Francistown, Botswana 🇧🇼
#374
-21.16636, 27.502515
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Francistown is the second largest city in Botswana, known for its rich history in gold mining and a vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 100,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 15-25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Botswana Pula (BWP). 1 USD ≈ 12 BWP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type D and M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) and Mascom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banking services are available. Common cards accepted are Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular accommodation options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels like Cresta Thapama. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are commonly accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available with prices starting around BWP 300 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Village Backpackers offer budget lodging starting from BWP 200. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking space; however, many cafes offer Wi-Fi suitable for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop is popular among remote workers, offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups on Facebook and Meetup host periodic networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Francistown Expat Community holds monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing service in Francistown. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available via local shops, but not as widespread. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches, but the Tswapong Hills offer scenic views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Botswana operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways offers international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Francistown is accessible via the A1 highway to Gaborone and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Francistown Railway Station connects to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly via buses and taxis; no widespread passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate between major cities, including Gaborone and Kasane. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Francistown City Health Department offers primary healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available at local gyms and studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Fitness First and Planet Fitness are popular. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and dry cleaners are available in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Many restaurants offer takeout; no major food delivery apps are widely adopted. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Seswaa, a traditional meat dish served with maize meal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; vegetarian dishes can be found in local eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mokoro's Bakery is known for its cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Francistown Market for local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop online via local platforms or international sites like Jumia. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are scarce; most shops require in-store purchases. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is primarily around the city center at places like Main Street Pub. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Botswana Brewery operates locally; notable for its St. Louis Lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited, but some restaurants offer a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the market for local street food, such as boerewors and bunny chows. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants offer Chinese and Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic gold mining ruins and the Francistown Sports Complex. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Francistown Arts and Culture Centre hosts local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out the Old Botswanan Railway Station. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Patrick's Cathedral is a notable church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Francistown hosts the annual Tourism Fair. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center reflects multicultural influences, with markets and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater productions are held at community arts centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Francistown Market is vibrant with local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur in pubs and community centers. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary courses are offered at local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists exhibit their work at the Francistown Arts and Culture Centre. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the old brick buildings in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Botswana's cultural heritage is reflected in local customs and art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Tswapong Hills offer great hiking and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Makgadikgadi Pan National Park and Mokolodi Nature Reserve are accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails are situated around golf courses and nature reserves. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Tswapong Hills for breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular near the wetlands around the city. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at public parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops are available for phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Setswana classes to expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Francistown Public Library provides study space and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming venues exist, mainly in local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Rainbow Casino offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 6,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BWP 240,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BWP 180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BWP 330,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 4,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BWP 252,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 4,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BWP 384,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 3,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BWP 296,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 22%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 7.5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Botswana follows a residence-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are stringent rules regarding CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is generally 5%. |