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    ATM Fee Guide
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    ATM Fees in Kenya

    Kenyan Shilling (KES) • Updated April 2026

    Kenya is a mobile money pioneer - M-Pesa dominates local payments. Card acceptance is good in Nairobi and tourist areas. Cash needed for local markets. Safari lodges accept cards. National parks require online payment via eCitizen.

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    Tips for Kenya

    • • M-Pesa is essential for local life - tourists can register by buying a Safaricom SIM at the airport
    • • Cards accepted at hotels and safari lodges
    • • Cash essential for markets and matatus
    • • Equity and KCB have most ATMs
    • • USD accepted for safaris and some hotels
    • • Entry fees for National Parks (Masai Mara, Amboseli) must be paid via eCitizen online platform - cash not accepted at gates
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    Airport tips

    • • Jomo Kenyatta airport has multiple ATMs
    • • Get KES for local transport
    • • Buy a Safaricom SIM for M-Pesa access
    • • Airport exchange rates are poor
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    Don't forget your home bank fees

    The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.

    Estimated daily expenses

    How much cash you might need per day in Kenya, per person.

    Your currency:

    Backpacker

    Hostels, street food, public transport

    3,800-10,000 KES

    KES/day

    🏨 Accommodation1,500-4,000 KES
    🍜 Food & drinks800-1,500 KES
    🚌 Transport500-1,500 KES
    🎟️ Activities1,000-3,000 KES

    ≈ $29.22-76.89 USD

    Mid-range

    Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport

    17,500-43,000 KES

    KES/day

    🏨 Accommodation8,000-18,000 KES
    🍜 Food & drinks2,500-5,000 KES
    🚌 Transport2,000-5,000 KES
    🎟️ Activities5,000-15,000 KES

    ≈ $135-331 USD

    Luxury

    Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport

    71,000-160,000 KES

    KES/day

    🏨 Accommodation35,000-80,000 KES
    🍜 Food & drinks8,000-15,000 KES
    🚌 Transport8,000-15,000 KES
    🎟️ Activities20,000-50,000 KES

    ≈ $546-1,230 USD

    Cash vs card acceptance

    Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Kenya.

    Credit card acceptance

    Moderate

    Good in Nairobi and tourist areas. M-Pesa dominant locally. Cash for markets. National parks cashless via eCitizen.

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    You'll need cash for

    • • Matatus (minibuses)
    • • Markets
    • • Street food
    • • Small shops
    • • Tips
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    Cards usually accepted

    • • Hotels
    • • Safari lodges
    • • Supermarkets
    • • Malls
    • • Tourist restaurants

    💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards

    These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.

    BankATM FeeEst. CostBranches
    Equity Bank400-600 KES~3.00 USD180
    KCB400-600 KES~3.00 USD150
    Stanbic400-600 KES~3.00 USD50

    📍 Most widely available ATMs

    Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.

    BankATM FeeEst. CostBranches
    Equity Bank400-600 KES~3.00 USD180
    KCB400-600 KES~3.00 USD150
    Stanbic400-600 KES~3.00 USD50

    🌐 ATM Alliance Benefits: If you bank with a member of these alliances, you may get reduced or waived ATM fees in Kenya:

    EcobankAbsa Regional Network
    View all ATM alliances →

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