Money in Botswana
Botswana uses the Botswana pula. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- BWPBotswana pula
- Symbol
- P
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Botswana
Cards work in towns and lodges. Carry some cash outside them.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Remote shops, fuel stations, cultural sites and community craft outlets may take only cash. Carry some pula for smaller purchases.
- ATMs
- ATMs are mostly in larger towns and cities and accept foreign Visa cards. The Botswana Tourism Organisation warns foreign withdrawals may carry extra fees but gives no figures.
- Foreign currency
- The US dollar, euro, pound and rand are listed as easily convertible, and SafariFind says some lodges may accept US dollars, so confirm with your lodge.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at banks, authorised bureaux, airports and authorised hotels, with fewer options in rural areas. Use ATMs linked to major banks.
- Watch out for
- SafariFind reports park fees are set in pula and paid mostly in cash at gates or Department of Wildlife offices, with card machines unreliable, so carry pula or small US dollar notes. World Travel Guide (page last modified 2019) says P10,000 or more must be declared on arrival and departure.
Tipping in Botswana
Tip safari guides and lodge staff. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Botswana Tourism Organisation, SafariFind (money), SafariFind (park fees), Wendy Wu Tours, Jacada Travel, Discover Africa.
Convert to and from BWP
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13.80 BWP | 15.46 BWP | 18.52 BWP |
| 10 | 138 BWP | 155 BWP | 185 BWP |
| 50 | 690 BWP | 773 BWP | 926 BWP |
| 100 | 1,380 BWP | 1,546 BWP | 1,852 BWP |
| 500 | 6,901 BWP | 7,731 BWP | 9,261 BWP |
What each amount is worth in BWP. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Botswana use?
Botswana uses the Botswana pula (BWP).
Do you need to tip in Botswana?
Expected. Tip safari guides and lodge staff. Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added.
Can you pay by card in Botswana?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Remote shops, fuel stations, cultural sites and community craft outlets may take only cash. Carry some pula for smaller purchases.
Are there ATMs in Botswana?
ATMs are mostly in larger towns and cities and accept foreign Visa cards. The Botswana Tourism Organisation warns foreign withdrawals may carry extra fees but gives no figures.