Prepaid Botswana SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide

This guide will highlight the benefits of getting a SIM card in Botswana and how it can improve your travel experience. 

If you’re visiting Botswana, you might be thinking about how to get a SIM card. A Botswana SIM card is essential for staying connected during your trip, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and use the internet easily.

I. What are the Best Botswana SIM cards for Tourists?

There are three main operators in Botswana: Orange, Mascom and BTC Mobile. 

1. Orange

Orange Botswana is one of the largest operator in Botswana. They have good coverage throughout the country.

Orange BuaLeNna Le BaBangwe + Data

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Cross-Net Minutes	Validity
24 BWP	60 MB	Unlimited on-net minutes	30 cross-net minutes	1 day
90 BWP	400 MB	Unlimited on-net minutes	120 cross-net minutes	7 days

Orange Ola Prepaid Packages

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	All-Net Minutes	International Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
6 BWP	5 MB	5 on-net minutes	N/A	N/A	5 SMS	1 day
12 BWP	10 MB	N/A	10 all-net minutes	N/A	N/A	1 day
20 BWP	20 MB	N/A	20 all-net minutes	N/A	Unlimited SMS	1 day
22 BWP	20 MB	20 on-net minutes	N/A	N/A	20 SMS	7 days
50 BWP	20 MB	N/A	30 all-net minutes	5 international minutes	N/A	7 days
60 BWP	50 MB	50 on-net minutes	N/A	N/A	75 SMS	30 days
100 BWP	50 MB	N/A	50 all-net minutes	5 international minutes	Unlimited SMS	7 days
120 BWP	50 MB	N/A	70 all-net minutes	7 international minutes	N/A	30 days
300 BWP	1 GB	N/A	80 all-net minutes	10 international minutes	Unlimited SMS	30 days

Orange All My Friends

Price	Data for Social Media Apps	On-Net Minutes	SMS	Validity
5 BWP	500 MB	5 on-net minutes	10 SMS	1 day
20 BWP	500 MB/day	20 on-net minutes	50 SMS	7 days
60 BWP	500 MB/day	60 on-net minutes	200 SMS	30 days

Orange All My Internet Plus

Price	Data	Night Bonus	Validity
6 BWP	40 MB	40 MB	1 day
12 BWP	120 MB	120 MB	1 day
25 BWP	300 MB	300 MB	2 days
50 BWP	650 MB	650 MB	7 days
75 BWP	1 GB	1 GB	7 days
95 BWP	1500 MB	1500 MB	14 days
125 BWP	2 GB	2 GB	30 days
240 BWP	4 GB	4 GB	30 days

Orange Mega Bundles

Price	Data	Validity
9.50 BWP	15 MB	15 days
18 BWP	30 MB	15 days
45 BWP	75 MB	15 days
85 BWP	150 MB	15 days
170 BWP	300 MB	15 days
299 BWP	550 MB	30 days
399 BWP	2 GB	60 days
799 BWP	5 GB	60 days
1399 BWP	10 GB	60 days

2. Mascom

You can buy a Mascom SIM card for 10 BWP in Mascom stores. 

Mascom MyCombo

Price	Data	Minutes	SMS	Validity
5 BWP	10 MB	3 minutes	3 SMS	1 day
15 BWP	60 MB	10 minutes	10 SMS	1 day
45 BWP	600 MB	20 minutes	20 SMS	7 days
65 BWP	1 GB	30 minutes	20 SMS	7 days
95 BWP	1 GB	50 minutes	30 SMS	14 days
125 BWP	2 GB	75 minutes	30 SMS	14 days
165 BWP	2 GB	100 minutes	50 SMS	30 days
245 BWP	4 GB	150 minutes	100 SMS	30 days

Mascom MyMix

Price	Data	Validity
2 BWP	50 MB	1 day
5 BWP	200 MB	1 day
10 BWP	1 GB	1 day
18 BWP	2 GB	1 day
20 BWP	1 GB	2 days
39 BWP	1.5 GB	7 days
45 BWP	2 GB	7 days
49 BWP	1 GB	14 days
69 BWP	2 GB	30 days
85 BWP	3.5 GB	14 days
99 BWP	4.5 GB	30 days
149 BWP	8.5 GB	30 days
279 BWP	17 GB	30 days
525 BWP	35 GB	30 days

Mascom MyMeg Prepaid

Price	Data	Validity
9.50 BWP	14 MB	14 days
19.50 BWP	30 MB	14 days
45 BWP	70 MB	30 days
80 BWP	130 MB	30 days
150 BWP	250 MB	45 days
300 BWP	500 MB	60 days
600 BWP	1.2 GB	60 days

Mascom MyApp Data Bundles

Price	Data	Extra All Access Data	Validity
3 BWP	100 MB	10 MB	1 day
10 BWP	300 MB	50 MB	7 days
40 BWP	1200 MB	250 MB	30 days

3. BTC Mobile

You can get a BTC SIM card for 10 BWP in BTC stores

BTC Mobile Voice & Data Bundles

Price	Data	On-Net Minutes	Cross-Net Minutes	Validity
15 BWP	75 MB	Unlimited on-net minutes	15 cross-net minutes	1 day
30 BWP	200 MB	Unlimited on-net minutes	30 cross-net minutes	7 day
100 BWP	1 GB	Unlimited on-net minutes	50 cross-net minutes	30 days

BTC Mobile Night Riders

The Night Riders bundle is an unlimited data bundle that can be used as 00:00-5:00 (12 AM-5AM). The Night Riders bundle costs 10 BWP. 

BTC Mobile Live Social

Price	Data for Social Media Apps	Validity
5 BWP	500 MB	1 day
15 BWP	500 MB/day	7 days
60 BWP	500 MB/day	30 days

II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Botswana for Tourists?

There are three ways to buy a SIM card for your trip to Botswana:

• Buy a SIM Card at Botswana Airports

• Buy a SIM Card in Botswana City Centers

• Buy an eSIM Online One Day Before Departure

1. Buy a SIM Card at Botswana Airports

When you arrive at Maun Airport or any international airport in Botswana, you’ll find kiosks or shops selling prepaid SIM cards. There is an atm across the road from the airport, and SIM cards can be bought at the small stalls across the road from the airport.

They offer different plans based on your needs. Just make sure to check if the stores are open when you arrive, as they may not be open all the time.

• Price : Usually higher than in city stores.

• Pros : You can get internet access right away.

• Cons : Higher costs, fewer plan options, possible long lines, and limited store hours.

2. Buy a SIM Card in Botswana City Centers

You can find prepaid SIM cards at official phone stores, convenience stores, and gas stations in Botswana. Once you’re settled in your hotel, use Google Maps to locate the nearest providers. 

• Price : Cheaper than at airports.

• Pros : Competitive prices and more options available.

• Cons : You’ll need to travel to the stores.

3. Buy an eSIM Online One Day Before Departure

This option is available if your phone supports eSIM. You can choose a plan that suits your needs, make the payment, and receive a QR code in your email within 5 minutes. Just scan the QR code to activate your eSIM on your phone. There’s no need to wait for delivery or visit a store.

• Pros : You can pre-order and activate your eSIM for internet access in advance. It saves time and money since there’s no shipping fee.

• Cons : It only works if your phone supports eSIM.

► Our Recommendation

If your phone supports eSIM, buying an eSIM online one day before you leave is the most convenient option. It allows you to set up your both internet connection in advance, saving you time and money.

III. How Much is a Tourist Botswana SIM Card?

A tourist SIM card in Botswana typically costs around 10 BWP (Botswana Pula). This price is consistent across the main operators, including Mascom, Orange, and BTC Mobile. Additionally, you’ll find various data bundles and plans available for purchase that can suit different needs and budgets. For example, data rates start at around 2 BWP for 20 MB for short-term options.

IV. What types of Botswana SIM cards are available for tourists?

Tourists visiting Botswana can choose between two types of SIM cards for their trip:

• Prepaid Physical Botswana SIM Cards

• Prepaid Botswana Digital SIM (eSIM)

1. Prepaid Physical Botswana SIM Cards

• Form : A physical SIM card that you insert into your phone.

• Activation : You need to insert the SIM card and activate it.

• Convenience : You may need to go to a store to buy the physical SIM card.

• Storage and Security : The card can be easily lost or damaged.

• Future Compatibility : You might need a new physical SIM card for any network upgrades or changes.

2. Prepaid Botswana Digital SIM (eSIM)

• Form : A digital SIM that is built into your phone.

• Activation : You activate the eSIM by scanning a QR code or following an activation process.

• Convenience : You can purchase and activate the eSIM online without visiting a store.

• Storage and Security : It is stored securely in your phone, so there’s less risk of losing it.

• Future Compatibility : The eSIM can be updated remotely or switched to a different plan.

Overall, the eSIM has many advantages over physical SIM cards. Just remember that your phone needs to support eSIM technology to use it.

V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Botswana travel?

Yes, getting a SIM card in Botswana is a great idea if you want to stay connected during your visit. With a local SIM card, you’ll have a reliable network for making calls, sending messages, and using mobile data.

Let’s look at other options:

• Data Roaming : This can be very expensive.

• Pocket WiFi : While convenient, it can be easy to lose, and insurance for it can cost a lot.

• Free WiFi : This often has slow speeds, unstable connections, and can put your personal information at risk.

• Embedded SIM (eSIM) : This is convenient but only works with devices that support eSIM.

Each option has its pros and cons. However, when it comes to performance, SIM cards and eSIMs (if your phone supports them) usually provide the best results.

VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Botswana? 

To buy a prepaid SIM card in Botswana, you’ll need to prepare the following:

• Identification : Bring an ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

• SIM Serial Number (SSN) : This number is usually printed on the SIM card or its packaging.

If your phone supports eSIM, you can choose this option to skip paperwork and save time. 

VII. Botswana eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards

When you travel to Botswana in 2024, the easiest way to stay connected is by using an eSIM card. It’s super convenient and takes just a few minutes to set up online. You won’t have to deal with swapping physical SIM cards or buying one from a store—an eSIM makes everything simpler.

Just make sure your phone can use eSIM before ordering one for Botswana. It’s that easy! You’ll stay connected and have a great time in Botswana!

Gigago is a reliable service provider for Botswana eSIMs, offering several benefits:

• Quick Delivery : Gigago sends the eSIM to your email right after you make your payment.

• Wide Coverage : The Botswana eSIM works throughout the entire country.

• Trusted Networks : Gigago partners with well-known providers in Botswana, including MTN and Orange.

• Easy Setup : You can set up the eSIM by scanning the QR code in your email or entering the activation code manually.

• 24/7 Support : Gigago offers customer support 24/7 to help with any questions or issues.

For Botswana, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $8.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Botswana eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $8.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Botswana, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Botswana?

The length of a tourist SIM card in Botswana depends on the provider and the plan you choose:

• 7-Day Plan : Great for short trips or vacations.

• 14-Day Plan : Suitable for two-week visits.

• 30-Day Plan : Ideal for month-long stays.

If you need more time, check with your provider about extending or topping up your plan.

IX. How to activate a SIM card in Botswana? 

This will guide you how to activate Botswana SIM Cards: 

1. Using Prepaid Botswana Tourist SIM Cards

Here’s how to use a prepaid SIM card as a tourist in Botswana:

• Buy a SIM Card : You can purchase a prepaid SIM card online or from major providers like BTC Mobile, Orange or Mascom. You can find them at airports, train stations, and shops. Make sure your phone is unlocked.

• Insert the SIM Card : Turn off your phone, insert the SIM card into the SIM tray, and then turn your phone back on.

• Activate the SIM Card : Once your phone is on, follow the instructions to set up the card. You may need to enter a PIN code provided with the SIM.

• Top Up : Most prepaid SIMs come with a small balance. If you need more, you can top up online or buy top-up vouchers locally.

• Use Your Phone : You can use your phone as usual, but keep an eye on usage limits and any fees for going over.

2. Setting Up and Activating Botswana eSIM

Here’s how to install and activate an eSIM for your trip to Botswana:

• Purchase an eSIM : Buy an eSIM plan from a Botswana mobile carrier or an eSIM provider like Gigago.

• Receive the Information : Check your email for the eSIM details. Use your phone camera to scan the QR code to install the eSIM profile.

• Restart Your Phone : After scanning the QR code, restart your phone.

• Check Activation : Go to your phone’s settings to see if the eSIM is activated. You should see Botswana carriers listed.

• Use the Internet : Once you arrive in Botswana, you can start using the internet.

• Remove the eSIM : Before leaving Botswana, delete the eSIM profile to avoid any roaming charges.

X. FAQs

Botswana SIM cards are a convenient and affordable choice. You can easily buy them at airports and stores without spending too much. With a travel SIM card, you can use your own phone with a local Botswana number, helping you avoid high roaming fees from your home carrier. If your phone supports eSIM, you can also consider using a virtual SIM for internet access.