Botswana Money and Exchange Rates, Pula Botswana Currency

Currency

Pula (BWP; symbol P) = 100 thebe. Notes are in denominations of P100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of P5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 thebe.

Currency Exchange

Money should be exchanged in banks at market rates. The main commercial banks include Bank of Baroda, Barclays Bank of Botswana, First National Bank, Stanbic Bank Botswana and Standard Chartered Bank with branches in major towns and villages. Owing to limited facilities in small villages, it is advisable to change money at the airport or in major towns, where credit card cash advances may also be available. There are also bureaux de changes at major border posts. Safari lodges accept payment in US dollars.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are available in most larger cities and towns.

Traveler’s Cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Traveler’s cheques are accepted in large cities but with a high surcharge.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Banks open 0800 and 0900, Mon-Sat, closing between 1615 and 1715 on weekdays and 1045 and 1200 on Saturdays.

Exchange Rate Indicators

1.00 GBP = 11.17 BWP

1.00 USD = 6.78 BWP

1.00 EUR = 10.03 BWP

Currency conversion rates as of30 October 2009