I have been told by a travel agent that American money is generally accepted in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Is there anyone here that has practical experience in any of those countries with money? I know that we need relatively new America bills in orde to buy our Visas when we arrive. Thanks
No, that is incorrect information. No businesses in those countries will accept American dollars, although in all three countries there are many places to exchange American dollars into local currency.
You just need to find that Kenyan prince that keeps sending me emails. It sounds like he'll give you a nice cut to bring his money to his cousin here in the states.
I have a good exchange rate going with several exiled royal families scattered across Africa right now. In fact, they owe me a good amount of money. Large amounts that I need to go in person to collect. I mean, big time cash. You wouldn't believe it, brah. They actually call it BukuBucks. Irony, right brah? I'm so rich in Africa that I'm going to start a GOP branch there. They call me the African Richie Rich. They have a pool of gold coins all ready for me to swim in, Scrooge McDuck style. Let me know if you're interested and I will set up an exchange.
I've lived in South Africa, traveled briefly in Kenya and Tanzania. What's the purpose of your trip? They are all extraordinarily beautiful countries. If you get a chance to travel around, you will be blown away. In Kenya and Tanzania, you will find the friendliest, most open people. South Africa is a bit more...tense, I suppose. But the natural beauty in all three countries is really astounding.
I have been in South africa twice (once for 4 months during a internship and once on a vacation for 3 weeks). South africa is nice. Avoid the big cities as much as possible (especially Johannesburg), altough i hear Cape Town is nice, but I haven't been there. In general the people are less friendly than in south east asia or South America. Altough it might be different if you aren't a big white guy. Johannesburg was the only town i ever visited where i wanted to look different than i do (i'm a 6'7 white guy). That being said if you want to see animals it is a perfect country to visit. It is very easy to rent a car and drive wherever you want to go.
We will visit a charity we support in Mombassa for 2-3 days. We will then go on three separate 2-3 day safaris in Tanzania, including the Serengeti and NgoraGora (sp?) crater. We will then fly to JNB and drive to Krueger national park for a week. We still need to get our required Yellow Fever shot (doing that when I get back from Brazil), but otherwise have preventative meds and other shots. Due to the smaller planes we will fly on from safari to safari, we are limited to 33 pounds of luggage including carry ons. Thanks for the info.
That sounds absolutely fantastic. Hope you have a great time. I'd rather be no place else in the world than Kruger Park.
What do you mean you get your visa after you arrive? First time I've heard of such practice. And what if they don't grant you a tourist visa? Will you hop on the first flight back to America?
In many countries, you must buy a visa before entering customs at the airport. You just stand in line, pay 30 bucks or so, and get a visa. Nobody is denied, it's essentially just a small tax on foreign visitors.
What torque said. For a multiple entry visa to Kenya which we will need, it is $50 USD and they want it in new bills. My visas to South Korea (now no longer needed), China and Brazil had to be acquired before I left the U.S. The U.S. airport should catch you before you leave the country if you don't have the proper entry visa.
The only country I had to arrange a visum beforehand was Kyrgyz Republic. All the other countries I could arrange at the Airport.
You are not a US citizen - correct? After 9/11 when the U.S. imposed stricter visa entry requirements, some countries reciprocated and required U.S. citizens to acquire tourist/business or work visas prior to entering the country.
I am interested. I will forward you all of my banking and personal information immediately. Is that okay?
I spent three months in Kenya. I lived in Malindi which is about 2 hours north of Mombasa. Mombasa is busy. Lots of drivers. Went to Mombasa every month for bulk groceries at Nakumat (think WalMart). You will have a blast in Kenya and on safari. The money issue: If you want to exchange money bills must be from 2002 or 2005(I think) or newer. Exchange rate for Kenyan schillings will be around 80 to 1. You will find a rare place or two that will take American but most won't. Hit up the movie theatre while you are in Mombasa. They play the Kenyan National Anthem before each movie. I would love to help answer any questions about Mombasa or Kenya if you need. They also have a pretty fun water park in Mombasa.
