Currency
The Kenyan shilling is the local currency. Exchange rates move, so avoid embedding a rate into a long-term itinerary. Use reputable banks, authorised exchange desks or ATMs, and count cash discreetly.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities and many lodges, but terminals can fail when connectivity drops. Inform your bank about travel, carry more than one payment method and keep a small amount of cash for tips, markets and places without reliable card systems.
Mobile money
M-Pesa is deeply integrated into daily Kenyan life. Visitors with eligible local SIM registration may be able to use mobile money, but setup and identification rules change. Do not assume every traveller will be able to activate it immediately.
Cash planning
Carry smaller notes for tips and incidental purchases. Remote lodges may not have an ATM, and park gates increasingly use cashless systems. Keep cash in more than one secure place and never travel with a visibly large bundle.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in much of the safari and mountain industry but should remain voluntary. Ask your operator for current guidance and how pooled staff tips are handled. On a mountain, guides, cooks and porters usually have different responsibilities; transparent distribution matters.
SIM cards and data
Major Kenyan networks cover cities and many towns, while conservancies, mountains and northern routes can have weak or no service. SIM registration requires identification. Download maps, tickets, insurance and emergency contacts before leaving reliable coverage.
Electricity
Kenya uses 240V electricity and mainly Type G plugs. Power cuts and generator hours are possible at remote properties. Carry a power bank, spare camera batteries and a compact extension or multi-port charger if you have several devices.
Do not send deposits to a personal account simply because a WhatsApp message asks you to. Verify business details and payment instructions through a second channel.
Reviewed 4 August 2026
Cards, cash and mobile money
Cards are widely accepted in established tourism businesses, but power, network or terminal failures happen. Carry a sensible backup rather than relying on one payment method. Kenyan mobile money is central to local commerce, but short-term visitor access depends on current mobile-network registration rules.
Currency practice
Confirm whether a quote is in Kenya shillings or US dollars, which exchange rate applies, and whether taxes, park fees, transfers and card charges are included. Avoid travelling with large amounts of visible cash.
Connectivity expectations
Nairobi and major towns have strong mobile data in many areas. Coverage becomes uneven in parks, mountains and northern Kenya. Lodge Wi‑Fi may be limited to common spaces or specific hours. Download maps, documents and entertainment before remote travel.
Digital safety
Use strong device locks, enable account recovery, avoid sensitive transactions on unknown public Wi‑Fi and keep a separate backup of essential travel documents.