Visa
All foreign nationals require a visa, unless there is an contrary agreement between Botswana and other country. Citizens of the following countries do not require visas: all Commonwealth countries, South Africa, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Mauritius, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Western Samoa, Yugoslavia, Japan.

Currency
The unit of currency is Pula, which also means "rain" and "greetings". One hundred Thebe constitute a Pula. Notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Pula.

When to go
The rainy season (December/January/February) attracts a large number of different animals into the desert to the summer grazing areas. In March and April, the famous 'Zebra Migration' in the Savuti takes place while during the winter months (May to October) the concentration of game close to the permanent waters of the Delta makes it a very good spot to be at.

Credit Cards
Most common are Master and Visa Card, travellers cheques are accepted in the bigger towns, shops, petrol stations, hotels and lodges. It is recommended to have a reasonable amount of cash available.

Mail and Telephone Systems
The mail and telephone systems in Botswana is very slow. It works but it can take ages to get a letter anywhere and you need either a lot of patience or a lot of luck to get through via telephone (it is not so bad from hotels compared to public phones).The International Code to Botswana is 267.

Duty Free
The following goods may be taken into Botswana without incurring any duty: 400 cigarettes , 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits; 50ml of perfume, 250ml of eau de toilette and goods up to the value of P500.

Getting Around
Air
Major areas of the country are linked by air. There are airports in Francistown, Maun, Selebi-Phikwe, Ghanzi, Pont Drift, Kasane and Jwaneny.

Rail
There are rail links between Ramatlhabama, Lobatse, Gaborone, Palapye and Francistown. In Botswana, children under seven travel free and children aged 7-11 pay half fare.

Bus
There are bus services between Gaborone and Francistown, and from Francistown to Nata and Maun. Buses from Francistown to Maun run every day, leaving every hour from 0730 to 1600. The journey takes about 6 hours. Timetables can be obtained from bus operators. Travel within major towns is by taxi.

Car hire
Hire cars are available in Gaborone, Francistown or Maun. Four wheel drive vehicles are necessary in many areas. Traffic drives on the left and seat belts must be worn. It is advisable to keep the petrol tank at least half full as distances between towns can be long. There is a speed limit of 120kph (75mph) outside built-up areas, and about 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas. Speed limits are strongly enforced with high fines. An International Driving Permit is not legally required, but recommended for stays of up to six months; thereafter, a Botswana driving licence must be obtained, which will be issued without a test if a valid British licence is produced.

Tipping
A discretionary 10% tips is the norm in urban centres.

Social Conventions
As most people in Botswana follow their traditional pattern of life, visitors should be sensitive to customs which will inevitably be unfamiliar to them. Outside urban areas, people may well be unused to visitors. Casual clothing is acceptable and in urban centres, normal courtesies should be observed. Airports, official residences and defence establishments should not be photographed - permission should be obtained to photograph local authorities.

Clothing
Heat and glare are fierce, so light clothing and protective gear such as hats, sunglasses and barrier cream are essential. Insect repellents are often necessary, especially in the wet months.

Local time
Local time is two hours in advance of Greenwich time.