Transacting in a global currency like the United States dollars (USD) makes it easier to shop online and carry out international transactions. Holding USD helps hedge against potential exchange rate fluctuations of the Kenya Shilling (KES), which can lead to losses.

Unfortunately, many freelancers, digital nomads, travellers and international businesspeople still experience difficulties in converting KES to USD. With emerging reliable fintech solutions like Grey, converting KES to USD is now easier than ever.

Whether you’re a traveller, freelancer, online shopper, or international businessperson, understanding how to make this conversion seamlessly can save you both time and money. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to convert KES to USD online.

Read more: 13 essential tools and resources for digital nomads in Kenya

Converting Kenya shillings to USD using Grey

Grey is a cross-border fintech platform that allows users in African countries — including Kenya — to create virtual foreign bank accounts (such as USD, GBP, and EUR). Users can receive payments from abroad and convert currencies at competitive rates. With Grey, you can hold and manage multiple currencies in one app, making it ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers.

Read also: Cheapest and fastest way to send money from the UK to Kenya

Steps to convert Kenya shillings to USD using Grey

You can convert your KES to USD by following these quick steps.

1. Create a Grey account

Visit Grey’s website or download the mobile app to sign up using your email address. Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by uploading a valid ID and a selfie.

2. Fund your Grey account

Once your account is verified, you can deposit Kenya Shillings into your Grey account via mobile money services like M-Pesa or a bank transfer.

3. Navigate to the exchange section

In your dashboard, select the ‘Convert’ option. Choose KES as the currency you want to convert from, and USD as the currency you want to convert to.

4. Enter the amount

Input the amount in KES you’d like to convert. Grey will display the current exchange rate and the amount you’ll receive in USD, minus any applicable fees.

5. Complete the conversion

Confirm the transaction. Depending on system processing times, your USD account will be credited immediately or within a few minutes.

Read more: Grey vs. local banks: The best currency exchange method in Kenya

Why use Grey for currency conversion?

Grey is a trusted currency conversion platform for many users for these reasons:

• Competitive exchange rates: Grey offers better rates than many banks or traditional remittance services.
• Speed: Conversions and transfers are often instant.
• Convenience: The app is intuitive and works across web and mobile platforms.
• Multi-currency bank accounts: Store, convert, and send money in USD, GBP, EUR, and KES.
• Seamless integrations: Receive USD payments from platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Payoneer, Etsy, etc.
• Send money abroad: You can use your USD balance to send money internationally.
• Withdraw to local banks: After converting your money, you can withdraw it to your Kenyan bank account or M-Pesa.

Read more: How to get an instant USD debit card in Kenya

Seamless currency conversion with Grey

Grey is redefining how Africans interact with foreign currencies. For Kenyans, converting Kenya shillings to USD is no longer a complicated process involving high fees or poor exchange rates. With Grey, it’s all just a few taps away. Whether freelancing, studying abroad, or shopping on international platforms, Grey makes managing your money across currencies accessible and affordable.

Sign up on Grey today or download the app to enjoy seamless currency conversion at competitive rates.

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