BANKING

• Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya.
• ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
• Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards are generally accepted.
• Banking hours are typically from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

CURRENCY:

• Local currency: Kenyan shilling
• ISO code: KES 
• Currency Subunit: Cents
• Banknote units: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 shillings
• Coin units: 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents

BY AIR

• Inbound / Outbound Airlines: Search for flights here.
• Kenya has several international airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
• Domestic flights are also available to various destinations within the country.

BY ROAD

• Kenya has a network of paved roads, but the quality can vary, especially outside major cities.
• Car rental is available, but driving conditions can be challenging.

BY BUS & RAIL

Public buses and trains are available, but they may not be as comfortable or reliable as other transportation options.

BY WATER

Kenya has a long coastline, and there are opportunities for boat trips and water activities.

Food and water safety:

• It is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid tap water.
• Be cautious with street food and ensure that food is cooked thoroughly.

Local cuisine: 

• Kenyan cuisine is influenced by various cultures, including Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European.
• Popular dishes include nyama choma (roasted meat), ugali (a maize flour porridge), sukuma wiki (a kale-like dish), and pilau (a spiced rice dish).

Local drinks:

Popular drinks include:

• Kenyan coffee
• Kenyan tea
• Tusker beer
• Various fruit juices.

Tipping: 

• Tipping is customary in Kenya, especially for services like restaurants, hotels, and tours.
• A common tipping amount is 10% of the total bill.

Seasons:

Kenya has two main seasons:

• Dry season – December to February and June to August
• Rainy season – March to May and September to November.

Climate and Weather:

The Kenyan climate varies depending on the region.

• Coastal areas are generally warm and humid
• Highlands areas tend to be cooler.

Best time to visit:

The dry seasons are generally considered the best time to visit Kenya, as there is less rainfall and more comfortable weather. However, the rainy seasons can be a good time to visit for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate near water sources.

Summer Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for the dry season.
• Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable in many areas, but it is advisable to dress modestly in more conservative areas.

Winter Clothing:

• While Kenya does not have a cold winter, nights can be chilly in the highlands.
• A sweater or light jacket may be necessary.

General:

It is generally recommended to dress modestly in Kenya, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.

Internet Availability:

Internet access is widely available in major cities and tourist areas.

Electricity and Plug Standards:

• The standard voltage in Kenya is 240 volts, and the plug type is primarily Type G (three-pin, grounded).
• It is advisable to bring a travel adapter if you are using electronics from a different region.