Money, Money, Money!

"Money, money, money - it's a rich man's world!" My daughter has been caught up in the Mama Mia craze and that song has been constantly played in our home over the past few weeks, and it got me thinking about our trip to Kenya and the need to be prepared and do your homework before travelling abroad.

Once again, it was on advice from our friends Bill and Ronnie that cash is the method of payment in Kenya. We had been about to purchase travellers cheques but learned it is difficult to get them cashed. Most people in Kenya do not have bank accounts and so cannot get reimbursement if they cashed a travellers cheque. Likewise, credit cards are only of value in big hotels. Even businesses in Kenya operate on a cash basis. When we made a large purchase at KickStart we thought we could pay with our credit card but that was not the case, they asked for cash. That necessitated a trip to the ATM. The staff at KickStart told us not to use the closest ATM but gave directions to an ATM a little further away but which was more secure and safe.

Prior to our trip we put money in two accounts at different banks so that we could access the funds we might need as each account has a daily limit. Since we knew we would be making large purchases we could not afford to wait for a day to get the necessary funds. You must also remember that you need a 4 digit access code. We also learned that not all ATM's are the same. Always visit an ATM during daylight hours and make sure it is safe. We chose Barclay Bank as they have security guards on duty.

We used a money belt to protect our cash and passports. Remember that you are travelling in a foreign land and it only makes sense to keep your funds close at hand. A friend stowed her wallet in her backpack and found while walking that her backpack was being opened. She turned quickly and lucky for her, her wallet was intact but she learned to be more vigilent. Also don't carry large amounts of cash at a time. It is important to remember that you are travelling in a country where people think all Westerners are rich and that when people are so poor, living on $1 per day, there are some who will do whatever it takes to feed their families.

Having said that, not everyone will take advantage of a situation regarding money. When we were in Wongonyi Village, unbeknownst to him, Peter left some cash in his pants pocket. The pants were taken
to be washed. That night when we came home the money was presented to him - faith in the human spirit of honesty.

Our advice - make sure you have accessible cash in your bank accounts at home, and use safe and secure bank machines in daylight hours. By using caution coupled with a little common sense, you can enjoy a safe and secure work experience in Kenya.