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Digital Nomad Guide to Botswana | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Botswana

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Botswana is not a particularly popular destination for digital nomads, but it is becoming increasingly attractive to those looking for a unique and affordable place to live and work. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Botswana are Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun. Digital nomads like living in Botswana because of its low cost of living, excellent infrastructure, and friendly locals. A digital nomad can live comfortably in Botswana on a monthly budget of around $1,000 USD. The culture of Botswana is diverse and vibrant. It is a country that is deeply rooted in tradition and culture, with a strong emphasis on family and community. The people of Botswana are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature, and the country is known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife.

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How do I meet people in Botswana?

When we asked people living in Botswana about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Botswana often join clubs and activities such as the Botswana Expats Club, which organizes events and activities for expats to meet and socialize. Expats can also join sports clubs, such as the Gaborone International Tennis Club, or join a local church or volunteer organization. Other ways for expats to meet people in Botswana include attending local festivals and events, joining language exchange groups, or attending meetups organized by local expat groups. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local bars and restaurants, or by simply striking up conversations with people in their neighborhood," said one expat who made the move to Botswana.

What is life like in Botswana?

When we asked people living in Botswana what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Botswana is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the Okavango Delta to visiting the Kalahari Desert. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers a good selection of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. With its excellent infrastructure and reliable internet, Botswana is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to work remotely," explained one person living in Botswana.

Where should I live in Botswana?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Botswana is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Property24, Private Property, and Botswana Property Guide are great resources for finding rental properties in Botswana. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings on classifieds websites such as Gumtree and OLX. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable rental property. Lastly, you can also ask around in your local community for any available rental properties," said one expat who made the move to Botswana.

What do I need to know before moving to Botswana?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Botswana, they said:

"Before retiring in Botswana, expats should be aware of the country's visa requirements. Expats should also research the cost of living in Botswana, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the climate and weather patterns. Finally, expats should consider the safety and security of the area they plan to retire in," said one expat who made the move to Botswana.

What do people appreciate most about the culture in Botswana?

"Expats in Botswana appreciate the country's strong sense of community and hospitality. They also enjoy the vibrant cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and art. Additionally, they appreciate the country's commitment to conservation and its stunning natural beauty. The country's commitment to democracy and human rights is also highly valued by expats," said one person in Botswana.

What do people find most challenging about the culture in Botswana?

"Expats in Botswana often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. For example, the concept of time is often seen as more flexible than in other countries, and the concept of personal space is often much smaller. Additionally, the local language, Setswana, is not widely spoken outside of Botswana, so expats may find it difficult to communicate with locals. Furthermore, the local customs and etiquette can be quite different from what expats are used to, and it can be difficult to learn and understand the cultural norms," explained one person living in Botswana.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Botswana for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Botswana for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit. You may also need to apply for a work permit if you plan to work in Botswana. Additionally, you may need to apply for a visa if you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Botswana," said one person in Botswana.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Botswana?

We asked people in Botswana if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Botswana. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly or using offensive language. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local religious beliefs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics," explained one person living in Botswana.

What are healthcare services like in Botswana?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Botswana, they replied:

"Botswana has a public healthcare system that provides a range of services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist services. The quality of public healthcare in Botswana is generally good, with a focus on preventive care and health promotion. Foreign residents in Botswana have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Botswana can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are available in Botswana," remarked one member in Botswana.

What are the pros and cons of living in Botswana?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Botswana appreciate the country's natural beauty, with its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming people, the low cost of living, and the excellent infrastructure. On the downside, expats and digital nomads may find the climate to be too hot and humid for their liking, and the lack of nightlife and entertainment can be a bit of a challenge. Additionally, the country's bureaucracy can be slow and cumbersome, making it difficult to get things done," said one member in Botswana.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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