Francistown, Botswana 🇧🇼
#374
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Francistown is the second-largest city in Botswana, located in the northeastern part of the country. Known as a former mining center, it serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding regions. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20 Mbps with some areas offering fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Botswana Pula (BWP). 1 USD ≈ 12 BWP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable but it's advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Mascom, Orange, and BTC. Prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like First National Bank and Stanbic are common. International cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and apartments, available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in most stores but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Paradise is an affordable option in the area. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Francistown is recommended for tourists due to accessibility to shops and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas near the Francistown Mall for convenience and access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive is a popular coworking space offering high-speed internet and good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Sape and Manna are known for good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local community centers and Facebook groups for expat meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Francistown Expat Meetup group on Facebook hosts regular gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Francistown, providing convenient transport options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, there are no dedicated bike/scooter rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Not applicable as Francistown is inland; however, the closest lakes offer leisure activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Botswana connects to major cities in the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Botswana and Ethiopian Airlines provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the A1 road connecting to Gaborone and Maun. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Francistown Railway Station connects to other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly via minibus taxis; no formal passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Available through local buses and shuttle services to neighboring towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited, but some private wellness centers offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Fitness Hub are available for workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several local laundromats available, including Wash & Go. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services such as Dine In Botswana are popular. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Seswa, a traditional meat dish served with vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nando's and other local restaurants offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Bakery is known for its variety of desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Francistown Market offers affordable local food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Botswana based e-commerce platforms like Zambezi Mall. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer delivery; check local options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Club and other local bars attract a young crowd. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kgalagadi Breweries produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options, but some restaurants serve quality wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for local street vendors around Francistown Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spur Grill serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Francistown Civic Centre and the Monument of Botswana for cultural insights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Botswana National Museum in Gaborone is a short trip away. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out the historical British forts around Francistown. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Francistown has several vibrant churches and local temples. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Francistown cultural festival happens every July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the central district for local arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Check out performances at the Francistown Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Francistown Market is the main attraction for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Folk music events and local bands perform frequently at community events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals and street art can be found in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes occasionally offered through community groups. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited but can be found at special exhibitions or cultural events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings in the city center are worth a visit. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Botswana's unique cultural heritage is highlighted at various local events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby parks include the Tswapong Hills for hiking and exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a few hours drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths available along major roads but limited in nature trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset viewpoints along the Tati River. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Makalani Lodge offers good birdwatching opportunities nearby. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available in Francistown. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local service centers for phones and laptops are available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language schools offer Setswana lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Francistown Public Library provides study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Francistown Community Centre hosts various local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options available at cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grand Palm Casino is located in Gaborone, a short trip away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BWP 200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BWP 160,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 6,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BWP 360,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 5,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BWP 300,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 7,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BWP 560,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BWP 440,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based system that taxes income earned in Botswana. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply on taxing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Exists based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign income not taxed if not sourced within Botswana. |