USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT KENYA

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 Main Airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi is half an hour’s drive from the city centre, Moi International Airport, Mombasa is sited much closer to the city, but most of the tourist hotels are situated much further out along the beachfront. Allow an extra hour for journeys to the south coast because of the ferry crossing.

Customs Export

You are permitted to leave the country with a reasonable amount of tobacco and alcoholic products. Export of gold and diamonds is prohibited, as is the export of game trophies and skins, unless acquired from personnel of the Government of Kenya. Game trophies, plant materials, hard drugs and pornographic literature are all prohibited.

Communication

Several Mobile Network providers are available. It’s easy to bring your mobile phone and get a Mobile Network Line. International phone calls require a 000 pre-dial.

Currency

Kenya currency is based on the decimal system, the unit of currency being the shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. You are allowed to leave the country with a limited amount of Kenyan shillings. It is recommended that foreign currency be exchanged at recognized foreign exchange bureaus and banks.

Banks

All major towns in Nairobi have banks with a bureau de change. Banking hours are between 09.00 a.m - 03.00 p.m, and 09.00 a.m -11.00 a.m on the first and the last Saturday of the month. Banks at the Jomo Kenyatta airport are 24 hours. Forex bureaus are open from 08.30 p.m to 05.30 p.m and usually do not charge commissions.

Security

Do not carry large sums of money around. Keep a close watch on handbags, luggage and wallets, especially in crowded areas. Lock valuables in hotel/lodge safety deposit boxes and never leave valuables on show in unattended car or tour bus. Avoid walking at night especially and especially alone in the dark alleys or streets. Always inform someone of your whereabouts and like everyone else in the world use your common sense and take precaution.

Electricity

Voltage in Kenya is 220 - 240 AC. An adapter is necessary for appliances, which are manufactured in the USA, and Canada can operate on 110 - 120 AC. The sockets are made accordingly to the British system. (3 pins)

Public Holidays

Language

English is mainly spoken in Nairobi, and Swahili is the main language in the rest of the country.

Tanzania Visas

These can be obtained at the border for most nationalities, but you are advised to confirm this with the Tanzania Embassy or contact us before travel. 2 passport size photographs and a passport valid for 6 months will be required.

Transport

Public transportation is easy to access and certainly not expensive. Bus services are available to every main city in the country. And for shorter distances “matatus” are also an option. These minivans travel at high speed and are always overcrowded.