< Back What is the local currency? What denominations does it come in? What is the best way to exchange currency? What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)? Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash. By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid? What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it? Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages? Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country? What are typical banking hours? Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock? Is there any other money information that might help me? What is the local currency? The Kenya shilling. ↑ Top What denominations does it come in? The basic unit of currency is the Kenya shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. The currency has undergone significant changes since the NARC government came to power, with new Ksh 5 and 10 notes joining the existing Ksh 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 bills (the last being the highest denomination available). Copper and silver coins are available in denominations of Ksh 5, 10, 20 and 40, with larger coins representing larger denominations. The common usage of a “pound” refers to 20 shillings – once equivalent to a sterling pound. ↑ Top What is the best way to exchange currency? Banks generally offer better exchange rates than hotels, but the best rates can be found at the forex bureaus in the main shopping centres in town. ↑ Top What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)? Most of the larger shops, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards such as Visa, American Express and MasterCard. ↑ Top Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash. Yes, you can, as noted above. ↑ Top By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid? You can pay your bills at specific places around town. Standard Chartered Bank provides a convenient way of paying utility bills through the nearest Standard Chartered ATM. The utility payment service is available to all Standard Chartered customers in Kenya who have ATM cards. ↑ Top What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it? Non-nationals holding work permits are permitted to open a bank account in Kenya. If you wish to open an account before you arrive, please keep in mind that the formalities can take up to two weeks by post. ↑ Top Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages? Most banking services will be in English. ↑ Top Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country? No. ↑ Top What are typical banking hours? Most banks in the country are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturdays of the month. ↑ Top Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock? Yes, the major banks have ATM machines you can use easily. ↑ Top Is there any other money information that might help me? No. ↑ Top IMPORTANT NOTE: Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.