Three numbers. The ones that decide the meeting.
When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: Nairobi uses the KES (Sh) and Ottawa uses the CAD ($). Conversations can stay in English, which is official in both countries. Be careful behind the wheel: Nairobi drives on the left, Ottawa on the right.
- Country
- Kenya
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KES · Sh)
- Language
- English, Swahili
- Calling code
- +254
- Drives on
- Left
- Country
- Canada
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD · $)
- Language
- English, French
- Calling code
- +1
- Drives on
- Right
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between Nairobi and Ottawa?
Nairobi is 7 hours behind Ottawa. Nairobi runs on GMT+3 and Ottawa on GMT-4. The gap can shift by an hour when either side enters or leaves daylight saving — the live clocks above always reflect the current offset.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 1 hour where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is Nairobi from Ottawa?
About 11,848 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 14h 26m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do Nairobi and Ottawa use?
Nairobi uses the Kenyan shilling (KES, Sh); Ottawa uses the Canadian dollar (CAD, $). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call Nairobi from Ottawa?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 011), then +254, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in Nairobi and Ottawa?
Both Kenya and Canada count English among their official languages, so business meetings often skip translation. Nairobi also has Swahili; Ottawa adds French.
Do Nairobi and Ottawa drive on the same side of the road?
No. Kenya drives on the left, Canada on the right. If you're renting, expect a learning curve on the first day — especially at roundabouts and when judging the centre of the lane.