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Travel tips for Nairobi: what to know before you land
Money, SIM cards, weather, safety and the local rules that catch visitors out.
- Last checked: 8th September 2026
Nairobi at a glance
Currency
Kenyan shilling (KES)
Plugs
Type G, 240 V
Time Zone
EAT, UTC+3
Traffice Drives on
| The left |
Language
English, Swahili
Emergency
| 999 or 112 |
Money and Payments
Nairobi runs on M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile money service. Cards work in malls, hotels and bigger restaurants, but you’ll want cash or M-Pesa for markets, small shops and matatus.
Taxis, markets and kiosks often can't change KES 1,000 notes.
Do it on arrival. Bank ATMs inside malls are the safest to use in town.
So your card isn't blocked on the first payment..
About 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour.
Using M-Pesa as a visitor
Worth setting up if you’re staying more than a few days.
Buy a Safaricom SIM with your passport.
Ask the shop to register M-Pesa on it.
Top up with cash at any M-Pesa agent, then pay by phone.
SIM cards and internet
A local SIM is cheap and makes ride-hailing, maps and M-Pesa much easier. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, malls and cafés.
Where to buy
Safaricom and Airtel desks in JKIA arrivals, or any official shop in town.
What you need
Your passport. Every SIM must be registered to an ID.
Data
Buy a data bundle rather than paying per MB. Ask about eSIM if your phone supports it.
Getting around safely
Ride-hailing apps are the easiest option for visitors. Roads are slowest roughly 7–9 am and 5–8 pm.
Uber, Bolt, Little
Best choice day and night. Check the plate matches the app.
Matatus
Cheap minibuses with set routes. Fun by day; keep your phone away.
Boda bodas
Motorbike taxis. Quick but risky: always ask for a helmet.
Walking
Fine by day in busy areas. After dark, take a car instead.
Weather and what to pack
Nairobi sits about 1,800 m above sea level, so days are mild and evenings cool all year. It has two rainy seasons.
Jan
Dry
Feb
Dry
Mar
Rain
Apr
Wettest
May
Rain
June
Cool
July
Coolest
Aug
Cool
Sep
Dry
Oct
Showers
Nov
Rain
Dec
Showers
Long rains roughly March–May, short rains roughly October–December. Showers are usually in the afternoon or evening.
- Light jacket for evenings
- Rain jacket in rainy months
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Type G plug adaptor
Health and water
Check with a travel clinic before you go. These are the basics most visitors need.
Drink bottled water
Don’t drink tap water. Bottled and filtered water is sold everywhere.
Yellow fever
You may need a certificate depending on where you’re travelling from. See Visa & eTA.
Malaria
Low risk in Nairobi itself. Ask your doctor if you’re heading to the coast or lakes.
Strong sun
The altitude makes the sun stronger than it feels. Use sunscreen even on cool days.
Etiquette and a little Swahili
English is spoken widely, but a few words of Swahili go a long way.
Habari?
How are you? Reply: Nzuri (good)
Asante sana
Thank you very much
Karibu
Welcome / you’re welcome
Ni Ngapi?
How much?
Sawa
Okay / fine
Pole pole
Slowly, take it easy
Good manners
Greet people before asking a question, even in shops
Use your right hand to give, receive and eat
Ask before photographing people
Bargain politely at markets; it’s expected
Dress smart-casual in the city; cover up at religious sites.
Local rules that catch visitors out
These can mean a fine or an awkward conversation with police.
Plastic bags are banned
Including duty-free bags. Pack items loose or in your luggage before landing.
No photos of officials
Don’t photograph police, the military or government buildings.
No smoking in public
Smoke only in designated areas.
Carry ID or Passport
Keep a copy of your passport with you; leave the original in your hotel safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most visits are trouble-free. Use ride-hailing apps after dark, keep your phone out of sight on busy streets, and avoid walking alone at night.
No. Cards work in malls, hotels and larger restaurants. Markets, small shops and matatus need cash or M-Pesa.
Drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels provide it, and it's sold in every shop.
Smart-casual layers. Days are mild, mornings and evenings are cool, and you'll want a rain jacket in the rainy seasons.
No. English is widely spoken. A few Swahili greetings are always appreciated.
