Essentials
- Population
- Approximately 110,000
- City
- Francistown, North-East District, Botswana
- Internet Speed
- Average 15-30 Mbps; 4G/LTE is stable while fiber is limited to central business areas.
- Currency & Banking
- Botswana Pula (BWP). 1 USD ≈ 13.50 BWP, 1 EUR ≈ 14.60 BWP.
- Tap Water
- Generally safe in urban areas, but bottled water like Keone or Bonaqua is recommended for digital nomads.
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G (British) and Type M (South African) sockets.
- SIM Card
- Mascom and Orange are the leading providers. A 10GB data bundle costs roughly 300 BWP ($22).
- Banking for Expats
- First National Bank (FNB) Botswana, Absa, and Stanbic Bank offer the best digital apps.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouses are more common than hotels; Airbnb is growing in Tati River Villas.
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, major malls and supermarkets accept Mastercard/Visa; smaller tuck shops require cash.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb listings range from $40–$80 per night in secure neighborhoods.
- Budget Accommodation
- Dudu Guest House (Approx. 450 BWP/night) or Woodlands Stop Over and Lodge.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Tati River Villas for proximity to the river and secure, leafy environments.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Molapo Estate or Molapo Cross for proximity to shopping malls and better internet infrastructure.
Business
- Tax System
- Source-based tax system.
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 12,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 480,000 BWP / $35,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 8,500 BWP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 340,000 BWP / $25,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 11,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 660,000 BWP / $48,500)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 7,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 420,000 BWP / $31,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 10,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 800,000 BWP / $59,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 6,500 BWP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 520,000 BWP / $38,500)
- Corporate Tax
- 22% (15% for manufacturing companies satisfying requirements).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10%
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% (for income above 156,000 BWP per year).
- VAT
- 14%
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Limited rules; Botswana is more focused on transfer pricing.
- Property Tax
- Rates are calculated by city council based on property valuation (nominal annual fee).
- Property Transaction Tax
- Transfer duty for non-citizens is 30% of the value; 5% for citizens.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Low personal income tax compared to Europe, but no specific 'Digital Nomad' visa yet.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- No dedicated 'WeWork' style hubs; most nomads use the Business Centers at Cresta Marang Gardens or Protea Hotel by Marriott.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Mugg & Bean at Galo Mall (Good Wi-Fi and power outlets) or Cappuccinos at Nando's complex.
- Networking Events
- Business Botswana regional meetings and sector-specific workshops at the Civic Centre.
- Social Events for Expats
- The Francistown Club (Rugby/Tennis social nights) and 'Expats in Botswana' Facebook groups.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- In-Drive is increasingly popular; otherwise, blue-plate shared taxis (7 BWP per drop).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Virtually non-existent for public rental; personal car hire is standard.
- Best Beach Nearby
- None (landlocked). Dikgathong Dam (80km away) offers water views.
- Top Regional Airline
- Air Botswana (Flights to Gaborone and Johannesburg).
- Top International Airline
- Airlink (Connects via Johannesburg OR Tambo).
- Highway Access
- A1 Highway connects South (Gaborone) to North (Kasane/Zimbabwe border).
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Francistown Railway Station (Passenger service currently limited) and the Central Bus Rank.
- Public Transport Passes
- No digital passes; cash-only payment for combis (minibuses) and taxis.
- Regional Travel
- Luxury buses like AT & T Monnakgotla to Gaborone (Approx. 180 BWP).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital (Public) or Riverside Hospital (Private - recommended for expats).
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Kaya Events & Wellness; private sessions often arranged through Francistown Club.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Energym at Galo Mall and various hotel gyms like Cresta Marang.
- Laundry Services
- Sparkle Dry Cleaners at Nswazwi Mall (approx. 50 BWP per load).
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- MyFoodness (now Bolt Food in some regions) or local WhatsApp delivery services.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Seswaa (pounded beef) with Bogobe (sorghum porridge).
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Limited; Indian restaurants like Tandoor at Blue Jacket Street offer the best variety.
- Best Dessert Spots
- The Milky Lane at Galo Mall (Waffles and Ice Cream).
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Shoprite at Nswazwi Mall or Choppies hypermarkets.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Zebre.co.bw or South African sites that ship via couriers like Takealot.
- Grocery Delivery
- Spar2U and Shoprite's localized delivery services.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Nzano Centre bars and the area around Molapo Cross.
- Local Brewery
- St Louis Lager (national brand); no small craft breweries in the city yet.
- Wine Bars
- Cresta Thapama Hotel lounge bar has the city's most extensive wine list.
- Street Food Stalls
- Bustling stalls at the Central Bus Rank selling grilled maize and fat cakes (magwinya).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Debonairs Pizza and Steers are staples for American-style fast food.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- The 'Nyagabgwe' Hill for panoramic views of the 'Capital of the North'.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Supane Ngwao Museum (Cultural heritage and local history).
- Historical Sites
- The ruins of the old gold mines in the Monarch area.
- Religious Sites
- Our Lady of the Desert Cathedral (Catholic).
- Annual Events
- The Wesbank Botswana International Airshow and the Francistown City Marathon.
- Cultural Districts
- Donga for local atmosphere and craft vendors.
- Theater Venues
- Ad-hoc performances at the Civic Centre.
- Local Markets
- Handicraft market near the Bus Rank (Baskets and wood carvings).
- Music Scene
- Kwaito and Afro-jazz at local clubs like Ritzmar.
- Street Art
- Murals on the walls of the Supane Ngwao Museum.
- Cooking Classes
- Rare; usually private arrangements through local community centers.
- Art Galleries
- The museum gift shop doubles as a gallery for local visual artists.
- Historic Buildings
- The old British colonial magistrate buildings in the city center.
- Local Heritage
- Bakhalanga culture is dominant, known for complex language and traditional dance.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Tachila Nature Reserve (5km from center) for giraffes, kudu, and zebra.
- National Parks Nearby
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (About 2.5 hours drive West).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Dirt tracks near the Tati River are popular for morning mountain biking.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The summit of Blue Jacket Street looking towards the railway bridge.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Domboshaba Ruins area and the Shashe Dam.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Woodlands Stop Over and Lodge campsites.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- DHL Botswana and Botswana Post (PosoHouse).
- Tech Repair Services
- Matrix Warehouse Computers at Galo Mall.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Francistown Club recreational area.
- Language Classes
- Private Setswana and Kalanga tutors found via University of Botswana local campus.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Francistown National Library Service on Blue Jacket Street.
- Community Centers
- Leseding Community Centre.
- Gaming Lounges
- Small gaming kiosks in Galo Mall.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Sedibeng Casino at Cresta Thapama.