How I Used Bitnob on My Vacation to Kenya

The Dear Bella Series is a series where Bella answers finance, bitcoin, and Bitnob app questions from Bitnob users. Got a question for Bella? Shoot her an email: bella@bitnob.com

I received a couple of emails from some of you asking if it’s really possible to travel to one of the countries Bitnob supports without needing to carry cash. And every time, I said that it was possible. 

All you need is to use the transfer feature on the Bitnob app and you can easily transfer money to the bank account or mobile money wallet of the person you want to send money to. 

So, when I used my card to withdraw money at the airport and the ATM swallowed it, I realized that it was my turn to practice what I preached. 

This Easter I decided to take leave from work and travel to Kenya for holiday. I was ready for one week of fun, tours, and excitement. 

Rather than seeing losing my debit card as a terrible moment in my first solo trip outside Nigeria, I was unphased because I had the Bitnob app. I’ve never wavered in my belief that Bitnob could deliver. 

Secured internet connection

I arrived at the airport early and since my card was stuck at the Murtal Muhammed airport, the first thing I needed to do was to make sure that I was never stranded when it came to the internet. 

I knew that the cost of the roaming service for my phone line would be too expensive. Mary, one of my colleagues once told me about Airalo and how she used it to get access to the internet when she traveled. 

Airalo is an eSim app that gives you eSims from different countries. When you subscribe you can get mobile phone service in the country you travel to and you get internet connection. 

I had already downloaded it and bought a Kenyan eSim from Airalo and paid with my Bitnob virtual dollar card. 

For those who are wondering, I decided to pay for the 1GB plan which was going to be valid for 7 days. I didn’t expect to do anything on my phone aside from messaging friends and family and making payments with my Bitnob app. 

After paying for the Kenyan eSim, I set it up and was ready to go. All I had to do was to wait for my flight. 

Paid for transportation, food, and drinks

When I arrived in Kenya, my eSim worked immediately and I was able to get hail a cab to take me to my hotel. I used my Bitnob app to pay the driver. The money was sent to his MPesa wallet. 

While I was in the hotel, I was feeling really hungry so I went to the restaurant and ordered food. I was so thrilled to know that they also accepted payments to their MPesa so I paid for my meal with the Bitnob app. 

I wasn’t feeling tired so I decided to do a little exploring. I went to the Maasai Market and I think that’s the most colorful market I’ve ever been to in my life! I saw beautiful bangles, handmade crafts, and stunning clothes with gorgeous prints. 

I knew I was going to see my friend later in the day so I bought myself an ankara hoodie. I paid the seller for my new hoodie with the Bitnob app and transfered money straight into her MPesa wallet. 

I went back to the hotel to freshen up and got ready to hang out with an old classmate from my University who now works for a company in Nairobi. She took me to Kamaki’s where we ate Ugali, Nyama Choma, and Kachumbari.

Ugali is maize flour that’s cooked in boiling water until it stiffens. It reminded me of pounded yam. Nyama Choma is grilled meat. The one we had was roasted goat meat. Kachumbari is a salad dish of fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, lemon juice, and chili peppers. When combined together, they carried so much flavor. I felt like I was in heaven.  

Tours and adventures

I knew Mary really loved giraffes. I had never seen one before, so I wanted to make sure I visited the Giraffe Center. I hired a cab (and paid with the Bitnob app, of course) to meet up with my friend and she took me to the Giraffe Center. We paid our gate fee. I paid using my Bitnob app. 

Now I know why Mary loves giraffes so much! They’re incredible creatures. At first, I felt a little scared and intimidated by their height but they were really friendly. 

Next, we went on a safari tour at the Nairobi National Park. It was amazing! Before you enter the Nairobi National Park you have to also pay a gate fee and it goes without saying that I paid with the Bitnob app. 

Thinking of visiting Kenya?

I could go on and on about my adventures in Kenya. I hope that you were inspired by my trip to travel to Kenya carrying your Bitnob app along with you. I can’t wait to go back and explore the country more. Sincerely, one week wasn’t enough to savor how amazing Kenya is. 

As I shared in this article, it was really convenient making payments using my Bitnob app. If you’re thinking of visiting Kenya any time soon, make sure you download the Bitnob app. It’ll be really handy for you as it was for me.  

And for those who are wondering about the debit card I lost at the ATM, I got a brand new card from my bank a few days after I arrived in Nigeria. I didn’t miss it at all. 😂