How to Buy a SIM Card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE) for Tourists: Where and Price?

Claudia Anderson

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Published: November 2024

This article provides information for purchasing a SIM card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE): prices, where and how to buy, things to prepare, the best SIM plans, and the best alternative to airport SIM cards.

Picking up a SIM card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE) is an easy way to stay online in Botswana. Tourists will find telecom provider kiosks and shops located right within the airport terminals, making it simple to purchase a prepaid SIM as soon as you arrive. Whether you prefer to get a Botswana SIM on-site or set up an eSIM before the trip, there are convenient options to keep you linked up throughout your time in Botswana.

This blog explores details on purchasing a SIM card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE): rates, where and how to purchase, and the best alternative to a normal SIM.

I. How to Obtain a SIM Card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE)?

International travelers may obtain a SIM card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE) in three ways:

• Purchase your Botswana SIM online in advance: Main providers like Orange, Mascom, and BTC Mobile enable visitors to get Botswana SIMs. Then visitors can have it ready to set up as soon as they land.
• Get Botswana SIM right at the Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE): Once you’ve cleared customs, you will find telecom provider kiosks and shops within the GBE airport terminals to get a prepaid SIM.
• Register for a Botswana eSIM: If your mobile device uses eSIM, you can register for a digital Botswana SIM that you may set up virtually before your vacation, giving you immediate connectivity upon landing.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE)?

At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, Botswana, tourists may buy SIM cards from a few outlets right inside the airport.

The main local providers that sell SIMs at GBE airport include Mascom, BTC, and Orange. You may compare the different data and call packages and pricing options to find the SIM that best fits your needs for your time in Botswana.  

III. Are SIM Card Shops at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE) Open after Midnight?

Unfortunately, no. SIM card shops at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE) generally operate during standard hours and may not stay open after midnight. Their hours typically align with peak flight times, so if you arrive at Sir Seretse Khama Aiport very late at night, the SIM card shops might be closed.

In that case, you could consider purchasing a SIM card in Gaborone city the next day, where outlets for major providers like BTC, Orange, and Mascom are widely available. Or you may sign up for a digital eSIM plan for Botswana before your flight, so you may activate it immediately upon landing, regardless of the time.

IV. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport SIM Card Price

The table below displays some of the most common prepaid Botswana SIM plans for tourists.

V. Registration Process for Buying a SIM Card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE)

When you decide to purchase a SIM card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE), make certain you have the following things ready:

• Passport: You need to show your valid ID, so do not forget to bring your passport.
• Cash in Botswana Pula (BWP): The SIM card kiosks at GBE airport accept cash payments, so you need to prepare Botswana Pula. Major credit cards may also be accepted.
• Phone’s compatibility: Confirm that your device is not locked and can work with cellular networks in Botswana.
• Mobile data needs: Calculate your usage needs during your journey, so you can pick the right Botswana SIM package.
• Contact details: The vendor needs some essential details (name, address, phone number) to activate the Botswana SIM.

With these essentials covered, getting a SIM card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE) should be quick, allowing you to get online as soon as you arrive in Botswana.

VI. eSIM at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport – Alternative to Botswana SIM Card

If you prefer a super easy way to get internet access in Botswana, consider buying an eSIM rather than a normal SIM at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. 

Here are some of the key advantages:

• Super easy setup: With an eSIM, you can get everything squared away before your trip, so you don’t have to worry about finding a SIM card kiosk when you land.
• Immediate connectivity: Scan an activation code or download the Botswana eSIM profile and you will have mobile service right after you land at GBE.
• Flexible data plans: Many eSIM resellers offer reasonable, travel-friendly data plans designed specifically for use in Botswana.  
• No SIM swapping: Since the Botswana eSIM is digital, you do not need to deal with physical inserting and removing a SIM if you switch between your devices.

Gigago is an excellent provider for Botswana eSIMs, providing cheap data-only eSIM options, with high-speed 4G/LTE connectivity.

For Botswana, Gigago offers various eSIM plans, starting from 1GB of data, valid for 7 days with only $8.90 , giving international tourists attractive eSIM options to stay connected when in Botswana. 

See more: Gigago eSIMs for Botswana.

VII. FAQs about Buying SIM Card at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE)

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a SIM card at  Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE) is a simple process with several convenient options available. You’ll find telecom provider kiosks and shops located right inside the airport terminals, making it easy to purchase a prepaid SIM as soon as you arrive in Botswana. Alternatively, registering for a Botswana eSIM before your flight is a handy way to get online immediately.