Africa
Money, cards and tipping in Kenya
KESShilling
Money in Kenya
Mixed: cards and cash M-Pesa runs daily life, from street food to matatus; cards work in malls, hotels and lodges. Carry some cash for small vendors. US$1 ≈ KSh129.56 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants unless service is included; safari guides and camp staff expect tips, and operators suggest daily amounts.
- ATMs: Plentiful in towns; use machines inside banks or malls. Few or none in national parks.
- Paying by phone: Register M-Pesa with your passport on a Safaricom SIM and top up at agents; Apple Pay works at some terminals.
- Price level: about 34% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards in malls, hotels and restaurants; M-Pesa and cash for matatus, markets and street food. Use ATMs inside malls. |
| Maasai Mara | Mostly cash | Camps take cards and sometimes USD. Carry KES cash and M-Pesa for Talek shops, tips and curios; ATMs are in Narok, not the reserve. |
| Diani Beach | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards at resorts and larger restaurants; cash or M-Pesa for tuk-tuks, markets and beach vendors. ATMs in Ukunda and malls. |
| Mombasa | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards in malls, hotels and larger restaurants; cash and M-Pesa for matatus, markets and Old Town shops. |
| Lamu | Mostly cash | Mostly cash and M-Pesa; a few hotels and restaurants take cards. Bring shillings from Mombasa or Nairobi; ATMs are limited. |
| Watamu | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards at larger hotels and some restaurants; cash and M-Pesa for tuk-tuks and small places. ATMs in Watamu and Malindi. |
| Naivasha | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards at lodges and some restaurants; cash and M-Pesa for matatus, markets and park fees. ATMs in Naivasha town. |
| Malindi | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards in hotels and upscale restaurants; M-Pesa is used almost everywhere. Carry cash for tuk-tuks, markets and beach vendors. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Kenya?
About 10% in restaurants unless service is included; safari guides and camp staff expect tips, and operators suggest daily amounts.
Is Kenya cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. M-Pesa runs daily life, from street food to matatus; cards work in malls, hotels and lodges. Carry some cash for small vendors.
What currency does Kenya use?
The Shilling (KES). US$1 ≈ KSh129.56 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kenya
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (Directorate of Immigration Services)
- Kenya eFNS: Class N Digital Nomad Permit
- Speedtest Global Index: Kenya
- World Bank open data
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