Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
than by the amount you're withdrawing - take out as much as you can each time. Check
also with your bank before leaving home to see if some banks have agreements with your
home bank and work out cheaper than others.
You'll find ATMs at all the main bank branches throughout Botswana, including in
Gaborone, Maun, Francistown and Kasane, and this is undoubtedly the simplest (and
safest) way to handle your money while travelling.
CASH
Most common foreign currencies can be exchanged, but not every branch of every bank
will do so. Therefore, it's best to stick to US dollars, euros, UK pounds and South African
rand, which are all easy to change.
Foreign currency, typically US dollars, is also accepted by a number of midrange and
top-end hotels, lodges and tour operators. South African rand can also be used on Bot-
swanan combis (minibuses) and buses going to/from South Africa, and to pay for Bot-
swanan vehicle taxes at South African/Botswanan borders.
There are five commercial banks in the country with branches in all the main towns and
major villages. Although you will get less favourable rates at a bureau de change, they are
a convenient option if the lines at the banks are particularly long.
There is no black market in Botswana. Anyone offering to exchange money on the
street is doing so illegally and is probably setting you up for a scam, the exception being
the guys who change pula for South African rand in front of South Africa-bound
minibuses - locals use their services, so they can be trusted.
For current exchange rates, log on to
www.xe.com
.
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS
All major credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, but also American Express and
Diners Club, are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels (but only in
some
petrol stations).
Major branches of Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank also deal with cash ad-
vances over the counter and don't charge commissions for Visa and MasterCard. Almost
every town has at least one branch of Barclays and/or Standard Chartered that offers
foreign-exchange facilities, but not all have the authority or technology for cash advances.
EXCHANGE RATES
Australia
A$1 P8.38
