Welcome to Botswana 😊
Botswana is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. It is known for its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos. The country is rich in natural resources, particularly diamonds, and its economy has grown rapidly in recent years. Botswana is also home to various ethnic groups and cultures, including the San people, who are known for their traditional hunter-gatherer way of life. The country has a strong commitment to conservation and sustainable development, and many of its national parks and reserves are popular destinations for eco-tourists.
Quick Facts About Botswana
- Currency: Botswana pula
- Population: Approximately 2.3 million
- Languages: English,Setswana
Money and Finances
The currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. Notes are available in denominations of BWP 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 while coins are available in denominations of Thebe 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available in Botswana, with major towns and cities having numerous machines. However, it is advisable to carry cash when travelling to rural areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Botswana, particularly in urban areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most places, while AMEX may have limited acceptance. It is advisable to carry cash as a backup as some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards.
Internet and Phones
Internet in Botswana has relatively low speeds with an average download speed of 6.28 Mbps and upload speed of 4.49 Mbps. The government does not actively interfere with internet use in the country.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Botswana has four main mobile phone operators, Mascom Wireless, Orange Botswana, beMobile and BTC Mobile. The average cost for a mobile phone plan is around 80 Botswanan pula (approximately 7 USD) per month. There are no major sim compatibility issues in the country.
Dialling to Botswana
To call Botswana from another country, you need to dial the international access code followed by the country code (+267) and then the local number. Within the country, the area codes include Gaborone (31), Serowe (46), Francistown (24), and Maun (68).
Transport Around Botswana
Air Travel
Botswana has two major airports, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, and Maun Airport in Maun. Both airports serve as hubs for regional and international flights.
Train Travel
Botswana has a limited inter-city train network, operated by Botswana Railways. Some of the major routes include Francistown to Ramokgwebana and Lobatse to Gaborone. Ticket prices are approximately 70-100 Botswana pula, and journey times range from 2-5 hours depending on the route.
Metro / Local Trains
Botswana does not have a metro system.
Buses
Botswana has an extensive bus network operated by various companies including Seabelo, Intercape, and City Liner. Prices range from 5-20 Botswana pula, depending on the route and distance. Journey times vary but can take several hours.
Rideshare
Uber and Bolt operate in Botswana, offering affordable travel options in major cities. Average prices are around 20-30 Botswana pula for a short trip within the city.
Driving by Car
Driving in Botswana is relatively easy. The speed limit on highways is 120 km/h, and 60 km/h in urban areas. Botswana uses right-hand drive, and visitors may use their valid foreign driver's license or an international driver's license when driving in Botswana.
Local Customs
In Botswana, tipping is not a common practice. Locals often greet each other with a handshake, although in more traditional settings, a bow may be appropriate. When speaking with strangers, it is customary to start with a polite greeting and engage in small talk before getting down to business. Men and women generally address each other with respect, using formal titles like 'Madam' or 'Sir' instead of first names.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Botswana has a mixed public-private healthcare system. The government provides comprehensive health services through public hospitals and clinics, with affordable costs for consultations and treatments. Private healthcare facilities are also available, although these may be more expensive. A visit to the doctor in Botswana typically costs around $30-$50.
COVID Situation
Botswana implemented measures to control the spread of COVID-19 early on, such as mandatory masks, social distancing, and travel restrictions. As of September 2021, Botswana has had a total of 170,329 COVID-19 cases and 2,386 related deaths. The vaccination rollout is ongoing.
Common Health Risks
In Botswana, the most common health risks are HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Visitors should take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. Food- and water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever are also a concern, so it's important to drink bottled or boiled water and avoid undercooked food.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Botswana, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol consumption in public places is prohibited between 10pm and 6am. Drunk driving is a serious offence and can result in fines and imprisonment. It is also illegal to sell alcohol without a valid license.
Recreational Drugs
The use and possession of any controlled drugs is illegal in Botswana, and the penalties can be severe. This includes soft drugs such as cannabis and party drugs. The possession of any quantity is considered a serious offence and can result in imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Botswana has no specific laws regarding pre-marital relationships.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is illegal in Botswana and punishable by up to 7 years in prison. Same-sex relationships are not recognised by the government and discrimination is common.
Firearms / Guns
There are strict laws regarding the use of firearms in Botswana. Only licensed individuals are permitted to possess firearms, and they must be registered. The penalty for illegal possession of a firearm can result in imprisonment.