on the beaches in these regions, strolling around town in shorts and vests is not advised and women should keep arms and legs covered.

Tipping is not expected in Kenya, although a tip of 20 shillings to restaurant bills if no service charge has been added is the norm. There is no set amount however and there is no need to tip at hotels and restaurants that already add a 10 per cent service charge to the bill.

Tax-free shopping is available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mombasa’s Moi International Airport.

Kenya’s telephone code is +254 and calling overseas from major cities, including Nairobi or Mombasa, is straightforward. Telephone boxes are similar to the red UK-type telephone boxes and rates are reasonable, while hotel rates will always be more expensive.

Most visitors will require a visa to gain entry to Kenya, apart from South Africans who only need a valid passport to gain entry. Visitor visas are valid for 90 days and cost US$50. You can obtain a visa on entry to Kenya, although it is advisable to apply in your home country to avoid possible delays. Passports must be valid for at least six months on arrival and visitors must also have a return ticket or onward ticket of travel.