Money

The currency in Botswana is the Pula (P) which is made up of 100 Thebe. Conversion rates fluctuate between:
  • 12 - 15 BWP to 1 Euro,
  • 15 - 18 BWP to 1 British Pound,
  • 11 - 14 BWP to 1 American Dollar.

​These exchange rates change constantly so it is best to check online shortly before departure. Visit www.xe.com for the current exchange rate.

Botswana banks only accept Pula, US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro and South African Rand in cash. Cash payments at safari camps for curios, or tips to guides or staff, need to be in one of these currencies.

ATMs aren't always reliable in Botswana and are sometimes empty, or near pay day have huge queues! Don’t entirely rely on withdrawing cash once in the country. We would recommend taking some cash in Pula with you, it also saves time queuing at the banks.
International Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout Botswana. However, American Express and Diners Club are not accepted by the banks in Botswana. Keep in mind, 
​small souvenirs and sometimes even fuel will have to be paid in cash so, again, be sure to always have some cash on you. ​​

Tipping

At restaurants: when service is good, a tip of 10% of the bill total is the norm. Tips are an important part of servers' wages as those usually are (very) low. To ensure the tip is given to your waiter, we advise you to pay all tips in cash. 

To petrol and parking attendants: you usually give 2 BWP.

When enjoying guided activities: It is customary to tip your guide (game drives, boat trips etc) if he/she is cordial and sufficiently knowledgeable. A rate of 40 - 50 BWP per person per activity is the norm. Please note that it is not the guide's fault if you don't see as many animals as you had hoped, so your tip should not be reliant upon the number of animals you see. 

At 4 and 5-star lodges: You can expect excellent service from both lodge staff and safari guides. Even at 5-star resorts it is common practice to leave a tip on departure. We recommend you leave two tips: one for the lodge staff to share and the other for your daily safari guide. Because guides usually are a determining factor of the success of your stay, it is good to tip him/her more than individual lodge staff.
  • Lodge staff - follow your lodge's guidelines
  • Guide 100 BWP per guest per day​

​Lodge staff and. guides generally prefer cash tips. When adding tips to your bill of extras and paying with a card, lodges owners sometimes claim part of the gratuity because of the tax imposed on credit card payments.​​