Botswana currency guide for smart travellers

The currency in Botswana, Africa, is the Botswana pula (BWP). You’ll usually see it shown as P or simply written as pula, and the pula is divided into 100 thebe. 

For UK travellers, the simplest approach is to carry some Botswana pula for day-to-day spending on your trip, and use a bank card or credit card in larger hotels, restaurants and tourist businesses where cards are commonly accepted. 

This guide covers the key basics – notes and coins, cash versus card use, and how to sort your Botswana travel money before you go.

Quick facts: Botswana pula (BWP)

Code	BWP
Symbol	P
Subunit	Thebe, with 100 thebe = 1 pula
Common banknotes	P10, P20, P50, P100, P200
Common coins	5, 10, 25, 50 thebe; P1, P2, P5
Where used	Botswana
Cash vs card	Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and safari companies, but cash is still useful in remote areas and at some service stations
Simple tip	If you’re paying by card or withdrawing cash, choose the local currency when prompted to help avoid poor conversion rates and extra charges from your card provider.

What is the main currency in Botswana?

The official currency in Botswana is the Botswana pula. 

The Botswana currency code is BWP. 

On a bank screen or currency converter, BWP is the code to recognise before you convert.

BWP Botswana pula notes, coins and denominations

The official currency of Botswana is the BWP Botswana pula, and it is divided into 100 thebe. 

In everyday circulation, you’ll usually see banknotes in denominations of P10, P20, P50, P100 and P200, plus Botswana pula coins of 5, 10, 25 and 50 thebe, and P1, P2 and P5. 

Botswana banknotes also include security features to help with identification. 

The Bank of Botswana says all banknotes feature a rampant zebra watermark as a key feature, and some notes also include tactile elements. 

Knowing the main notes, banknotes, coins and thebe values can make cash payments easier, especially when you pay in smaller shops or need change. 

A quick history of the pula

The Botswana pula was introduced in 1976 on the 23rd August – subsequently known as “Pula Day”, replacing the South African rand after independence. 

Its name comes from the Setswana word for “rain”, reflecting the importance of rain in a dry country. 

The thebe, which is the smaller unit of the pula, means “shield”. Together, the names give the currency a stronger local identity than the system it replaced.

Botswana pula currency exchange rate basics

If you’re checking the Botswana pula exchange rate, look at the total value you’ll get back in GBP, not just the headline rate. 

The Botswana currency to GBP rate (or indeed the BWP to GBP exchange rate if you’re exchanging the other way) can vary between providers, and extra charges can make a deal look better than it really is. 

Comparing the full cost before you buy is the easiest way to judge value.

What is the best currency for Botswana?

For most travel, the Botswana pula is the best currency for Botswana because it is the official currency. 

Some other currencies can help in transit, but paying in the local currency is usually easier. 

Can you use rand, euros or US dollars in Botswana?

Some businesses may take the South African rand, especially near borders, but that is not guaranteed. 

The US dollar is sometimes accepted in tourism settings, and a few tourism operators may quote in USD, but the US dollar is not ideal for daily spending. 

Botswana pula is still the best option if you want to pay smoothly throughout the country. 

South African rand notes are not a full substitute for local banknotes, and that difference matters.

Cash, bank card or credit card?

A bank card or credit card works well in many hotels, larger stores and busy travel areas. 

Visa and Mastercard are both common, but cash still helps in smaller places. 

Check your bank, bank app or phone alerts before you go, because bank fees, card fees and hidden fees can push up the cost if you spend abroad without planning.

Currency converter checks before you travel

Before you buy, use a currency converter to check the latest exchange rate and compare how many Botswana pula you’ll get for your pounds. 

Look at the total cost, not just the advertised rate, as fees can affect the overall value.

Where to buy Botswana pula in the UK

Option	What to expect
Specialist bureau (online)	The simplest option for less common currencies: compare rates and order ahead. Get the best rates and swift home delivery with Manor FX.
High street banks	Some currencies may need ordering in advance; availability can vary by branch.
Post Office	Stocks a range of travel money, but less common currencies may be limited or unavailable.
Airport exchange	Convenient, but higher costs; stock of rarer currencies can be unpredictable.

How to buy Botswana currency with Manor FX – No hidden fees!

If you need to buy travel money online, with the best Botswana currency exchange rate, Manor FX makes the process straightforward. 

1. Choose Botswana pula (BWP currency)

Open the Botswana pula page on the Manor FX website and enter how much you want to buy. We sell over 160 currencies, so we can also supply you with currencies for other countries, too, if you’re visiting multiple places.

2. Check the exchange rate

Review the rate and total cost before you continue.

3. Pick delivery or collection 

Choose home delivery or collection, depending on what suits your trip.

4. Add your details

Fill in your details so your order can be processed securely.

5. Pay and place your order

Complete payment, confirm the order, and wait for your confirmation email.

If you get back from Botswana with leftover foreign currency, Manor FX can help you convert Botswana currency to pounds.

What to expect when paying in Botswana

Expect modern payment options in cities and safari lodges, but carry a little cash for smaller stores. 

Each person visiting Botswana should expect some variation in what is accepted, especially outside major centres. 

If your route includes the Kalahari or other wild areas, being prepared matters even more. 

More useful facts before you travel

The season can affect what you spend in Botswana.  

The greener months around February can bring different availability and prices, while June falls in the drier safari period, when demand may be higher in some areas. 

If you plan to explore the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari or other wildlife areas, it’s worth sorting your Botswana pula in advance and checking for the best possible exchange rate before you go.

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