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Can you use a credit card in Kenya?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Kenya, particularly in big cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and major tourist destinations such as Diani, Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara. The majority of hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and tour companies accept major international cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Nevertheless, carrying some cash is always a good idea for making minor purchases or in rural zones where cards might not be accepted.

Where Credit Cards Are Accepted

1. Hotels and Resorts

The majority of mid-range and luxurious hotels in Kenya can take credit cards to make bookings and payments. This involves both the international chains (such as Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Sarovar) and the local boutique hotels.

2. Restaurants and Cafés

Many restaurants and coffee shops in big cities accept payment via card using POS (point-of-sale) machines. But there are also local food stalls (so-called nyama choma restaurants or street sellers) that are usually cash-only and do not have card payment systems.

3. Shopping and Supermarkets

At the supermarkets, shopping centers, and tourist gift shops, you can use your card. The major retail outlets, including Naivas, Quickmart, and Carrefour, are easy to transact using debit and credit cards.

4. Transportation and Tours

When you make bookings for any safaris, flights, or rentals with a registered company, chances are high that they can accept a card payment. However, in the case of taxis, matatus (local mini buses), or motorbike rides, cash or mobile money (M-Pesa) is used.

Things to Watch & Limitations

While not fully accepted in rural regions, remote lodges, or local markets, card acceptance may be restricted or non-existent at many locations, and they use cash or mobile money (like M-Pesa).

Make sure that your card is chip-and-PIN because the magnetic stripe cards cannot be used. In Kenya, ATMs only give out Kenyan Shillings (KES), and foreign cards may attract extra charges.

Other banks might block or red-flag foreign transactions as part of the security measures; therefore, it is advisable that you inform your bank of your traveling plans in advance.

Practical Tips for Using Credit Cards in Kenya

  • Pre-trip: Make sure that you inform your bank about when you are traveling, review foreign transaction fees, cash advance fees, and verify the ability of your card to be used internationally. In Kenya, you should always have a little cash (KES) to spend on small things or the ones which do not take cards.
  • At ATMs: Always withdraw in Kenyan Shillings (KES) and decline dynamic currency conversion and reject the dynamic currency conversion system because it often has a less favorable exchange rate.
  • Security: Track your expenditures and watch your statements to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions taken.
  • Usage: In large hotels, restaurants, or supermarkets, use cards, with smaller vendors usually doing well with cash or mobile money.

Alternative Payment Methods

Kenya has been at the forefront of mobile money innovation, especially in Kenya, through M-Pesa, a mobile payment system that is predominantly used by many to pay taxi fares and even utility bills. It is handy to use M-Pesa or carry cash even when making small purchases daily, despite having a credit card to cover a big bill.

Summary

Kenya has a high acceptance rate of credit cards, and this is found in places like Nairobi, Mombasa, and other tourist hotspots. Nevertheless, they must not be used solely. Carrying a credit card and certain cash, along with mobile money, including M-Pesa, is the most viable and safe way to handle payments when roaming around Kenya.

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