Is cash still widely used?
Moderately. Botswana has better infrastructure than many African nations. Gaborone and Maun (Okavango gateway) have reasonable card acceptance at tourist businesses. Remote safari camps, villages, and local markets rely entirely on cash.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun. First National Bank and Standard Chartered machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees are around 30 BWP per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Withdraw cash in Maun before heading into the Okavango Delta or Kalahari
- Remote safari areas have no ATM access
Card acceptance
Moderate. Safari lodges accept cards for pre-booked packages. Town supermarkets and larger businesses accept cards. Markets and local vendors require cash.
Tips for travelers
- Botswana is one of Africa’s wealthiest and most stable countries
- Okavango Delta camps are remote — all spending within camps is settled by card pre-booking or USD
- Tipping guides and camp staff is customary and important
- Chobe National Park has excellent wildlife and reasonable tourist infrastructure