Kenyan Currency
What is the currency in Kenya?
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. Each shilling is divided into 100 cents.
When you’re buying currency for Kenya, look out for the currency code KES. And once you’re in Kenya, you’ll see the symbol KSh used to show prices.
You’ll find Kenyan banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 - although the 10 and 20 KES notes are seldom used.
Kenyan coins come in 1, 5, 10 and 20 Ksh and 40 and 40 cents.
Use the Wise Kenyan shilling card to spend in Kenyan currency.
The Wise Kenyan shilling travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to shilling to spend when you’re in Kenya. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Kenyan shilling - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.
Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.
Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.
You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.
Tips for exchanging currency in Kenya.
- The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money. Convert GBP to KES >
Familiarise yourself with the mid-market rate before your trip.
- Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, shilling - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.
Choose to be charged in Kenya currency when withdrawing from ATMs.
- Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Kenyan shilling, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card. Get your travel money card >
Use the Wise debit card to spend in Kenya without rip-off fees.
Spending money in Kenya.
Paying by credit or debit card in Kenya
Card payments are becoming more popular in Kenya in many larger and upmarket hotels and restaurants.
However, you'll still need to carry cash with you for smaller purchases.
ATMs in Kenya
The easiest and safest way to withdraw cash in Kenya is to head to a bank branch. Here you'll find ATMs which usually accept international credit and debit cards - and there will be staff on hand to help if you hit any problems.
To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Kenya, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.
Kenyan currency services.
Convert GBP to Kenyan shilling
Use our currency converter to see how much your money is worth in Kenyan shilling and familiarise yourself with the mid-market rate before your trip.
Send money to Kenya
Need to send GBP to Kenya? Use Wise for fast, low-cost, and secure online money transfers from the United Kingdom to Kenya.
See the best Kenyan shilling exchange rates
Compare live Kenyan shilling exchange rates and see how much you could save with Wise.
Other helpful currency guides.
Other helpful currency guides.
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Peruvian currency | |||
Kenyan currency FAQs.
Get your Wise debit card and save on your trip to Kenya
Spend smart, save money. Avoid sneaky bank fees when travelling, with Wise.