Money and duty free for Botswana
Currency and Money
Currency information
The currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP; symbol P), subdivided into 100 thebe. Banknotes are in denominations of P100, 50, 20, and 10. Coins are available in denominations of P5, 2, and 1, as well as 50, 25, 10, and 5 thebe.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Botswana, particularly in hotels, lodges, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger shops. However, smaller businesses, markets, and rural areas may operate on a cash-only basis, so it's advisable to carry some cash when travelling outside urban centres.
ATM
ATMs are available in most towns and cities, with good coverage in places like Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Kasane. International cards can be used at many ATMs to withdraw Botswana Pula, though daily withdrawal limits and bank fees may apply.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 08:30-15:30; Sat 08:30-11:00.
Currency restrictions
There are no limits on the amount of currency you can bring into or take out of Botswana. However, if you are carrying the equivalent of 10,000 Botswana Pula or more—whether in local or foreign currency—you are legally required to declare it to customs authorities upon both arrival and departure. Failure to do so may result in fines or confiscation. The export of large amounts of Botswana Pula without authorisation is not permitted.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, authorised bureaux de change, and some hotels. US dollars, South African rand, and British pounds are the most commonly accepted currencies for exchange. Rates may vary slightly between institutions, so shopping around can be worthwhile.
Botswana duty free
Overview
Travellers entering Botswana are permitted to bring in the following goods free of customs duties and value-added tax (VAT), provided these items are for personal use, not intended for resale, and are declared upon arrival.
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, and 250g of tobacco (18 years and older).
• Alcohol: 2L of wine and 1L of spirits (18 years and older).
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• New or used goods up to R500 (South African Rand) from within the SACU zone (Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Eswatini), and up to R3,000 from outside the zone.
Banned Imports
Banned imports include narcotics and their derivatives, firearms and ammunition without proper permits, explosives, counterfeit currencies and securities, articles infringing upon intellectual property rights, and obscene or indecent materials such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs, and software.
Additionally, certain agricultural products, including specific vegetables and meats, may be seasonally restricted or require special permits. Importation of wild animals or their products (trophies or meat) is prohibited unless accompanied by an export permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Banned Exports
Banned exports include narcotics and their derivatives, firearms and ammunition without proper permits, explosives, counterfeit currencies and securities, articles infringing upon intellectual property rights, and protected wildlife products without appropriate export permits. Exporting wild animals or their products (trophies or meat) is prohibited unless accompanied by an export permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
