£1 BWP 18.31
Today
4:49 am
+2h from you
Weather in Botswana
Botswana
29°
Fog
Fri
17
29
Sat
18
30
Sun
17
30
Mon
17
28
Tue
18
28
SPF level in Botswana
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Botswana
Tipping in Botswana
Tipping is appreciated in Botswana for good service, but it is not mandatory. It's a way to show gratitude for exceptional service.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or a small amount
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
5-10 BWP per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
10-20 BWP per day
Tour Guide
50-100 BWP per day, depending on the tour length and quality
Safety in Botswana
Tips for British travellers
Botswana is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
When driving, keep car doors locked and windows closed, and do not stop for hitchhikers to reduce the risk of attack.
Lock your hotel or lodge room at all times and secure valuables in a safe place, particularly in the Chobe area.
Women should take care when walking and avoid walking alone at night due to a high number of sexual assaults.
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page as identification, and be ready to show the original if required.
It is illegal to take photographs near military and government installations, and you should always ask permission before photographing people.
Bonus tips:
Bathing in rivers and lakes is not advised due to the risk of attack from wild animals and water-borne diseases.
Road conditions can become unsafe due to flooding during the rainy season from November to March, so follow local weather and authority advice.
Driving in Botswana
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Botswana for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Botswana
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G, Type M
UK adapter needed?
Yes
In Botswana, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a plug adapter. Botswana uses Type D, Type G and Type M plugs.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments in urban areas and tourist locations. However, cash is still widely used and recommended, particularly in smaller towns, rural areas, and for smaller transactions.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
ATMs in Botswana
ATMs are mainly available in cities and tourist areas. Rural areas may have limited access.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most convenient way to acess your money. Make sure that you have a four digit PIN number for ease of use.
Mobile & roaming
Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for specific Botswana roaming charges. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 150 BWP (~£9)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Mascom, Orange Botswana, BTC Mobile
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and some restaurants in major cities and tourist areas, but availability can be limited in more rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Mobile data or hotel Wi-Fi are your easiest options. Expect to pay additionally for either.
Health & vaccinations in Botswana
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities can be limited in some areas. Check that your insurance covers all planned activities, such as safaris or adventure sports.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Malaria is a risk in northern Botswana. Consult your doctor about appropriate prophylaxis. HIV/AIDS is prevalent; take necessary precautions. Drink bottled or boiled water. Seek medical advice regarding vaccinations and necessary precautions before travelling.
Calling Botswana
Country code
+267
00 267 [local number]
00 267 391 2345
To call Botswana from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 267 (Botswana's country code), followed by the local number. Omit the leading zero if there is one in the local number.
UK Embassy in Botswana
British High Commission Gaborone
Plot 1079 Sekgoma Road Gaborone
Airports in Botswana
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.