TourismPlaces.Com
Kenya Hotels and Resorts - The history of Kenya is very long and complex. From the "Cradle of Civilization" to present date, Kenya's long history has been both varied and fascinating. This section provides a comprehensive account of Kenya's history, divided into 11 sections..
Kenya Travel Guide :
Kenya Travel Tips
Shopping Informations
Khanga, kitenge and kikoi cloths may be bought in markets and the Bishara Streets of Nairobi, Mombasa and the Masai market held in Nairobi city center on Tuesdays. There is a particularly good cooperative shop in Machakos which sells kiondos, bags stained with natural dyes and with strong leather straps. Makonde woodcarvings are sold throughout the country, and young Kamba and Masai men sell carvings and necklaces on the beaches of the south coast.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1400-1730.
Note: The sale of souvenirs made of wildlife skins (this includes reptiles) and shells is forbidden.
Currency Information:
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KSh) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.
Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at the major banks. There are over 140 ATMs. Barclays has the largest network, with more than 65 ATMs located in Nairobi and Mombasa and all other major towns. Standard Chartered Bank's computerised network allows access to 62 ATMs countrywide. International visitors with Visa cards can access their own bank or credit card account through any Standard Chartered dispenser, 24 hours a day.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Major hotels now also accept payment by credit card, as do major safari companies, travel agencies and restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
travelers cheques
These can be changed at banks, and are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
There is no restriction on the import and export of local or foreign currency. However, authorization from the Central Bank is required for amounts of 500,000 KSh and above.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kenyan Shilling against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1500; 0900-1100 on the first and last Saturday of each month. National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho, Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Many of the banks and bureaux de change at the international airports open 24 hours every day.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1400-1730.
Note: The sale of souvenirs made of wildlife skins (this includes reptiles) and shells is forbidden.
Currency Information:
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KSh) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.
Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at the major banks. There are over 140 ATMs. Barclays has the largest network, with more than 65 ATMs located in Nairobi and Mombasa and all other major towns. Standard Chartered Bank's computerised network allows access to 62 ATMs countrywide. International visitors with Visa cards can access their own bank or credit card account through any Standard Chartered dispenser, 24 hours a day.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. Major hotels now also accept payment by credit card, as do major safari companies, travel agencies and restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
travelers cheques
These can be changed at banks, and are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
There is no restriction on the import and export of local or foreign currency. However, authorization from the Central Bank is required for amounts of 500,000 KSh and above.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kenyan Shilling against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 |
| £1.00= | 140.57 | 149.13 | 153.86 | 146.32 |
| $1.00= | 78.70 | 80.95 | 81.25 | 77.48 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1500; 0900-1100 on the first and last Saturday of each month. National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho, Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Many of the banks and bureaux de change at the international airports open 24 hours every day.