Currency
The
unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KSh),
which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in
KSh1000, 500, 200, 100,40, 50, 20 and 10. Coins
are KSH1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.
Basic Costs
EXCHANGE
RATE
The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally,
you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment
cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent
establishments elsewhere in the world. The price
of a beer starts at KSh70. A traditional meal
will cost about KSh350, while you can expect to
pay about KSh500-3000 for a more classy meal.
Petrol costs about KSh70 per litre. A roll of
36-exposure print film will cost about KSh200.
BANKS
Banking hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 14:00
First Sat of each month 09:00 – 11:00
National and international banks have branches
in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho
and Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks
in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close
half an hour earlier. Banks and bureaux de change
at international airports are open 24 hours a
day
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Diners
Club and American Express) are widely accepted.
TIPPING
This is not required but, unlike in some other
African countries, is not forbidden either. Most
hotels include a 16% service charge on the bill.
If the service charge has not been included a
KSh100 tip is usual, although the amount is entirely
at the visitor’s discretion. Bear in mind
that salaries in East Africa tend to be very low,
and that people working in service industries
rely on tips to supplement their wages. On safari
you should tip your driver, cook and guide. These
people do not earn very much so you should tip
as much as you feel you can, about KSh250 per
employee per day is about right, but of course
this depends on you and how happy you were with
your service.
Souvenirs
As
in most African countries, there is a huge range
of cheap souvenirs to be purchased along the roadside.
These are handmade, but mass produced so always
check the quality before buying. Materials include
ebony, soapstone and ivory. Note that it is illegal
to export products that contain any elements of
elephant, rhino or sea turtle. Tribal souvenirs
are available, including Maasai beaded jewellery,
kiondas (woven sisal baskets) and natural or decorated
calabashes (dried gourds). Bright sarongs (kangas
or kikois) make good wearable souvenirs. If you
are after quality artwork, it is probably wisest
to look in galleries and shops that deal in it,
rather than buying on the black market.
