Airport logistics: it was not too painful going thru immigrations but I had already gotten a visa prior to arrival ($50 in USA). The line for visa on arrival looked a bit long. I arrived around 11p. I tried getting some money from the Forex (money changing bureus all over NBO but NOT so in mombasa) but they were out. Fortunately I was able to get some money out of an ATM. Probably not a bad idea to come in with $100 or so in Kish just in case. Do not leave the airport without having picked a Taxi, there is a little kiosk where you can pick a taxi to downtown for a fixed priced (approx $20). If you leave thru the doors prior to doing that you WILL get mobbed by tons of cabbies trying to get you into their vehicle. Not recommended by experience area mongers. From airport to city about 15 minute ride.

Hotels in Nairobi: plenty of cheap to very expensive options. I previously posted a doc with many of the options available so I will only mention the places i stayed at...note this are budget places. Always book double room to avoid surcharges for chicas. Both hotels I stayed in Nairobi are walking distance from Simmers and Madhouse 2 and if you are willing to walk a bit Madhouse 1.

Terminal hotel: my first place. OK if in a shoestring but will not choose to stay there again, one roach per room is my limit. The first room I stayed at was oK, the second (I stayed at a friends for a few days) was worst. Has warm/hot water at certain times of day. About 1000K/day.

Embassy hotel: a block or so from Terminal. For 300-400 K more a better/cleaner room, still pretty basic but definetely better. I would choose this place over the Terminal any day.

Money matters: TC's can be exchanged at good rates at the FOREX boureaus in Nairobi but good luck trying to find a place to exchange them in Mombasa (but there are ways, more on that later). ATMs are pletyful however and mostly had no problems withdrawing from them. I used Barclays mostly and never had a problem and did not get double dipped on the charges.

Taxis: I swear cabbies are cloned somewhere in hell. They suck everywhere and can be bad here as well. If you find one that you like get their cell, they will be happy to go to you and get you anywhere. ALWAYS negotiate fare ahead of time. If within the central biz district no ride should be more than 500 absolute max. If you have no idea what the fare should be just walk a few feet and ask one or two or three cabbies and you will get a feel, one of them may even give you the almost local price...in Kenya always bargain. And always assume that if you are white you are being charged extra.