Kenya travel tips
arriving
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport: The airport is approximately half an hour’s drive from Nairobi’s city center. taxis are readily available, but set the fare before you get in.
Moi International Airport: The airport is about 10 minutes from the city center, please allow an extra half hour for your trip to the south coast due to the ferry crossing.
Visas: Most visitors to Kenya require a visa. Multiple and single entry visas are available. Applications can be made at any Kenyan high commission or embassy prior to travel. Single entry visa (obtainable on arrival) is USD 50 (correct at time of printing) or local currency equivalent.
Lost baggage: Visit the lost baggage counter in the baggage hall before going through customs.
Move
Self-drive-in Kenya Most international car rental companies operate in Kenya. Vehicles travel on the left hand side of the road and most cars are right hand drive. A current driver’s license with photo is accepted for a stay of up to three months.
Public transport: City buses operate at reasonably low fares that are paid to the driver. Matatus: Private minibuses are plentiful but often full.
Keep in contact
Post Offices: Open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.
Telephone services: Public pay phones (card and coin) are automated. Phone cards can be purchased at post offices or international calling offices. International calls can be dialed directly (Code 000) or assisted by operator (dial 0195/6)
Mobile phones. Use Safaricom or Celt. All major urban areas or many coastal regions have reception. Pay as you go SIM cards are readily available.
Internet
Internet cafes are becoming more common. Emails can also be sent from hotels, as can faxes and telexes.
money matters
Currency Kenyan Shilling (KSH) currently around Ksh67 per USD
Currency Regulations There are no restrictions on the movement of currency into Kenya for currency transactions.
Banking: You can exchange foreign currency in banks, exchange houses or hotels. Banks are open from 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday and from 9 am to 11:30 am on Saturday of each month. Banks in coastal towns open half an hour earlier. Some airport banks remain open 24/7
ATMS 24-hour access can be found at most ATMs across the country. Most accepted international VISA cards
Credit Cards- All major international cards are accepted.
Tcs Travelers Wedges are accepted at most banks, offices and hotels.
Hotel bill payments: can usually be paid in shillings or foreign convertible currency.
you good
Emergency services dial 911
Hospital: Nairobi and Mombasa have good hospitals that offer an emergency service.
Medical expenses Even with insurance coverage, consultations and treatment will have to be paid for and the cost will be claimed later.
General information
Voltage: All regions of Kenya are powered by 240 volts AC. The plug in use intended for Kenya is the three foot square type, 13 amps.
Safety It is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated towns or beach areas, especially after dark. Use common sense to prevent opportunistic opportunities.
Tipping is appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge
The water in most hotels in the city is usually safe to drink. However, when in doubt, bottled water is available. Most Safari lodges provide filtered water. The water is precious; Your help in using it sparingly is appreciated.
Public holidays in Kenya
January 1 New Year’s Day
may 1 labor day
June 1 Makadara (Self-rule) Day
October 10 Day of me
October 20 Kenyatta Day
December 12 Jamhuri (Independence/Republic) Day
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day
Moving dates Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid-ul-fitr