Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Kenya: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Use airport counters in Kenya for only a token amount, maybe $20-30 worth of shillings, to pay for a cab or snacks. Budget KES 3,000-5,000 daily depending on whether you’re dining in restaurants or going on tours. ATMs from Equity Bank or Barclays are widely available and give better rates than the airport. Always withdraw during the day and use machines in secure areas like malls or banks. Avoid relying on airport counters for large sums.
The exchange counter at Jomo Kenyatta Airport was a bad deal. I swapped $100 and later realized ATMs gave me about 10% more shillings. That’s nearly a full day’s budget wasted. With meals, taxis, and entry fees costing me around KES 4,000 daily, losing money upfront was frustrating. I’d warn others not to depend on airport exchanges - they’re overpriced. ATMs across Nairobi and Mombasa work better even with withdrawal fees.
When I arrived in Nairobi, I exchanged $30 at the airport for my taxi. The rate wasn’t great. Later, I withdrew cash from a KCB ATM in Westlands, and the difference was clear. Meals cost about KES 800-1,200, and local taxis another 500-800, so I budgeted KES 4,000 daily. ATMs gave me way more shillings than the airport desk. The only issue is some ATMs have low limits, so withdraw larger amounts when possible.
ATMs in Kenya generally give better rates than airport counters. Nairobi and Mombasa airports have exchange desks, but they often take a high margin. ATMs linked to Equity Bank, KCB, or Barclays provide more favorable conversions to Kenyan shillings. If you’re budgeting KES 3,000-5,000 daily for meals, matatus, and safari day trips, withdrawing directly from ATMs saves money. Exchange just a small amount at the airport to cover your taxi or first night’s expenses.