Money & Currency Tips for Traveling the Kenya Coast: M-Pesa, Cash & Cards
Kenya is the global pioneer of cashless mobile money. Knowing how to pay for tours, meals, and tuk-tuks will make your holiday completely frictionless.
The Magic of M-Pesa for Travelers
Virtually every merchant—from high-end safari lodges to beach coconut vendors and tuk-tuk drivers—accepts M-Pesa. You can register an M-Pesa line easily upon arrival at Mombasa airport with your passport.
Credit Cards & ATM Withdrawals
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels and TripBambika online bookings. ATMs dispensing Kenya Shillings (KES) are plentiful in Mombasa, Diani, and Lamu town.
Tipping Norms in Kenya
Tipping is warmly appreciated for good service: budget 10% at sit-down restaurants, KES 500–1,000 per day for safari guides, and KES 200–500 for villa chefs and housekeeping.