When & where should I convert my USD to Kenyan Shillings?

Question

Would it be best to do it here in the US or after I arrive in Kenya? I'm also gonna be in London for a day so the same question applies.
Where would I get the best value?

Answer 1

Try calling a British bank ahead of time to see what their procedure for exchanging money is. They will probably have a minimum amount that can be exchanged, there will be a fee and you will have to call in advance to set up the exchange. This is probably the safest option.
You can always exchange money at a national bank in the country you are going to visit. The convenient, but not so ideal, option is to do it at a reputable tourist currrency exchange near the airport. You will get the best rates using a credit/debit card in the country to withdraw money or visiting a national bank in Kenya. Also, do not exchange more than you think you will need. Some countries, have restrictions about bringing large amounts of foreign currency out of a country. I would suggest another option is to change a small amount at the airport for incidentals, then head to the largest national bank in Kenya and change or withdraw with a credit card what you need. Credit cards, if charging purchases, automatically register purchases in the host country's currency so if you can pay for hotels/incendentals in major cities where credit cards are accepted.

Answer 2

You can get shillings at the airport in Kenya when you arrive. When we went, I found that I didn't need as much as I thought. Many places take US dollars or credit card - you pretty much just need shillings in the little markets and stuff. Even then, a lot of the local people who I came across prefered US dollars.

Make sure that you don't have any shillings left over - it is costly to change them back into US dollars. If you are going to just be in the London airport for a day, you can use US dollars there, too. Or credit cards. In my travel experience, I have found using credit cards the easiest because then you don't have to worry about changing your money and carrying around a lot of cash. Make sure that your bank offers good exchange rates, though.

Answer 3

Your best choice is at a bank probably in Britain. Be sure to make arrangements to do it before you leave for London at a bank that will be close to hand. The very best rate is to use a Visa/Mastercard to get cash when you are in Kenya.

Answer 4

dunno