How to send money to Kenya from Switzerland with the best CHF-KES rate

Comparing providers offering services between Switzerland and Kenya, based on your specific needs is the best way to send money with confidence.

Based on the availability of companies for CHF/KES

• Wise is our top pick for sending Swiss Franc to Kenya. A transfer of 6,000 Swiss Francs to KES will cost you fr.59.18 in fees, and you will receive 950,882 KES. The transfer time is within an hour, but might be a bit longer depending on the day you make the transfer.

• Of the 5 providers compared, Key Currency is the cheapest option for sending money right now. We found that Key Currency is 0.4% cheaper than the second-best option.

• Fastest way to send money to Kenya from Switzerland is via Revolut. The transfer time is within minutes with Revolut for a fr.6,000 transfer, but it will depend on the time, day of the week, and the amount you send.

Our comparison includes 5 companies that provide the ability to send Swiss Franc to Kenya.

This ensures you get the best options for transfers to Kenya from Switzerland, based on the amount you want to send.

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for Kenyan Shilling when sending Swiss Franc to Kenya.

The rate between the Swiss Franc and Kenyan Shilling is currently 159.791. Wise offers the best exchange from CHF-KES.

The total cost of sending money to Kenya from Switzerland is a mix of the mid-market, exchange rates and transfer fees.

• The Mid-Market and Exchange Rates: The mid-market for CHF-KES is 159.791 KES per Swiss Franc.

• Fees: When sending money there may be additional fees. Key Currency offers the lowest fee of the 5 providers tested, costing justs 0 CHF per transfer.

• Amount Received: When comparing providers, the best measure is the amount of Kenyan Shilling eventually received in Kenya.

This number should allow you to determine if you are getting a good deal. A higher amount of money received in Kenya, means a better overall cost of sending money from Switzerland.

Sending money via a bank transfer is the recommended option for sending money from Switzerland to Kenya.

Here are the popular ways to send money from Switzerland to Kenya:

Bank transfers

Bank transfers are often the best payment method for money transfers from Switzerland to Kenya.

A money transfer company like Key Currency offer bank transfers between Switzerland and Kenya with lower fees and better exchange rates than you would get from a traditional bank. 


Debit and prepaid cards

Sending money from Switzerland to Kenya with a debit or a prepaid card is very simple with Revolut.


Revolut is a leader in debit card payments for transfers from Switzerland to Kenya, competing among a total of 5 active money transfer companies on this route.

Credit cards

Not many money transfer companies offer direct credit card deposits, because it is more expensive for everyone.

We recommend using a bank transfer or a debit card transfer if you can; otherwise, make a quick comparison to find the latest deal.

Ensuring you fully understand regulations in Switzerland and Kenya will aid in keeping your money safe.

Our directory of worldwide financial regulators contains details on regulation for sending money between Switzerland and Kenya.

Some services between Switzerland and Kenya have minimum or maximum thresholds on how much you can transfer. This is applies when receiving money in Kenya as well.

Companies will offer different rates and fees for different transfer amounts. For regular transfers to Kenya, use Wise. The combination of rates and fees when sending from Switzerland to Kenya is the most competitive, even at larger amounts.

Also, always check with the recipient and understand any declarations needed on large amounts of money leaving Switzerland, or entering Kenya. Mis-understanding these could result in a slower, or even failed, transfer.

There are different ways to receive Kenyan Shilling in Kenya. This includes a direct bank deposit, cash pickup, a mobile wallet or receiving money into a multi-currency account.

Not all providers serving transfers from Switzerland to Kenya will offer every method for incoming Kenyan Shilling, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

One of the more common ways to transfer from Switzerland into Kenyan Shilling is directly into a bank account. Wise is the best company for bank transfers between Switzerland and Kenya.

And if you need cash right away, check if cash pickup is an option for transfers between Switzerland and Kenya.

Mobile wallet services and payment apps like PayPal, Xoom, and CashApp are popular too, but they come with more limitations and higher costs compared to money transfer providers like Key Currency.

When signing up to and sending Swiss Franc to Kenya, through a money transfer company, you will have to verify your ID.

The precise documents you need will vary and in some cases you will need more than one.

For the most part however, in Switzerland this will be a government issued ID such as a passport or driver's license. In Kenya it will be similar, although this should only be needed if you are opening a new account in Kenya, or collecting in cash. Sending to an existing bank account in Kenya shouldn’t require any additional ID checks.

Large transactions between Switzerland and Kenya, are subject to additional checks. A provider may ask you for proof of address or may want to carry out a proof of funds check.

One of the reasons Wise has scored so highly for transfers to Kenya is their easy sign up process in Switzerland.

When sending large amounts of money between Switzerland and Kenya there will potentially be a tax declaration to consider.

Some transfers into Kenyan Shilling may need to be reported to tax authorities in Kenya, particularly where inheritance or property purchases are involved.

Tax limits and personal allowances will change in Kenya based on age, income and a few other elements. When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in Switzerland or Kenya to discuss your personal circumstances.