Getting a prepaid SIM card in Botswana is a must to capture a country full of nature, wildlife, and friendly locals. Whether you are staying in Botswanan cities, towns, or villages, there will be plenty of things to do and to see when in Botswana that you want to share on social media.
This issue is that international roaming with your provider has proven to be expensive in many cases, which makes it an unaffordable option to stay connected when traveling. Luckily, local prepaid SIM cards are available to travelers and tourists in Botswana, which is often the most affordable way to stay connected in Botswana.
Mobile data rates are a bit on the expensive side for African standards but still cheap compared to the world average, so getting a Botswanan SIM card should be a no-brainer.
In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Botswana. Let’s get started, shall we?
Original publication: 5th of August 2020. Last updated: 7th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
Telecom Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Botswana
Botswana has 3 telecom operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
All operators have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks.
The following frequencies are used by the Botswanan operators:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
Best SIM Card in Botswana
If you want to buy a SIM card in Botswana, then both Mascom and BTC are good options. Mascom has the best coverage throughout Botswana. They are more expensive than BTC (35 BWP/GB vs. 27 BWP/GB) but cheaper than Orange (58 BWP/GB) when looking at data-only bundles. BTC should be considered when staying in populated areas and wanting to save money.
SIM Card Registration Regulations in Botswana
Just like most countries in Southern Africa, and Africa in general, you have to register your passport details to buy a SIM card in Botswana.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
The State of the Telecom Market in Botswana
(This section is not potent to learn how to get a SIM card in Botswana, and the prices for the packages offered by the local operators. However, it does give you background information on how the Botswanan telecom market is, and it explains why things are how they are. If you are simply interested in getting a SIM card in Botswana, click here to jump to the first operator.)
Botswana is a landlocked country, which means that they are dependent on fiber bandwidth from neighboring countries. Normally, this means that mobile data is costly compared to nations that have access to submarine cables. In the case of Botswana, however, mobile data rates are reasonable.
The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) is “a global coalition working to make broadband affordable for all.” Every year, they analyze the mobile broadband prices of countries in Africa, the Americas (excluding North America), and Asia and see how expensive mobile data prices are in these particular regions.
A4AI found that the average cost per GB is 8.85 USD in Botswana, which is slightly above average for Southern African standards (8.25 USD/GB) but on the more expensive end for African standards (6.45 USD/GB).
This makes Botswana the 9th most expensive African nation to buy 1 GB of data, which is cheaper than neighboring country South Africa (7th place with 10.37 USD/GB), and slightly more expensive than the other neighboring country Namibia (12th place with 8.57 USD/GB).
Another neighboring nation, Zimbabwe, is the 2nd most or most expensive country to buy 1 GB of data for a whopping 15 USD (sometimes much more depending on the source).
When taking the Botswanan average monthly income into account, a Botswanan would spend 1.37% of their monthly income on 1 GB of data, which is extremely low for African standards.
Be aware that coverage throughout Botswana is not as extensive as you may be used to in other (Southern) African nations or other countries in the world. All cities and large towns have at least 3G coverage. Only the most populated places have 4G/LTE coverage. Smaller towns have to deal with 2G or nothing at all. Most of the national Reserves have no coverage at all, including Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Currency in Botswana
Botswana uses the Botswana Pula with the symbol BWP (which will be used throughout this article). Prices in Botswana are listed in P or BWP. For example, 25 BWP is P25. For reference, below are some exchange rates between BWP and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 1 BWP = 0.075 USD
- 10 BWP = 0.75 USD
- 100 BWP = 7.40 USD
- 1000 BWP = 74.20 USD
- 10 000 BWP = 742.25 USD
For up-to-date BWP:USD exchange rates, search BWP to USD on Google, or replace USD with the currency you use.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Botswanan Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Mascom Wireless, Orange Botswana, and BTC Mobile and go through:
- Background information
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge / top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Botswana has to offer to us.
Mascom Wireless
Mascom Wireless, just Mascom, is the largest operator in Botswana. They also have the best 3G coverage, and 4G/LTE is still actively being rolled out.
SIM Card Price – Mascom
You can buy a Mascom SIM card for 10 BWP in Mascom stores. Top-up vouchers are sold everywhere, even on the streets.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Mascom Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
Mascom has many types of combo plans and data-only plans, which are:
- MyCombo (combo plans)
- MyTime (unlimited short-time data-only bundles)
- MyMix (data-only bundles)
- MyMeg Prepaid (data-only bundles)
- Night Surfers (nighttime data-only bundles)
- MySocial (social media packs)
- MyApp Data Bundles (social media packs)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Mascom MyCombo
The MyCombo bundles are combo bundles that come with data, minutes, and SMS. You have the following options:
| Price | Data | Minutes | SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 BWP | 10 MB | 3 minutes | 3 SMS | 1 day |
| 15 BWP | 60 MB | 10 minutes | 10 SMS | 1 day |
| 45 BWP | 600 MB | 20 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 65 BWP | 1 GB | 30 minutes | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 95 BWP | 1 GB | 50 minutes | 30 SMS | 14 days |
| 125 BWP | 2 GB | 75 minutes | 30 SMS | 14 days |
| 165 BWP | 2 GB | 100 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
| 245 BWP | 4 GB | 150 minutes | 100 SMS | 30 days |
You can activate a MyTime Bundle by following these steps:
- Dial *123#
- Select My71Shop
- Select MyCombo
- Choose your bundle of choice
Mascom MyTime
The MyTime bundles are short-time data-only bundles that come with unlimited data for 1 hour, 5 hours, or 10 hours with no speed reduction or apparent fair-use policy within 30 days. You have the following options:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 BWP | Unlimited | 1 hour |
| 50 BWP | Unlimited | 5 hours |
| 100 BWP | Unlimited | 10 hours |
You can activate a MyTime Bundle by following these steps:
- Dial *123#
- Select My71Shop
- Select MyTime
- Select Buy MyTime
- Choose your bundle of choice
Mascom MyMix
The MyMix bundles are data-only bundles. The name makes it sound like they are combo bundles, but they are not. The following MyMix bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2 BWP | 25 MB | 1 day |
| 5 BWP | 100 MB | 1 day |
| 10 BWP | 500 MB | 1 day |
| 18 BWP | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 20 BWP | 1 GB | 2 days |
| 39 BWP | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 45 BWP | 2 GB | 7 days |
| 49 BWP | 1 GB | 14 days |
| 69 BWP | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 85 BWP | 3 GB | 14 days |
| 99 BWP | 4 GB | 30 days |
| 149 BWP | 8 GB | 30 days |
| 279 BWP | 16 GB | 30 days |
| 525 BWP | 32 GB | 30 days |
You can activate a MyApp Data Bundle by following these steps:
- Dial *123#
- Select My71Shop
- Select MyMix
- Select Buy MyMix
- Choose your bundle of choice
Mascom MyMeg Prepaid
The MyMeg Prepaid Bundles are long-term data bundles. They come in the following variant:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 9.50 BWP | 14 MB | 14 days |
| 19.50 BWP | 30 MB | 14 days |
| 45 BWP | 70 MB | 30 days |
| 80 BWP | 130 MB | 30 days |
| 150 BWP | 250 MB | 45 days |
| 300 BWP | 500 MB | 60 days |
| 600 BWP | 1.2 GB | 60 days |
You can activate a MyApp Data Bundle by following these steps:
- Dial *123#
- Select My71Shop
- Select MyMeg
- Select Buy MyMeg
- Choose your bundle of choice
Mascom Night Surfers
The Night Surfers bundles are unlimited data-only bundles that are valid at night between 23:00-5:00 (11 PM-5 AM). The following Night Surfers bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 BWP | Unlimited | 1 night |
| 65 BWP | Unlimited | 7 nights |
| 125 BWP | Unlimited | 14 nights |
| 250 BWP | Unlimited | 30 nights |
You can activate a MyApp Data Bundle by following these steps:
- Dial *123#
- Select My71Shop
- Select Night Surfers
- Choose your bundle of choice
The MySocial bundles are data bundles for Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp combined. You get 500 MB for 24 hours or 500 MB per day for a week or 30 days. MySocial data speeds are throttled to 1 Mbps. The following MySocial bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 5 BWP | 500 MB | 24 hours |
| 15 BWP | 500 MB/day | 7 days |
| 60 BWP | 500 MB/day | 30 days |
The data allowance for the weekly and monthly plans reset at midnight.
You can activate a MySocial Bundle by following these steps:
- Dial *123#
- Select My71Shop
- Select Other Internet Vouchers
- Select MySocial Voucher
- Choose your bundle of choice
Mascom MyApp Data Bundles
The MyApp Data Bundles are social media bundles for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter individually. In addition to the social media allowance, you also get Extra All Access Data, which can be used for anything else than the four social media apps. It is possible to combine multiple MyApp Data Bundles if preferred.
The prices, data allowances, and validities for all MyApp Data Bundles are the same. As in, you will pay the same price for the daily, weekly, and monthly bundles regardless of the app you choose. The following MyApp Data Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Extra All Access Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 BWP | 100 MB | 10 MB | 1 day |
| 10 BWP | 300 MB | 50 MB | 7 days |
| 40 BWP | 1200 MB | 250 MB | 30 days |
You can activate a MyApp Data Bundle by following these steps:
- Dial *123#
- Select My71Shop
- Select Other Internet Vouchers
- Select MyApp Voucher
- Choose your bundle of choice
Mascom APN Settings
In most cases, your phone will retrieve the correct APN settings automatically. If you need to enter it manually, then you need the following details (do not add anything not mentioned below):
- Name: Mascom Wireless
- APN: internet.mascom
Orange Botswana
Orange Botswana, just Orange, is the second-largest operator in Botswana. They have good coverage throughout the country, but their coverage is not as extensive as the one of Mascom.
SIM Card Price – Orange
You can buy an Orange SIM card for 10 BWP in Orange stores. The SIM card comes with 5 BWP in on-net call credit and 5 BWP in cross-net call credit.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Orange Botswana Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
Orange has several combo plans and data-only plans, which are:
- BuaLeNna Le BaBangwe + Data (combo plans)
- Ola Prepaid Packages (combo plans)
- All My Friends (social combo plans)
- Tsena Ka Coin (short-term data-only plan)
- All My Internet (data-only plans)
- All My Internet Plus (data-only plans with night bonus data)
- Mega Bundles (long-term data-only plans)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Orange BuaLeNna Le BaBangwe + Data
The BuaLeNna Le BaBangwe + Data bundles are combo bundles that come with data, unlimited on-net minutes, and cross-net minutes. You have the following two options, which can be activated by dialing *121#:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Cross-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 BWP | 60 MB | Unlimited on-net minutes | 30 cross-net minutes | 1 day |
| 90 BWP | 400 MB | Unlimited on-net minutes | 120 cross-net minutes | 7 days |
Orange Ola Prepaid Packages
The Orange Prepaid Packages are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS. They come in four variants: Ola! Classic, Ola! Social, Ola! Surf & Talk, and Ola! Ultimate. The Ola! Classic packages do not come with data and will not be discussed in this article.
The following 9 Ola Prepaid Packages are available, which can be activated by dialing *121#:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | All-Net Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 BWP | 5 MB | 5 on-net minutes | N/A | N/A | 5 SMS | 1 day |
| 12 BWP | 10 MB | N/A | 10 all-net minutes | N/A | N/A | 1 day |
| 20 BWP | 20 MB | N/A | 20 all-net minutes | N/A | Unlimited SMS | 1 day |
| 22 BWP | 20 MB | 20 on-net minutes | N/A | N/A | 20 SMS | 7 days |
| 50 BWP | 20 MB | N/A | 30 all-net minutes | 5 international minutes | N/A | 7 days |
| 60 BWP | 50 MB | 50 on-net minutes | N/A | N/A | 75 SMS | 30 days |
| 100 BWP | 50 MB | N/A | 50 all-net minutes | 5 international minutes | Unlimited SMS | 7 days |
| 120 BWP | 50 MB | N/A | 70 all-net minutes | 7 international minutes | N/A | 30 days |
| 300 BWP | 1 GB | N/A | 80 all-net minutes | 10 international minutes | Unlimited SMS | 30 days |
Orange All My Friends
The All My Friends bundles are semi-combo plans with social media data, on-net minutes, and SMS. The data allowance, which is advertised as free but comes with a 500 MB daily limit, can be used for the following apps:
- Snapchat
The following 3 All My Friends bundles are available, which you can activate by dialing *148#:
| Price | Data for Social Media Apps | On-Net Minutes | SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 BWP | 500 MB | 5 on-net minutes | 10 SMS | 1 day |
| 20 BWP | 500 MB/day | 20 on-net minutes | 50 SMS | 7 days |
| 60 BWP | 500 MB/day | 60 on-net minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days |
Orange Tsena Ka Coin
The Tsena Ka Coin is a micro-data-only bundle that comes with 12 MB for 24 hours. You can activate the Tsena Ka Coin plan by dialing *148#.
Orange All My Internet
The All My Internet bundles are data-only bundles. The following All My Internet bundles are available, which can be activated by dialing *148#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2 BWP | 20 MB | 1 day |
| 5 BWP | 100 MB | 1 day |
| 10 BWP | 480 MB | 1 day |
| 18 BWP | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 20 BWP | 1 GB | 2 days |
| 40 BWP | 950 MB | 7 days |
| 60 BWP | 1.5 GB | 7 days |
| 80 BWP | 2 GB | 14 days |
| 90 BWP | 3 GB | 30 days |
| 120 BWP | 6 GB | 30 days |
| 220 BWP | 12 GB | 30 days |
| 500 BWP | 30 GB | 30 days |
Orange All My Internet Plus
The All My Internet Plus bundles are data-only bundles that come with night bonus data that can be used between 23:00-5:59 (11 PM-5:59 AM). You get the same anytime data allowance at night. For example, if you get a 1 GB data plan, you will get an additional 1 GB at night, making your total data allowance 2 GB.
These All My Internet Plus bundles are available, which you can activate by dialing *148#:
| Price | Data | Night Bonus | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 BWP | 40 MB | 40 MB | 1 day |
| 12 BWP | 120 MB | 120 MB | 1 day |
| 25 BWP | 300 MB | 300 MB | 2 days |
| 50 BWP | 650 MB | 650 MB | 7 days |
| 75 BWP | 1 GB | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 95 BWP | 1500 MB | 1500 MB | 14 days |
| 125 BWP | 2 GB | 2 GB | 30 days |
| 240 BWP | 4 GB | 4 GB | 30 days |
Orange Mega Bundles
The Mega Bundles are long-term data-only bundles. The following Mega Bundles are available, which you can purchase by dialing *148#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 9.50 BWP | 15 MB | 15 days |
| 18 BWP | 30 MB | 15 days |
| 45 BWP | 75 MB | 15 days |
| 85 BWP | 150 MB | 15 days |
| 170 BWP | 300 MB | 15 days |
| 299 BWP | 550 MB | 30 days |
| 399 BWP | 2 GB | 60 days |
| 799 BWP | 5 GB | 60 days |
| 1399 BWP | 10 GB | 60 days |
Orange Botswana APN Settings
In most cases, your phone will retrieve the correct APN settings automatically. If you need to enter it manually, then you need the following details (do not add anything not mentioned below):
- Name: Orange
- APN: internet.orange.co.bw
BTC Mobile
BTC Mobile is the smallest operator in Botswana. They used to be a state-owned company, but they have been privatized for a long time. For a while, BTC Mobile had the best 4G/LTE coverage, but the other two operators caught up on BTC Mobile already.
SIM Card Price – BTC
You can get a BTC SIM card for 10 BWP in BTC stores. Top-up vouchers are available in many establishments.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
BTC Internet Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers
BTC Mobile has several combo plans and data-only plans, which are:
- Voice & Data Bundles (combo plans)
- TurnUp Bundles (data-only bundles)
- Night Riders (nighttime data-only bundle)
- Live Social (social media data packs)
- Video Bundles (app-specific data bundle – DSTV)
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
BTC Mobile Voice & Data Bundles
The Voice & Data Bundles are combo bundles with data, unlimited on-net minutes, and cross-net minutes. There are following options are available, which can be purchased by dialing *180#:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Cross-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 BWP | 75 MB | Unlimited on-net minutes | 15 cross-net minutes | 1 day |
| 30 BWP | 200 MB | Unlimited on-net minutes | 30 cross-net minutes | 7 day |
| 100 BWP | 1 GB | Unlimited on-net minutes | 50 cross-net minutes | 30 days |
BTC Mobile TurnUp Bundles
The TurnUp bundles are data-only bundles. The following TurnUp Bundles can be bought by dialing *180#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 2 BWP | 20 MB | 1 day |
| 5 BWP | 100 MB | 1 day |
| 10 BWP | 500 MB | 1 day |
| 15 BWP | 250 MB | 7 days |
| 20 BWP | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 30 BWP | 500 MB | 7 days |
| 60 BWP | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 65 BWP | 1 GB | 14 days |
| 75 BWP | 2 GB | 14 days |
| 75 BWP | 1 GB | 30 days |
| 85 BWP | 3 GB | 14 days |
| 90 BWP | 3 GB | 30 days |
| 110 BWP | 5 GB | 30 days |
| 220 BWP | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 300 BWP | 15 GB | 30 days |
BTC Mobile Night Riders
The Night Riders bundle is an unlimited data bundle that can be used as 00:00-5:00 (12 AM-5AM). The Night Riders bundle costs 10 BWP and can be activated by dialing *180#:
The Live Social bundles are social media data bundles with 500 MB/day for Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram combined. The following Live Social bundles are available, which can be activated by *180#:
| Price | Data for Social Media Apps | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 5 BWP | 500 MB | 1 day |
| 15 BWP | 500 MB/day | 7 days |
| 60 BWP | 500 MB/day | 30 days |
BTC Mobile Video Bundles
The Video Bundles are monthly data bundles for the DStv Now App, which is a popular streaming service in Africa. The following Video Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 49 BWP | 5 GB | 30 days |
| 69 BWP | 10 GB | 30 days |
| 119 BWP | 20 GB | 30 days |
BTC Mobile APN Settings
In most cases, your phone will retrieve the correct APN settings automatically. If you need to enter it manually, then you need the following details (do not add anything not mentioned below):
- Name: BTC Mobile
- APN: internet.be
Other Ways to Get Online When Traveling in Botswana
Being redone.
The Preferred Way to Stay Online When Traveling in Botswana
Getting a SIM card from Mascom (best coverage) or BTC Mobile (cheapest) would do you well when considering a Botswanan SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other African Countries
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!