No issues elsewhere, but in Botswana, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
From my last trip, Botswana’s card acceptance is patchy at best. Hotels in Gaborone accepted cards, but I had to use cash in most countryside restaurants. My Visa worked at Stanbic ATMs but failed at FNB twice. Keep in mind that fuel stations along highways often require cash, which can be a shock if you’re used to swiping. Plan your budget: at least 600 BWP daily, more if you’re self-driving and covering park entry fees. Overall, bring multiple cards and don’t expect full coverage.
I’ve had cards rejected several times in Botswana. ATMs in Gaborone malls usually work, especially Absa or Stanbic, but if you’re driving toward the Okavango Delta, machines become unreliable. Some travellers even queue outside the one reliable ATM in Maun. My Mastercard worked at Absa but failed at FNB. Carry cash and maybe preload a travel card. Expect to spend 500-700 BWP per day for meals, fuel, and small purchases. Safari lodges can charge in USD, but once you’re outside, pula cash is king.
Yes, totally normal in Botswana. Stores in malls like Riverwalk take cards, but smaller grocery shops or street stalls in Francistown didn’t accept mine. Barclays (now Absa) ATMs worked best for me, while others randomly rejected the same card. When heading out for safaris, always carry cash for tips and local food stops. Budget around 600-800 BWP daily depending on whether you’re cooking or dining in lodges. Cards are safer for big payments, but rejection is common enough that you’ll regret not carrying extra pula.
I had mixed results in Botswana. In Gaborone, Standard Chartered and FNB ATMs accepted my card without issues, but in Maun and Kasane near safari areas, some machines rejected it outright. Many lodges and tour operators do take Visa/Mastercard, but smaller shops and petrol stations often insist on cash. Keep pula handy-about 500-700 BWP per day if you’re doing meals, local shopping, and small park fees. Don’t rely on one card type; if you have both Visa and Mastercard, bring them. Cash really helps in rural areas.