The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling, not to be confused with the Tanzanian and Ugandan shillings, which are different currencies. The written abbreviation of the Kenyan shilling is either KSh or /=. Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 KSh, while coins are 5, 10, and 20 KSh. Kenyan shillings can be used to pay for most things, though U.S. dollars are accepted by airlines and some larger hotels and can be used to pay national park entry fees. The exchange rate has been pretty steady against the U.S. dollar in recent years and at press time it was about 70KSh to $1. For an up-to-date currency converter, go to www.xe.com/ucc.
Currency Exchange -- Cash and traveler's checks can be exchanged at the major banks, money exchange houses, and some hotels. Both Nairobi and Mombasa's airports have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are U.S. dollars, British pounds, and euros. Do not change money on the black market; it is illegal and you risk going to a jail or being swindled.
ATMs -- The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). Most banks in Kenya have ATMs, and they are also being installed in petrol (gas) stations in Nairobi and Mombasa. However, in remote regions they are few and far between.
Credit Cards -- Credit cards are a safe alternative to cash. They are widely accepted in hotels, souvenir stores, and upscale restaurants, and can be used to pay for safaris. If you're buying trinkets in a market or cigarettes at the corner kiosk, expect to pay in cash.
