Currency

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you bring into any of the East African countries.It is advisable to change the foreign currency into local currency only in banks and Forex Bureaus. Before your departure visitors can change the local currency back to their original currency but visitors may be asked for the initial exchange receipt. US$ are acceptable for payments in most tourist establishments and are commonly used than the Euros. Many hotels and National Parks quote their rates in US$ for visitors.

The present Exchange Rates are as follows:

• 1 US$ = 100.00 Ksh

• 1 US$ = 2104 Tsh

• 1 US$ = 3696.25 Ush

• 1 US$ = 870.00 Rwandan Franc

• 1 US$ = 21.92 Ethiopian Diir

The exchange rates are constantly changing, for live exchange rates you can refer to Xrates.com. Credit cards such as Visa Card, Master card and Chinese Union Card are widely accepted in tourist establishments; with a 5% -7% surcharge for processing card payment. In Rwanda and Kenya there are many ATM's where you can use credit cards to obtain cash. The banking system in Kenya & Rwanda are very advanced as compared to Uganda, Tanzania & Ethiopia. Banking hours are usually from 8.00 am – 4.00pm from Monday – Friday.  At the Airports the banks are open 24 hours.