Botswana Travel Info

Electricity
In Botswana, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of types D, G and M. You can use your electric appliances in Botswana if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V, you will need a voltage converter or a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Time Zone
Botswana GMT + 2 (1 hour ahead of continental Europe)

Currency
The Botswana currency is the Pula (divided into 100 Thebe). Notes are in denominations of P100, 50. 20, and 10. Coins are in denominations of P5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, and 5 thebe. Major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and ATMs are available in larger cities and towns. Traveller’s cheques are not very popular and are only accepted in certain banks. Safari lodges accept payment in US dollars. Money is exchanged in banks. The main commercial banks include the Bank of Baroda, Barclays Bank of Botswana, First National Bank, Stanbic Bank Botswana, Standard Chartered Bank. It is advisable to change money in airports or major towns.

Mobile Phones
Botswana has access to international roaming (GSM compatible), although coverage is average.

Bugs
With Botswana being located in Africa you may encounter all manner of local wildlife (insects, reptiles, small mammals, rodents, cockroaches). Lights attract bugs so don’t leave your lights on when you leave your room. Ticks can be found in the Botswana bush and usually burrow under the skin (leaving a small black dot) around the ankles and lower legs. Be sure to keep your body well covered when walking in the bush and to use insect repellent.

Mosquitoes are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net. Regarding medication in malarial areas please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health organisation.

Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets, important documents and money are securely stored in your room safe. Do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas.

Tipping
Tipping of guides and hotel personnel is not compulsory but always welcomed. Aside from the guides and drivers, you may wish to tip anyone who works in service, namely waiters in bars and restaurants, porters and room cleaners, a discretionary 5 – 10%. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. While on safari, it is customary to tip the game guide and staff while on safari.

Safety on Safari
The basic rules of safari are:
Don’t feed animals you don’t own.
If you don’t know ask. Always listen to your guide.