Is it safe to withdraw cash in Botswana or not?
Botswana generally felt orderly and safe. I used an ATM near my guesthouse at night and didn’t encounter any issues. I kept my transaction quick and walked straight back, just as a precaution.
I withdrew pula from a Stanbic ATM in Gaborone late in the evening. Street lighting was decent, and I didn’t feel at risk. That said, I made sure to use a machine attached to a busy shopping complex instead of a freestanding unit.
While passing through Maun, I tried an ATM after dinner but it was out of cash. I waited for the next morning and found the machine restocked. Many travelers here prefer withdrawing during the day - especially in tourist towns with limited banking options.
In Gaborone, I used a First National Bank ATM outside a shopping mall around 10 PM. There was a security guard present and a few people around. ATM use in Botswana after dark felt safe in city centers, though locals still advised caution in less lit areas.