Shopping:

Currency Exchange: Kenya's shilling exchange rate floats and is based on the U.S. dollar. It changes daily. It is about 70+ shillings to the dollar. Exchange can be done through banks and bureaus. You can also use MasterCard/Visa charge cards at many stores and also get immediate advance cash through banks.

Souvenirs/Gifts: The tourism industry is the most important source of revenue for Kenya. This is evident in the number of souvenir shops and individual vendors you will encounter throughout the country. They offer a wide selection of many interesting and valuable hand-made items including wood and stone carvings, cloth, beaded jewelry, knives, spears, and machetes, shields, paintings, musical instruments, CDs, etc. They also have wonderful coffee, tea, and assorted beverages. Past participants have brought along their own selection of clothing and assorted items for use in bargaining and trade!

Transport: It is recommended that you bring an extra bag in which to bring back your souvenirs. Keep in mind the frequent travelling done throughout the trip when deciding whether to purchase delicate and/or large items (e.g., it may prove inconvenient to buy a three-foot ebony statue during the first week of the trip). Take care in packing your items; especially for the flight home; clothes and newspapers can be used as cushions.

Bargaining: Most shops do not use price tags; virtually all prices are negotiable. The first asking price given will usually be much higher than you are expected to pay. You in turn make a low offer (sometimes as low as 10% of the initial price). Through a little friendly bargaining you arrive at a price suitable to both parties. Do not be overly concerned about whether you got the best deal possible; chances are, a relatively high price in Kenya will be much lower than what you would pay at home. Also, you will often encounter "high-pressure" sales tactics, in which case, firm politeness is the best response. You neither want to want to be patronizing nor rude, just sincere. It may be a good idea to start out slow with relatively cheap items to get comfortable with the system. You will find many children requesting some money on the streets. What you do is your choice. Remember, children of the world are not poor by choice. On the other, hand you are limited by what you can do about the world's poverty. If at times you feel overwhelmed, remember, so are the children's lives and survival.