Botswana Internet Packages & Data Plan of 2024

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Botswana SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

When traveling to Botswana, staying connected with the rest of the world is vital for both safety and convenience. To help you choose the best option for your communication needs, here is a comprehensive guide to Botswana SIM cards.

1. The Main Telecom Providers in Botswana
Botswana’s telecommunication market is served by three main operators:

  • Mascom Wireless: Known for extensive coverage and reliable service, Mascom offers competitive data packages.
  • Orange Botswana: With a strong presence, Orange provides a variety of data and call plans catering to diverse needs.
  • BTC Mobile (beMOBILE): As a government-run provider, BTC tends to offer stable services and has decent coverage across the country.

2. Prepaid SIM Cards
Botswana operates mostly on a prepaid system. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, branded stores, or local retailers and vending machines. Tourists will likely find prepaid options more convenient due to the easy setup and control over costs.

3. Registration Requirements
Under Botswana law, all SIM card users must register their personal information, including:

  • Full name and surname
  • Identification Document (passport for non-residents)
  • Local address (hotel address is acceptable)
  • Biometric information may also be collected

This is to comply with the regulations set by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA).

4. Network Coverage and Internet Speeds
Botswana’s network coverage is generally good in urban areas and along major highways but can be spotty in rural or remote locations. Internet speeds typically range from 3G to 4G LTE, depending on your location and the provider.

5. Cost of SIM Cards and Top-ups
SIM card prices are affordable, and top-up vouchers are widely available in various denominations. Costs can be as low as a few Botswana Pula (BWP) and are accessible in most grocery stores, petrol stations, and malls.

6. Data and Call Packages
Each provider has an array of call and data packages, which can be daily, weekly, or monthly. Tourists should consider short-term plans that offer enough data and minutes for the duration of their stay.

7. International Roaming vs. Local SIM
Using an international roaming plan can be costly. Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival can provide substantial savings and often better network quality. However, international travelers should ensure their phones are unlocked to accept a Botswana SIM card.

8. Customer Support
All main providers offer customer support, which can be accessed through phone lines, retail outlets, and sometimes through social media. Assistance is typically available in English and Setswana.

9. Emergency Numbers
It’s important to note that in Botswana the emergency number is 999. This can be dialed from any phone, regardless of having a SIM card or not.

10. Availability of Wi-Fi
For those who prefer not to purchase a SIM card, Wi-Fi is increasingly available in hotels, lodges, and some public places. However, the reliability and speed can vary.

Mascom Wireless Data Packages

My Mix bundles (volume based):
  • 10 MB for 1 day: P 2
  • 30 MB for 1 day: P 5
  • 150 MB for 2 days: P 20
  • 500 MB for 14 days: P 69
  • 1 GB for 30 days: P 129
  • 2 GB for 30 days: P 199
10 MB for 1 day: P 2
30 MB for 1 day: P 5
150 MB for 2 days: P 20
500 MB for 14 days: P 69
1 GB for 30 days: P 129
2 GB for 30 days: P 199
My Meg bundles (volume based):
  • 14 MB for 14 days: P 9.50
  • 30 MB for 14 days: P 19.50
  • 70 MB for 30 days: P 45
  • 130 MB for 30 days: P 80
  • 250 MB for 45 days: P 150
  • 500 MB for 60 days: P 300
  • 1.2 GB for 60 days: P 600
14 MB for 14 days: P 9.50
30 MB for 14 days: P 19.50
70 MB for 30 days: P 45
130 MB for 30 days: P 80
250 MB for 45 days: P 150
500 MB for 60 days: P 300
1.2 GB for 60 days: P 600
My Time bundles (time based, valid for 30 days):
  • 1 hour: P 10
  • 5 hours: P 50
  • 10 hours: P 100
1 hour: P 10
5 hours: P 50
10 hours: P 100
Night bundle: unlimited data from midnight to 5am, per night: P 10
MySocial bundle (application based – WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter (all VoIP blocked and a FUP of 200MB per day applies)
  • 1 day, P 5
  • 1 week, P 15
  • 1 month, P 60
1 day, P 5
1 week, P 15
1 month, P 60

Orange Botswana Data Packages

VolumeTimePrice
10 MB1 dayP 2
15 MB15 daysP 9.50
30 MB15 daysP 18
60 MB1 dayP 10
75 MB15 daysP 45
150 MB2 daysP 20
150 MB15 daysP 85
300 MB15 daysP 170
550 MB30 daysP 299
1 GB14 daysP 79
2 GB30 daysP 149
2 GB60 daysP 399
5 GB60 daysP 799
10 GB60 daysP 1399

BTC Mobile Data Packages

PriceVolumeValidity
P 212 MB1 day
P 530 MB1 day
P 20150 MB2 days
P 65500 MB14 days
P 1251 GB30 days
P 1902 GB30 days
P 2893 GB30 days

References:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1272932/price-for-mobile-data-in-botswana/
https://abrokenbackpack.com/botswana-sim-cards/

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