Khanga,
kitenge and
kikoi cloths may be bought in markets. The Masai market is held in Nairobi city center on Tuesdays. There is a particularly good cooperative shop in Machakos which sells
kiondos, bags stained with natural dyes and with strong leather straps.
Makonde woodcarvings are sold throughout the country, and young Kamba and Masai men sell carvings and necklaces on the beaches of the south coast.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1400-1730.
Note: The sale of souvenirs made of wildlife skins (this includes reptiles) and
shells is forbidden.
Currency Information:CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KES1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KES20, 10 and 5.
Currency ExchangeCurrency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The bank at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Major hotels now also accept payment by credit card, as do major safari companies, travel agencies and restaurants. There are over 140 ATMs.
Traveller's ChequesThese can be changed at banks, and are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1500; 0900-1100 on the first and last Saturday of each month. National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho, Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Many of the banks and bureaux de change at the international airports open 24 hours every day.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | KES136.88 |
| $1.00= | KES69.28 |
| €1.00= | KES92.69 |
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