Best Bitcoin Exchange for Botswana
A clinic in Botswana is now accepting Bitcoin and doing pioneering work in Africa.
Botswana clinic accepts Bitcoin
Africa in particular could benefit more than any other continent from crypto currencies and blockchain technology. After all, a very high proportion of the population has no access to banking or financial services. Dr. Donald Ariisa of the Sharada Private Clinic in Gabore, Botswana, has made a correspondingly sensible attempt. He likes to watch documentary shows on technology topics, says Dr. Ariisa when asked how he became aware of Bitcoin.
His hope is that Bitcoin will bring more peace and justice to people. A statement that may sound trivial in Western industrialized countries, but is absolutely justified in developing countries. For Dr. Ariisa, the possibility of paying for his treatment with Bitcoin has above all an educational character. He wants to show an alternative to Fiat currencies and help to spread blockchain technology.
The currency was named after the state motto “Pula”, which means as much as “rain” or after a solemn welcome greeting (e.g.: “May rain come!”). The word comes from the language of the Tswana. It makes clear how important water and rain are to the people in Botswana. Rain and wealth are inseparably linked here.
The currency Pula
Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pula. There are coins in the value of 1 and 2 Pula as well as 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Thebe. Besides the Pula, cash in US dollars is also a recognized means of payment in Botswana.
Money exchange – Before departure or directly on site?
We recommend that you change money in Pula first, as the exchange rate in the country is better. Money exchange is possible at the airport as well as in the larger cities on the itinerary. Never exchange money on the open road with flying merchants, you are guaranteed to get invalid notes or the currencies of other countries pushed under. The best thing to do is to reserve the amounts that have already been fixed, such as entry fees and airport taxes.
If you have Botswana Pula left at the end of your trip, you can exchange it for Victoria Falls or Livingstone at relatively good exchange rates. If you want to exchange your Botswana Pula outside these areas, you will have to expect rather poor exchange rates.
Travelers Cheques as a Reserve
Traveler’s cheques are safer and we recommend carrying them as a reserve. However, the exchange of money takes a little longer. Exchanges are possible in Maun, Kasane and Livingstone, some with high fees.
Withdraw cash and pay by credit card
In larger cities there are ATMs (Victoria-Falls, Maun, Kasane and Livingstone) where money can be withdrawn with credit cards and bank cards (Maestro system only). Travellers are advised to check whether the ATM has been tampered with. In addition, there is often a maximum amount of cash that can be withdrawn per card/day. Therefore you should try to get some cash before your trip. Credit cards are only accepted for cashless payment in some restaurants and shops in the cities.
At a glance
- Currency code: P, BWP
- Banknotes are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Pula, coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 Pula and 50, 25, 10 and 5 Thebe.
- The currency was named after the state motto “Pula”, which means “rain”, or after a solemn welcome greeting (e.g.: “May rain come!”). The word comes from the language of the Tswana. This illustrates how important water and rain are to the people of Botswana. Rain and wealth are inseparably linked here. Accordingly “Thebe” means raindrops in German.
- Money exchange: It makes most sense to exchange money in a bank in the capital, as there are hardly any opportunities for money exchange outside the larger cities.
- Credit cards: Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted in tourist hotels and resturants in larger cities.
- Travelers Cheques: Should be made out in US dollars or British pounds sterling. Travelers Cheques are accepted by most hotels, but often only for a high fee. Generally, travellers in Botswana use traveller’s cheques less and less.
- ATMs: are available in all major locations, only VISA cards are accepted.
- Foreign exchange regulations: Import and export of the local currency or foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration obligation from an equivalent value of 10,000 P.
- Bank opening hours: Mon – Fri 09.00 – 15.30 o’clock, Sat 08.15 – 10.45 o’clock.