Money Matters
CURRENCY: The currency unit in Kenya is the shilling (KES), comprising 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival. The importation and exportation of Kenyan currency, however, is illegal.
In preparation for your journey, you may want to calculate the exchange rate from the US dollar to local currencies. There are several websites that offer a conversion engine. You can also check the Wall Street Journal for currency rate information.
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
CREDIT CARDS AND ATMS: Some major credit cards are accepted such as MasterCard and Visa, but American Express, Discover and Diners Club are often not accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash or traveler's checks in U.S. Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it. Exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. Keep your traveler's checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected. You should carry Traveler's checks in small denominations. When cashing them at lodges on your program, there may be a shortage of cash available. Smaller denominations will be appreciated and more appropriate.
TIPPING: Tips for hotel and lodge personnel are usually included in your tour price, however you should be prepared to tip the staff on safari. Tips to your driver and naturalist guides are also at your discretion. A suggested detailed tipping chart will be sent to you with your final documents prior to departure.
SHOPPING: The art of shopping and negotiating in Kenya is dominated by souvenir sellers. Handmade items may be purchased at market stalls, roadside stands, and from street peddlers. Be prepared for a strong sales pitch, offering bargain prices on handicrafts. Prices are initially determined based on what these sellers believe you will pay, but can generally be bargained down to a low price. A good rule of thumb is to counter at slightly below half the first price given and take it from there. Chances are you will get a fair price, and the vendor will still walk away with a good profit. Don't be intimidated by the number of peddlers offering similar goods, or you may end up with more souvenirs than you can easily carry home. If quality is an issue you may want to make your purchases at some of the more established shops in the larger cities, but be prepared to pay higher prices. Tanzanite gems can be found in many shops. Baskets made from sisal are durable and generally well made. Batiks and wax paintings may be found in the larger shops and stalls. Tribal beads and bracelets are predominant, and will be presented to you for purchase almost anywhere you go. Check the quality closely and be prepared to bargain before you make a sale. Soapstone from Western Kenya has been carved into an infinite variety of souvenirs, and can be acquired at very affordable prices. Wood carvings are economical and are widely found in every animal shape as well as salad servers and napkin rings. Makonde statues are wood carvings traditionally made from ebony. Watch for fakes made from lighter woods and shoe polish, which can be identified by the lighter weight and scratches showing the true color of the wood.
A note of warning: If you intend to ship any of your purchases back home to the United States from your journey, it is highly recommended that you negotiate the shipping charges with the local vendor/mailing service on premises ahead of time. Do not be saddly surprised when your shipment arrives in the U.S. with a large cost attached as sometimes shipping charges can cost more than the actual item. Save yourself a headache (and a hit to your wallet) and negotiate these charges when you send off your prized purchases.
DEPARTURE TAXES: Information specific to your itinerary will be outlined in the final documents/instructions.