Is Kenya cashless?
Mixed#75 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #6 of 54 in Africa
Short answer: Get a Safaricom SIM and register M-Pesa with your passport at the airport. It works almost everywhere cash does.
Kenya is the home of M-Pesa, which is used for nearly everything. Visitors can register for M-Pesa with a local SIM and passport. Cards work in hotels, lodges and malls.
Will my card work?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Kenya take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Kenya, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Kenyan shilling (KES)
How does tipping work?
10% in restaurants. Tip safari guides and drivers.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Apps you can use as a visitor
Locals here pay with apps as much as cards. These work without a local bank account.
M-Pesa
Kenya's mobile money, used for almost everything from matatus to market stalls.
- How to set it up
- Buy a Safaricom SIM and register M-Pesa with your passport at a Safaricom shop or at the Safaricom kiosks at Nairobi JKIA airport. Top up with cash at any M-Pesa agent.
- Fees and limits
- Accounts that have not been verified can send up to KES 70,000 a day.
Getting cash: ATMs
Some ATMs are fee-free
Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards about KES 400-500 per withdrawal. Withdrawals are usually capped at KES 40,000.
Fee-free options
- Co-operative Bank (reported free, 200+ ATMs)
- I&M Bank (reported free)
Avoid
- KCB and Absa (about $4 per withdrawal)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenya cashless?
Kenya scores 58/100 on Cashlessy (mixed), ranking #75 of 197 countries. Kenya is the home of M-Pesa, which is used for nearly everything. Visitors can register for M-Pesa with a local SIM and passport. Cards work in hotels, lodges and malls.
Do I need cash in Kenya?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Kenya, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Kenya?
In cities and tourist areas. Hotels, chains and larger restaurants in Kenya take cards; smaller places often do not.
Do you tip in Kenya?
10% in restaurants. Tip safari guides and drivers.
Which ATMs are free in Kenya?
Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards about KES 400-500 per withdrawal. Withdrawals are usually capped at KES 40,000. Best options: Co-operative Bank (reported free, 200+ ATMs); I&M Bank (reported free). Avoid: KCB and Absa (about $4 per withdrawal).
What payment apps can tourists use in Kenya?
M-Pesa: Kenya's mobile money, used for almost everything from matatus to market stalls.
Compare with Africa
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.