Ruth Haines
Nairobi Airport (NBO) is an airport serving the Nairobi area in Kenya. The airport is open 24 hours a day and offers a variety of services and facilities, including shops, duty-free, bars, restaurants, cafes, lounges, and free unlimited WiFi. If you're looking to do some last-minute shopping or pick up souvenirs, Nairobi Airport has 16 shops and duty-free shopping options where you can purchase exclusive perfumes and colognes, cigarettes, alcohol, food items, confectionery, and Kenyan souvenirs. In addition, for those looking to stay connected during their travels, SIM cards and eSIM cards from Safaricom, Telkom, and Airtel are available for purchase at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | NBO |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Services | Airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels |
| Facilities | ATMs, shops (including duty-free), post office, luggage wrapping, luggage scales, baggage storage, bars & restaurants, airport car rental |
| Items to buy | Exclusive perfumes and colognes, cigarettes, alcohol, food items, confectionery, souvenirs from Kenya |
| SIM Cards | Safaricom, Telkom, and Airtel have dedicated counters or kiosks at the airport. SIM card stores may not always be available. |
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What You'll Learn
Duty-free shopping
Nairobi Airport (NBO) is the airport serving the Nairobi area in Kenya. It is located approximately 10 miles (16.1 kilometres) from the centre of Nairobi, which takes around 21 minutes to drive in normal traffic. However, it is recommended that you reserve plenty of time to get to the airport, as traffic can be bad and the journey can take up to 4 hours depending on where in Nairobi you are coming from.
Nairobi Airport offers a range of duty-free shopping opportunities, with 16 shops to choose from. Here are some of the products you can expect to find:
- Exclusive perfumes and colognes
- Cigarettes
- Alcohol
- Food items
- Confectionery
- Souvenirs from Kenya
In addition to duty-free shopping, Nairobi Airport also offers various other services and facilities, including:
- Airport lounges
- Free unlimited WiFi
- Mobile charging points
- Lockers
- 24-hour food options
- Nearby hotels
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- SIM card purchase and registration
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SIM cards
Nairobi Airport (NBO) has a range of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and facilities, including 16 shops and 1 cafe. If you're looking to buy a SIM card at the airport, there are a few options available to you.
First, you can purchase a physical prepaid SIM card from one of the dedicated counters or kiosks of the three mobile providers at the airport: Safaricom, Telkom, and Airtel. These SIM cards cost 200 KES (about $1.50 USD) and come with around 150 KES in credit that can be used for data or local calls. It's important to note that the shops and kiosks have limited operating hours, and you will need your passport and an unlocked phone to purchase a SIM card.
Alternatively, you can buy an eSIM card, which eliminates the need to change physical SIM cards. Safaricom offers eSIM cards for tourists at an extra cost of 250 KES (about $2 USD). Their data packages offer fewer gigabytes compared to other providers, and they may be more expensive. Telkom and Airtel do not offer eSIM cards and only sell physical prepaid SIM cards.
If you want to avoid the registration process and the hassle of changing physical SIM cards, you can consider purchasing a pre-activated SIM card or a Kenya eSIM online before your trip. This allows you to activate the SIM card without showing your passport or going through lengthy registration steps. One popular eSIM provider is Gigago, which offers plans on the Airtel mobile network in Kenya.
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Currency
The local currency in Nairobi is the Kenyan shilling, with a currency code of KES. It's a good idea to be aware of the current exchange rate and where to get the best exchange rates before you travel. While it may be convenient to exchange money at the airport, rates are often poor and transaction fees high.
If you're staying in a hotel, it may be worth checking whether they offer currency exchange—some do. Alternatively, you could consider opening a Kenyan bank account if you're planning on staying for a long time or making a substantial investment.
There are also digital options for accessing currency, such as the Wise account, which offers access to over 70 currencies with a single card, at the mid-market exchange rate.
ATMs are available at Nairobi airport, and you may be able to withdraw Kenyan shillings using your regular bank card, depending on your bank's policies.
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Food and drink
Nairobi Airport has a variety of food and drink options available for travellers. The airport is open 24 hours, and there are 24-hour food options available, so you'll be able to find something to eat or drink whenever your flight is. There is one restaurant and one cafe at the airport, as well as various bars and snacks available. In the departure area, there are also a lot of shops selling sweet treats, alcohol, and cigarettes. However, it's worth noting that there are no restaurants in the departure area, so it's a good idea to prepare and buy something to eat before you get to the gate.
If you're looking for a sit-down meal, the Pride Lounge in Terminal 1A, near Gate 17 on the second floor, offers hot food and showers and is open 24 hours. You can pay at the door to access this lounge, which costs $70 for 6 hours. The Simba Lounge in Terminal 1A is also an option, open from 5:00 am to midnight. Alternatively, the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 1B, opposite Gate 10, is open 24 hours and offers paid access.
For those with a sweet tooth, the duty-free shops at Nairobi Airport sell confectionery, chocolate, and other sweet stuff. You can also purchase exclusive perfumes and colognes, cigarettes, alcohol, food items, and souvenirs from Kenya. It's a great place to pick up some last-minute gifts or treats for yourself.
If you're looking for a quick bite or something to drink, there are various bars and snacks available throughout the airport. Nairobi Airport also has free unlimited WiFi, so you can stay connected and entertained while you eat or drink.
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Airport lounges
Nairobi Airport (NBO) has a variety of lounges to choose from, offering different amenities and experiences. Here is some essential information about the airport lounges:
Location and Terminals
Nairobi Airport consists of two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is further divided into four smaller terminals: 1A, 1B, 1C (for international arrivals and departures), and 1E (international departures). The lounges are located within these terminals, with specific lounges in Terminal 1A, 1B, and 1E.
Lounge Options
- Pride Lounge (Terminal 1A, Airside, near gate 17, 2nd floor): This lounge offers shower facilities and is open 24 hours. Access is available by paying at the door (US$70 for 6 hours).
- Simba Lounge (Terminal 1A): The Simba Lounge is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM. You can access it by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.
- Aspire Lounge (Terminal 1B, Airside, opposite Gate 10): The Aspire Lounge is open 24 hours and can be accessed by paying at the door, using a prepaid lounge pass, or through lounge membership programs.
- Kenya Airways Premium Lounges: These lounges promise an upscale travel experience with a warm African touch. They offer a dynamic and diverse environment, providing expansive circular layouts overlooking the airside, where guests can view aircraft activities.
- Other Lounges: There may be additional lounges available in the airport, such as the VVIP room, which can be reserved for an extra fee and offers personalised services.
Amenities and Services
The lounges at Nairobi Airport provide a range of amenities and services to enhance your travel experience:
- Comfort and Relaxation: Lounges offer comfortable seating, napping areas with sleeper beds, and tranquil environments to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport.
- Dining and Refreshments: Some lounges feature dining areas with formal and playful banquette seating, allowing you to enjoy meals and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Business Facilities: Business travellers can take advantage of functional spaces with counters equipped with technology like Samsung tabs and universal sockets. High-speed Wi-Fi is also available.
- Smoking Facilities: For smokers, lounges like the Simba 1A Lounge offer designated smoking rooms with high stool seating and entertainment while you enjoy a drink and a cigar or cigarette.
- Showers: The Pride Lounge provides shower facilities for guests who want to freshen up before their flight.
Access Options
Lounges at Nairobi Airport offer various access options:
- Pay at the Door: Some lounges allow entry by paying a fee directly at the lounge entrance, such as the Pride Lounge and Simba Lounge.
- Prepaid Lounge Pass: Certain lounges accept prepaid lounge passes, which you can purchase in advance.
- Lounge Membership Programs: Membership programs are accepted at specific lounges, allowing members to access the lounge during their travels.
- Economy Class Ticket: It is possible to gain access to some lounges with just an economy class ticket. Check the
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Frequently asked questions
Nairobi Airport has 16 shops, 1 cafe, and 0 restaurants. In the shops, you can buy exclusive perfumes and colognes, cigarettes, alcohol, food items, confectionery, and souvenirs from Kenya.
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Nairobi Airport. Safaricom, Telkom, and Airtel have dedicated counters or kiosks at the airport. All three mobile provider shops accept credit cards.
Yes, free unlimited WiFi is available at Nairobi Airport. Connect to the “NBO Free WiFi” network. Email registration is required.
