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Practical info Nairobi, Kenya
Getting around the city
The most popular form of public transport in Nairobi is the matatu, usually Nissan minibuses, which operate on set routes collecting as many passengers as possible along the way, with people boarding and disembarking wherever and whenever they choose. Loud music goes along with the ride in these cheap but unregulated and usually overcrowded vehicles that have become part of Kenyan culture. No less risky, but not as colourful, are the local bus services, which operate on set routes and schedules through the city streets, and are renowned for overcrowding and speeding. Taxis are widely available and convenient, usually congregated in the street around hotels and areas frequented by tourists. Taxis are not metered and the fare should be agreed upon before departure. Nairobi taxis are marked with a yellow line along the side of the vehicle, or they are, surprisingly, large black London taxis. The better taxi companies have more modern vehicles, which can be booked by telephone. The best option if you are spending a day or two in the city is probably to hire a taxi and driver recommended for you by your hotel or tour operator. Three-wheel auto-rickshaws, or tuk-tuks, are also used as taxis in Nairobi. Walking in the city can be dangerous and is not a good idea after dark or outside of tourist areas.
Time
GMT +3.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style square three-pin plugs are used.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), which is divided into 100 cents. It is not advisable to take Kenyan Shillings out of the country, as they are difficult to exchange elsewhere. Foreign currency can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and hotels; it's easiest to exchange US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. Street exchange merchants should be avoided as they are operating illegally. Opening hours vary according to bank, but generally banks in Kenya are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and on the first and last Saturday of the month. Banks and bureaux de change at the international airport stay open 24 hours. International credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, and some camps and lodges. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and other major towns.
Communication
The international access code for Kenya is +254. Hotels usually add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is less expensive to either call from one of the international phone services, which are available in larger towns, or buy a pre-paid calling card for use in public telephone booths. For international operator-assisted calls dial 0196. All major urban areas are covered by the mobile network; the local mobile phone operators use GSM networks that have roaming agreements with most international mobile phone operators. Internet cafes are widely available in most towns and tourist areas.
Emergency number
Emergencies: 999
Visa and health information
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Getting to the city
The bus services leave fairly regularly for the city centre; most travellers however take a taxi or arrange to be picked up by their hotel or tour operator.
Car rental
Avis, Sixt and Budget, among others, are represented at the airport.
Airport taxi's
Taxis take passengers to the central city hotels and its best to negotiate a fixed fare upfront.
Facilities
The facilities at the airport are fairly limited, but include a bank and bureau de change, left luggage, telephones, medical aid, a bar and restaurant, duty-free shops selling curios, tourist information and hotel reservations. There are disabled facilities, but passengers should advise their airline in advance of any special needs.
Parking
Parking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is charged at KSH 60 per hour for short-term parking, and KSH 700 per day for long-term parking.
Internet
Wifi is accessible at several coffee shops for paying customers.
