Money Matters
U.S. dollars are welcome for most things, including tips. The standard unit of currency for Botswana is the Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe (t). Bank notes come in denominations of P10, 20, 50 and 100 with coins in the denominations of 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, P1, P2 and P5.
In preparation for your journey, you may want to calculate the exchange rate from the US dollar to local currencies. There are several websites that offer a conversion engine. You can also check the Wall Street Journal for currency rate information.
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
CREDIT CARDS, CASH AND ATMS: Some major credit cards are accepted such as MasterCard and Visa, but American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted. Please note that Discover Card is basically unknown in Southern Africa. However, it is advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in small denominations of US Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it. Exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. ATMs may be found in large cities but not in camps and game reserves. Keep your traveler's checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works the best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.
TIPPING: Tips for hotel and lodge personnel are usually included in your tour price; however you should be prepared to tip the staff on safari. Tips to your driver and naturalist guides are also at your discretion. A suggested detailed tipping chart will be sent to you with your final documents prior to departure.
SHOPPING: This is one of the best places to buy baskets with unusual patterns and weaves. Other possibilities include weavings, stamps, Herero dolls (portly female figures adorned in the bright Victorian hoopskirts brought to Herero by German missionaries), colorful tapestries and Bushmen-made ostrich-eggshell necklaces. You may find it useful to carry a hand calculator while shopping, with exchange rates written on tape on the back.
A note of warning: If you intend to ship any of your purchases back home to the United States from your journey, it is highly recommended that you negotiate the shipping charges with the local vendor/mailing service on premises ahead of time. Do not be sadly surprised when your shipment arrives in the U.S. with a large cost attached as sometimes shipping charges can cost more than the actual item. Save yourself a headache (and a hit to your wallet) and negotiate these charges when you send off your prized purchases.
DEPARTURE TAXES: Information specific to your itinerary will be outlined in the final documents/instructions