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Weather in Kenya
Kenya
30°
Overcast
Sun
17
30
Mon
17
32
Tue
17
31
Wed
15
30
Thu
16
29
SPF level in Kenya
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Kenya
Languages in Kenya
Tipping in Kenya
Tipping is customary in Kenya for good service. While not mandatory, it is a common way to show appreciation.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
Small change or 10% for good service
Taxi
10% of the fare, or round up
Hotel Porter
50-100 KES per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
100-200 KES per day
Tour Guide
500-1000 KES per day, depending on the tour
Safety & security in Kenya
Tips for British travellers
Kenya is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry identification at all times, as police may insist on seeing your original passport.
Dress conservatively away from tourist resorts, especially in coastal and Muslim-majority areas like Mombasa.
Smoking in public places is illegal and can result in a fine or imprisonment, so only smoke in designated areas.
It is illegal to take photographs of official buildings or airports, which could lead to arrest.
When driving, be aware that on-the-spot fines from traffic police are common but illegal, so ask for correct paperwork.
Bonus tips:
Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including in daylight, as violent crime can occur.
Drink spiking is a risk in bars and clubs, so do not accept drinks or food from strangers.
Driving in Kenya
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Kenya
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
UK adapter needed?
No
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments, but cash is still widely used.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Kenya
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural locations.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are generally reliable in urban areas. Ensure you have sufficient cash when travelling to more remote regions. Chip and PIN is always required.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Kenya, as they can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 1500 KES (~£9)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities and tourist areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
WiFi access is increasingly common, but the speed can vary. Mobile data using a local SIM is a reliable alternative for consistent internet access.
Health & vaccinations
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation and treatment in Kenya. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not valid in Kenya.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and preventative measures. Malaria is a risk in Kenya, so you'll need to take antimalarial medication. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Waterborne diseases are common, so drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Be aware of the risk of altitude sickness, especially if travelling to higher elevations.
Calling Kenya
Country code
+254
00 254 [area code] [local number]
To call the British High Commission in Nairobi from the UK, dial 00 254 20 2873000.
To call Kenya from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 254 (Kenya's country code), followed by the area code (if required) and the local number. Mobile numbers in Kenya start with 7 or 1, and landlines typically have area codes.
UK Embassy in Kenya
British High Commission Nairobi
Upper Hill Road PO Box 30465 00100 Nairobi Kenya
Airports in Kenya
Frequently asked questions about Kenya
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.