Kenya's card acceptance is moderate — accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still common for smaller purchases. Keep cash on hand for markets, matatus (minibuses), and small vendors.
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Kenya's card acceptance is moderate — accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still common for smaller purchases. Kenya has widespread mobile money (M-Pesa) among locals, but foreign cards mainly work at hotels and larger businesses — cash or a local mobile money setup helps for everyday purchases.
Yes, mainly for markets, matatus (minibuses), and small vendors.
Contactless works at most established businesses in Kenya, though smaller vendors may only take cash.
Having some local currency in cash is generally more useful than foreign cash for everyday spending — exchange or withdraw a small amount on arrival to cover markets, matatus (minibuses), and small vendors.
Banks and airport kiosks quietly add 3–7% to every exchange through worse rates and fees. A Wise account converts your money at the real mid-market rate, holds 40+ currencies, and comes with a card that works at ATMs and terminals in Kenya like a local one — usually the cheapest way for travelers to spend abroad.
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