It is advisable to carry some cash when traveling to Kenya. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, there are still many places where cash is the preferred form of payment. This is especially true for smaller businesses, local markets, and street vendors.
When it comes to cash, it is recommended to bring 50 or 100 dollar bills that are issued after 2005. Older bills or smaller denominations may be more difficult to exchange or may attract lower exchange rates. It’s always a good idea to check the condition of the bills as well, as torn or damaged currency may also be refused by exchange offices or banks.
Travelers checks, on the other hand, are not commonly used or accepted in Kenya. Many banks do not accept them, and those that do may offer a much lower exchange rate compared to cash or cards. It can be quite inconvenient and time-consuming to find a bank that is willing to accept travelers checks. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid relying on them as a primary form of payment.
In terms of cards, it is advisable to carry a Visa or MasterCard, as these are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it’s important to inform your bank or credit card provider about your travel plans to prevent any potential issues with card usage while abroad. It’s also a good idea to have a backup card or some cash as a contingency in case of any unexpected situations.
Personal Experience: During my trip to Kenya, I found it essential to have cash on hand. While I was able to use my credit card for larger purchases and in major cities, there were several instances where cash was the only accepted form of payment. For example, when I visited local markets or wanted to buy street food, cash was necessary. Additionally, when traveling to more remote areas or engaging with local communities, cash was often the preferred method of payment. Therefore, having a sufficient amount of cash in the right denominations made my trip more convenient and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the local culture and experiences.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Kenya, it is still advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller denominations such as 50 or 100 dollar bills issued after 2005. Travelers checks are not commonly used or accepted, and it can be challenging to find banks that will exchange them. Instead, it is recommended to rely on cash and cards, such as Visa or MasterCard, which are widely accepted. Informing your bank about your travel plans and having a backup card or some cash as a contingency is also a wise decision.