The city and town centers usually have
markets that sell
curios such as African drums, old brass and copper, batiks, soapstone knick-knacks, carved chess sets, and large wooden carvings of animals or salad bowls carved from a single piece of teak,
mninga or ebony. Masai items such as beaded jewelry, decorated gourds and the distinctive red-checked blankets worn by all Masai men make good souvenirs.
Khanga,
kitenge and
kikoi cloths
are ideal to use as sarongs (common in East Africa for both men and women), and Kenyan baskets made from sisal
and leather are also popular. Most of the tourist areas have abundant stalls and markets selling these items; you will be expected to haggle good-naturedly over prices.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1400-1730. Some Muslim supermarkets and other businesses close on Friday afternoons.
Note: The exportation of souvenirs made from wildlife skins (this includes reptiles) and shells is forbidden.
Currency Information:CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.
Currency ExchangeCurrency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The banks 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. Almost every bank now has an ATM and in the cities they are increasingly being installed at petrol stations.
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.
Currency RestrictionsRestrictions apply.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1100. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. The banks at the international airports open 24 hours every day. Bureaux de change have longer hours and in the cities open on Sundays.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | KSh115.48 |
| $1.00= | KSh78.99 |
| €1.00= | KSh105.23 |
Next Page »
