The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. The written abbreviation is either KSh or using /= after the amount (ie 500/=)
Available Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. Available coins are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and EURO.
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya.
Before departure, travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.
Photographic Guide
Kenya is one of the great photographer’s destinations. The great diversity of landscapes, people, wildlife and history make for unparalleled photo opportunities.
For the dedicated photographer, a trip to Kenya is the chance of a lifetime. Come fully prepared and equipped to take full advantage of the ideal photographic environment. Bring along even more film than you may think you need. Good quality film is available in Nairobi and other large towns, though you may not be able to purchase film while on safari or visiting remote areas.
For early mornings and late afternoons and in other low light conditions, it is best to have some ASA/ISO 200, 400, or even faster film, but for good daylight conditions ASA/ISO 50 and 100 speed film will suffice. A good 35mm SLR Camera with interchangeable lenses is highly recommended.
Bring a long lens (an 80mm-200mm zoom lens is best) for wildlife photography, while a 35mm-70mmlens is a good general lens for landscapes. For bright conditions a UV filter may be helpful. Those with an interest in flowers or insect life may wish to pack a macro.
Some safari companies provide rooftop camera mounts or bean bag camera rests . Bring a good solid camera and kit bag to cope with travel and handling. A lens cleaning cloth and a blower brush will be necessary to cope with dust. If you have a Digital or Hi8 Video camera bring plenty of tape and long life batteries and adaptors for their rechargers (the electricity supply is 220 Volt, 50 Hz with a square pin 13 amp plug). Most hotels have charging facilities.
A good pair of binoculars are very important both for everyday game viewing and for scoping good photo opportunities. Birders may wish to bring a spotter scope and tripod.
Time, Public Holidays and Business Hours
Kenya has a single time zone- which is GMT+3. Most businesses in Kenya are open from Monday to Friday, though some also trade on Saturday. Business hours are generally 9:00am to 5:00pm, closing for an hour over lunch (1:00pm – 2:00pm).
Kenyan Public holidays include:
1st January - New Years Day
Idd il Fitr *
March/April Good Friday**
March/April Easter Monday**
1st May - Labour Day
1st June - Madaraka Day
10th - October Moi Day
20th - October Kenyatta Day
12th December - Jamhuri Day
25th December Christmas Day
26th December Boxing Day
*The Muslim Festival of Idd il Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadhan. The date varies each year depending on the sighting of a new moon in Mecca.
** Dates for the Christian festival of Easter vary from year to year.
Most businesses in Kenya are open from Monday to Friday, though some also trade on Saturday. Business hours are generally 9:00am to 5:00pm, closing for an hour over lunch (1:00pm – 2:00pm).
Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Some branches open on Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:00am. Many banks are now equipped with 24 hour ATM machines. The Bank branches at Jomo Kenyatta International airport (Nairobi) and Moi International Airport both run 24 hour forex services.
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