Botswana Flights and Travel Guide

Language

English is the official language. Setswana is widely spoken.

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Money

The unit of currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. The word "Pula" means rain and "Thebe" means shield. The shield appears on the national coat of arms. Major credit cards are accepted widely, and travelers checks and foreign currency are accepted at most large hotels and lodges. There are banks and exchange bureau in all the main towns, as well as ATM machines. Surcharges are often high on travelers checks, and it is best to carry checks in U.S. Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

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Communications

The international access code for Botswana is +267. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). Gabarone's area code is 31, 35, 36 or 39; there is no NDD prefix for calling within Botswana. Mobile phones operate on a GSM 900 network and are limited to urban areas; most North American cell phones will not work. Internet cafes are available in Gaborone and Maun.

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Tipping

Tipping is expected in tourist hotels and restaurants. Many automatically add a service charge, but where not, a 10-15 percent tip is appreciated. Taxi drivers generally aren't tipped. Tour guides, trackers and game rangers rely largely on tips for their income and customarily receive about P25-45 per person per day.

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Safety

The majority of visits to Botswana are trouble-free, but visitors should be aware of the increasing incidence of crime in the main towns. Wildlife and livestock make driving hazardous, so driving at night should be avoided.

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Health

The major health risks in Botswana are malaria, typhoid and HIV/Aids. Malaria is a particular risk between November and June in the northern parts of the country. There are no compulsory vaccinations, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate isrequired from travelers over one year of age coming from infected countries. Botswana has a good public health system, but facilities are limited outside urban areas. Health insurance for visitors is vital. Tap water in towns is safe to drink, and all foodstuffs are safe to consume.

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Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Both the round three-pin and UK-style three pin plugs are used.

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