Botswana
Travel tips for Botswana: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards widely accepted. Travelers in 2025-2026 report that cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops, but you will still need local cash (Pula) for public transport, taxis, street vendors, and remote areas.
Try the food
- Seswaa: A hearty dish of beef or goat meat boiled until extremely tender and then pounded or shredded, usually served over thick maize meal.
- Bogobe jwa Lerotse: A traditional, slightly sweet porridge made from sorghum meal and a specific type of cooking melon, often flavored with sour milk.
- Morogo: A nutritious mix of dark green wild leaves, often cooked with onions and tomatoes to serve as a savory side dish.
Essentials
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Left side
- SIM tip
- Pick up a Mascom or Orange prepaid SIM card at the airport or official retail stores, keeping your passport handy as it is required for mandatory registration.
Etiquette
Always greet people with a polite 'Dumela' (hello) and inquire about their well-being before asking a question or starting a transaction, as skipping the greeting is considered rude.