Tips for traveling in Kenya
Upon arrival
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – The airport is about half an hour’s drive from the center of Nairobi. taxis are readily available, but determine the price before entering.
Moi International Airport – The airport is about 10 minutes from the city centre, allowing an extra half hour for your journey to the south coast due to the ferry crossing.
Visas: most visitors to Kenya require a visa. Multiple entry and single entry visas are available. Applications can be submitted at any Kenyan High Commission or Embassy prior to travel. Single entry visa (obtained on arrival) is USD 50 (correct at time of printing) or local currency equivalent.
Lost Baggage: Visit the Lost Baggage counter in the baggage hall before going through customs.
Acquaintance
Driving in Kenya most international car rental companies operate in Kenya. Vehicles drive on the left side of the road and most cars are right-hand drive. A current driver’s license with a photo is accepted for a stay of up to three months
Public transport: City buses operate at relatively low prices, fares are paid to the conductor. Matatus – Private vans are plentiful but usually crowded
Keeping in touch
Post Offices: Open 8am to 5pm on weekdays, 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Telephone services: Public payphones (with cards and coins) are automated. Phone cards can be purchased from post offices or international calling offices. International calls can be made directly (code 000) or with the help of an operator (dial 0195/6)
Mobile phones. Use Safaricom or Celt. All major urban areas or many coastal regions have reception. SIM cards are readily available.
Internet
Internet cafes are increasingly common. Emails can also be sent from hotels, as can faxes and telexes.
Money matters
Kenyan Shilling (KSH) currency currently around Ksh67 to USD
Foreign Exchange Regulations There are no restrictions on the movement of currency in Kenya for foreign exchange transactions.
Banking: foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, currency exchange offices or hotels. Banks are open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 11.30am on Saturday every month. Banks in coastal towns open half an hour earlier. Some airport banks remain open 24/7
24-hour ATM access can be found at most ATMs across the country. Most accept international VISA cards
Credit Cards – All major international cards are accepted.
Tcs passenger socks are accepted in most banks, offices and hotels.
Hotel bill payments – can usually be paid in shillings or convertible foreign currency.
Be well
For emergency services, dial 911
Hospital: Nairobi and Mombasa have good hospitals offering emergency care.
Medical expenses Even with insurance coverage, consultations and treatment will have to be paid for and the costs claimed back later.
Main information
Voltage: All regions in Kenya are powered by 240 volts AC. The plug in use contemplated in Kenya is a three square pi, 13 amp type.
Safety, a sensible precaution is not to go alone in isolated towns or beach areas, especially after dark. Use common sense to prevent opportunism
Tipping is appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge
The water in most city hotels is generally safe to drink. However, if in doubt, you can find bottled water. Most safari lodges provide filtered water. Water is precious; Your help in using it sparingly is appreciated.
Public holidays in Kenya
January 1 New Year
May 1 Labor Day
June 1 Makadara Day (self-government).
October 10 Moi Day
October 20 Kenyatta Day
December 12 Independence Day
December 25 Christmas
December 26 Boxing Day
Rolling dates Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid -ul-fitr
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