Travellers’ cheques are typically accepted in large towns only and international credit cards are only accepted by upmarket lodges, major hotels and a few large retailers in Kenya. We therefore recommend that you bring most of your cash requirements during your trip (mainly for visa, gratuities and local purchase) in US$ in cash. 100 US$ bank notes achieve better exchange rates than smaller denominations. Please, make sure that none of the bank notes you bring to Africa have been printed before 2003. Bank notes printed before 2003 are carrying a higher risk of counterfeit and are therefore often not accepted.

Banking Hours
Banks in Nairobi and other large towns open from 9am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and 9am –11 pm on Saturdays. Banks are normally closed on Sundays and other Government holidays but you can always use the ATMs, if you have a valid ATM card. Some banks at the international airports open round the clock every day, as do the new foreign exchange bureaux.

Credit Cards and ATMs
International credit cards are only accepted by upmarket lodges, major hotels and some larger retailers in Kenya. 24 hour access to your account can be facilitated by a network of ATMs countrywide. Barclays Bank has over 50 Barclaycash ATMs located within the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa and other major towns. Standard Chartered Bank’s computer network allows access to over 60 Moneylink ATMs situated at all its stations and other strategic locations countrywide. Standard Chartered Bank and Barclaycash ATMs accept any international VISA and MASTER credit card

Travellers Cheques and Cash
Travellers’ cheques are typically accepted in large towns only. We therefore recommend that you bring part of your cash requirements during your trip (mainly for visa, gratuities and local purchase) in US$ in cash. 100 US$ bank notes achieve better exchange rates than smaller denominations. Please, make sure that none of the bank notes you bring to Africa have been printed before 2003. Bank notes printed before 2003 are carrying a higher risk of counterfeit and are therefore often not accepted. It is highly recommended to carry plenty of small change with you during your Africa trip, for small payments, tips, alms etc. It is also advisable for visitors to use up or convert back any local currency before leaving, as it will be difficult to change once overseas.