And also avoid changing at Kenyan banks. Stick to the forex bureau's.

Thanks both of you.

So, there must be Forex Counters at the Airport. Is it best toexchange at the Airport itself or look around in Town. I will only have one day at Nairobi before joining the Safari when I plan to visit the Giraffe Centre and the Elephant Orphanage.

You can generally get money from the ATMs at the airport. Much easier than faffing around Nairobi if you only have limited amount of time. I do usually get some ksh in the UK just in case the ATMs are out (not unheard of). To be honest if you are only planning to get a small amount of local currency its not worth the hassle of trying to find a bureau just to save a few pounds (or pence). On the other hand I have stood in some lengthy queues trying to get money changed in Nairobi.

Not sure about my ATM Cards - have to enquire with my Bank.

The other question is will the Forex Bureau @ Airport be open early in the morning - we're arriving @ 06:45. By the time we clear everything, it'll be at least 08:00 I guess.

I honestly don't know about Forex at the airport - I've never used them. Hopefully someone can tell you. You would need to tell your bank if you are planning on using your cards when travelling. They can be refused if you don't.

Always best to purchased or exchange funds at the country you're visiting... best rates, than doing from home country.

Can't attest whether the Forex is open early (though believe as long as flights arrive, they should be), but there's always the ATM, which I've yet to find don't have funds, besides there's more than one ATM machine in the terminal, if so. If it's just sufficient KSH for first day, you can once in NBO itself, stop at a Forex for additional funds.

Personally though, even if few shillings difference between Forex vs ATM is too small to matter.

We have just returned from Kenya and arrived at 7am at Nairobi airport. Husband changed sterling at the airport and all the kiosks were open. Excellent rate, we never buy ksh in the UK, have always bought ksh at the airport.