Money and Payments on the Coast: Cash, M-Pesa, and Cards

Understanding how money works on the Kenyan coast will save you time, money, and frustration. Kenya has one of the most advanced mobile money systems in the world (M-Pesa), but cash is still king in many places. Let me break it all down.

Kenya Shilling (KES)

Kenyan Currencies

The local currency is the Kenya Shilling (KES). Notes come in KES 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000. Coins come in KES 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40.

Exchange Rates (Approximate, 2026)

• 1 USD = KES 130-140
• 1 EUR = KES 140-150
• 1 GBP = KES 165-175

Rates fluctuate, so check before you travel.

Where to Exchange Money

At the Airport

• Forex bureaus in the arrivals hall
• Rates: Slightly worse than in town, but convenient
• Recommended: Exchange KES 5,000-10,000 for immediate needs

In Town

• Forex bureaus in Nyali, Bamburi, and Mombasa CBD
• Banks — Equity Bank, KCB, I&M Bank
• Rates: Better than the airport
• Recommended: Exchange the bulk of your money in town

ATMs

• Widely available in tourist areas
• Accept international cards — Visa, Mastercard
• Withdrawal fees: KES 200-400 per transaction
• Daily limit: Usually KES 50,000-100,000
• Recommended: Withdraw KES 10,000-20,000 at a time

M-Pesa — Mobile Money

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What Is M-Pesa?

M-Pesa is a mobile money service that allows you to send, receive, and spend money using your phone. It's used everywhere in Kenya — from street vendors to upscale restaurants.

How Tourists Can Use M-Pesa

1. Get a Safaricom SIM card — Buy at the airport or any Safaricom shop
2. Register for M-Pesa — You'll need your passport
3. Load money — At a Safaricom shop, via ATM, or through the M-Pesa app
4. Pay by entering the merchant's number and the amount
5. Confirm with your PIN

Where M-Pesa Is Accepted

• Street vendors — Almost all accept M-Pesa
• Restaurants — Most, especially local ones
• Supermarkets — All major chains
• Hotels — Many, but not all
• Tuk-tuks and matatus — Increasingly common
• Tour operators — Most accept M-Pesa

M-Pesa Fees

• Sending money: KES 0-70 depending on amount
• Withdrawing from M-Pesa agent: KES 0-100 depending on amount
• Paying merchants (Lipa Na M-Pesa): Free for the customer

Tips

• M-Pesa is the easiest way to pay for small purchases
• Load KES 2,000-5,000 to start
• Keep your phone charged — you'll need it for M-Pesa
• Save your M-Pesa PIN — don't share it with anyone

Credit Cards

Where Cards Are Accepted

• Hotels and resorts — Most accept Visa and Mastercard
• Upscale restaurants — Most accept cards
• Supermarkets — All major chains
• Tour operators — Most accept cards for bookings

Where Cards Are NOT Accepted

• Street vendors — Cash or M-Pesa only
• Local restaurants — Usually cash or M-Pesa
• Matatus and tuk-tuks — Cash only
• Markets — Cash or M-Pesa

Card Fees

• Foreign transaction fees: 2-3% (check with your bank)
• ATM withdrawal fees: KES 200-400 per transaction
• Dynamic currency conversion: Always choose to pay in KES, not your home currency

Tipping Culture

Restaurants

• Casual restaurants: KES 100-200 or 10% of the bill
• Upscale restaurants: 10-15% of the bill
• Street food: Not expected, but KES 20-50 is appreciated

Hotels

• Housekeeping: KES 100-200 per day
• Porter: KES 100-200 per bag
• Tour guide: KES 500-1,000 per day
• Driver: KES 300-500 per day

Other

• Tuk-tuk drivers: Not expected, but rounding up is appreciated
• Beach boys: KES 100-200 if they help you with chairs or umbrellas

Budget Tips

• Carry small bills — Many vendors don't have change for KES 1,000 notes
• Use M-Pesa for small purchases — It's faster and safer than cash
• Withdraw larger amounts — To minimize ATM fees
• Keep cash secure — Use a money belt or hotel safe
• Don't flash large amounts — Be discreet with your money

The Verdict

Carry a mix of cash, M-Pesa, and a credit card. Use M-Pesa for small purchases, cash for street vendors and transport, and cards for hotels and upscale restaurants. Withdraw KES 10,000-20,000 at a time, keep small bills handy, and tip appropriately.