← All countries
Local app preferred
WhatsApp
Works fine
Works fine
Works fine
Works fine
Africa
Kenya
6 apps tracked4 work fine
Last verified: July 29, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer
Payments1
Apple Pay / Google Pay
Use instead: M-Pesa
M-Pesa mobile money runs the economy — get a local SIM to use it, or carry cash. Cards work at malls and hotels.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Messaging1
No direct substitute
WhatsApp works normally and is widely used.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Maps & Navigation1
Google Maps
No direct substitute
Google Maps works well for driving, walking and public transit.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Ride-hailing1
Uber
Use instead: Bolt / Little
Uber, Bolt and Little all work in Nairobi and Mombasa.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Internet Access1
U
Local app preferredUS carrier roaming
Use instead: Local eSIM (Airalo / Holafly)
US roaming works but is expensive; a local eSIM is cheaper and faster. Set it up before you land.
Set up before you land
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Social Media Access1
Instagram / Facebook / X
No direct substitute
US social apps work normally.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?