What Nobody Told Me Before Spending Time in Kenya

Visiting Kenya for a vacation is one thing. Spending enough time there to develop your own routines is something completely different.

Over time, I learned that some of the most useful travel lessons aren't necessarily the things you'll find on an itinerary. They're the little things you figure out once you're actually there—how to stay connected, how to get around, what to keep in your bag, and even how to navigate Nairobi traffic!

Here are a few things Kenya taught me along the way.

Staying Awhile? Get a Local Line 📱

I initially tried using an eSIM, but depending on where I was and what I needed to do, it could become tricky.

Eventually, I bought a basic phone for about KSh 1,500—less than $15 USD—and added a Kenyan line.

For such a small expense, that little phone became one of the most useful things I had during an extended stay.

Having a local number made it easier to communicate with local merchants, drivers, friends, and people I met along the way without always depending on my U.S. phone or internet connection.

And then there was M-Pesa.

For my American readers, think of M-Pesa somewhat like Apple Pay or Google Pay but you'll quickly discover just how much a part of everyday life it is in Kenya.

I could use it to pay local merchants, make everyday purchases, send money, and handle transactions right from my phone. Having a Kenyan line also made navigating transportation and communicating locally much easier.

My inexpensive little phone quickly became one of my Kenya essentials.

Culture. Purpose. Connection.