🇧🇼 Botswana Internet & SIM Cards — Connectivity Guide

The internet in Botswana is relatively well-developed, with a growing number of users and improving speeds, making it possible for tourists and remote workers to stay connected during their stay.

Internet Overview

The internet in Botswana has seen significant improvements in recent years, with the average internet speed increasing to 10 Mbps download. However, there is still a noticeable divide between urban and rural areas, with cities like Gaborone and Francistown enjoying faster and more reliable connections. In rural areas, internet access can be limited, and speeds are often slower. Despite this, the overall internet quality in Botswana is relatively good, with most users able to access basic online services like email, social media, and news websites.

The reliability of the internet in Botswana can vary depending on the location and the service provider. In general, the mobile network coverage is good, with most areas having access to at least 2G or 3G networks. However, outages and disruptions can occur, especially during periods of heavy usage or maintenance. To mitigate this, many users rely on multiple SIM cards or mobile providers to ensure a stable connection. Additionally, the lack of 5G coverage in Botswana means that users may not have access to the fastest possible speeds, but this is not a significant concern for most users.

Getting a SIM Card

To get a SIM card in Botswana, tourists can visit the offices of the main mobile carriers, such as Mascom, Orange, or BTC. These carriers offer a range of prepaid SIM cards and data plans that cater to different needs and budgets. To purchase a SIM card, users typically need to provide a valid passport and proof of address. The cost of a tourist SIM card is approximately 10 USD, and data plans can range from 1-10 USD per day, depending on the carrier and the amount of data required.

The recommended carriers for tourists are Mascom and Orange, as they offer a wide range of tourist-friendly plans and have good coverage throughout the country. For example, Mascom's "Tourist Plan" offers 1GB of data per day for 5 USD, while Orange's "Prepaid Plan" offers 500MB of data per day for 3 USD. It's worth noting that these plans can change, so it's always a good idea to check with the carrier for the latest options.

WiFi Availability

• Hotel WiFi quality in Botswana is generally good, with most hotels and lodges offering free WiFi to their guests.
• Cafe WiFi culture is not as prevalent in Botswana as in other countries, but many cafes and restaurants in urban areas do offer free WiFi to customers.
• Coworking spaces are becoming more popular in Gaborone and other major cities, offering high-speed WiFi and other amenities to remote workers and entrepreneurs.
• Public WiFi is limited in Botswana, but some cities and towns have public hotspots that offer free or low-cost internet access.
• Many tourist information centers and visitor centers also offer free WiFi to tourists and travelers.

For Remote Workers

• Coworking spaces like The Hive and The Workspace in Gaborone offer high-speed WiFi, meeting rooms, and other amenities to remote workers and entrepreneurs.
• Reliable cafe chains like Mugg & Bean and News Cafe offer free WiFi and a comfortable working environment.
• Backup internet options like mobile hotspots and portable WiFi routers are available for purchase or rent in Botswana.
• VPNs are not strictly necessary in Botswana, but they can be useful for accessing geo-restricted content or secure online services.
• Many hotels and lodges also offer conference facilities and meeting rooms with high-speed WiFi and other amenities.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet censorship is not a significant concern in Botswana, but some online services may be blocked or restricted.
• VPN use is not prohibited in Botswana, but it's always a good idea to check with your carrier or internet service provider before using a VPN.
• Roaming alternatives like eSIMs and portable WiFi routers can be useful for travelers who need to stay connected while avoiding high roaming charges.
• Public WiFi networks can be vulnerable to cyber threats, so it's always a good idea to use a VPN or other security measures when accessing public WiFi.
• Power outages can occur in Botswana, especially in rural areas, so it's always a good idea to have a backup power source or portable charger on hand.
• Data limits can be a concern in Botswana, especially for heavy users, so it's always a good idea to check your data usage and data plans regularly.