Kenya: Payment methods & tips

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Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

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Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Kenya shilling KES

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; KES 500'000.00 or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; USD 5'000.00 or more must be declared

Export local currency
unlimited; KES 500'000.00 or more must be declared

Export foreign currency
unlimited; USD 5'000.00 and more must be declared

Credit cards

Pay without cash at merchant locations, for hotel bookings and auto rentals
Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.
Use credit card with caution. Unauthorized use is widespread.

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Useful tips from our experts:

It is possible to withdrawal cash in the following cities: Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret und Malindi.
Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.
Severe penalties for violations of currency laws.
Keep exchange and transaction receipts.
Currency exchange not advised on the black market.
Prior to leaving the country, it is advisable to spend local banknotes or to exchange them back into hard currency. Exchanging KES in Switzerland may cause problems and result in considerable exchange loss.

Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 2 h / + 1 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

Swahili and English

Capital

Nairobi

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 041 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

230/240 volt / adapter required

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay with visa, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Nairobi, General Mathenge Drive 89, Spring Valley, Westlands
Tel. +254 20 267 3282

Opening hours

Banks

9.00 - 13.00/14.00 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 11.00 h (Sat)

Stores

8.00 - 12.30 h and 14.00 - 17.30 h (Mon - Sat)

Driving

Left-hand driving.
Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 2 years previously, varies by rental company.
Minimum age for car rentals: 23 (varies by rental company).
International driver's licence recommended.
Driving exposes travelers to substantial risks.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Mosquito protection advised.
Year-round risk of malaria throughout the country.
Vaccination against yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Cultural characteristics

Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

Other information

Security

Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.
Visitors are advised to observe elementary safety precautions and to inquire at local police stations about risks related to itinerary and time of travel.
Walking the streets after nightfall is not advised.
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.
Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs (up to life imprisonment).

Travel advice for Kenya.