How to Call Botswana
Complete guide to dialing Botswana (country code +267)
Planning to connect with someone in Botswana? Understanding how to call Botswana correctly ensures your international calls go through smoothly every time. Whether you're contacting family, friends, or business associates, calling Botswana requires knowing the proper dialing codes and procedures to avoid frustrating connection failures.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything needed for successful international calls to Botswana. You'll learn the exact dialing instructions from various countries, discover common mistakes that prevent calls from connecting, and understand local phone etiquette to make positive impressions. We've also included a helpful directory of useful numbers in Botswana, from emergency services to customer support lines. By following these straightforward steps, you'll confidently make crystal-clear calls to Botswana without confusion or wasted money on failed attempts.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Botswana from anywhere in the world, follow this standard format: Exit Code + 267 + Local Number. The exit code varies by country, +267 is Botswana's country code, and you must drop the leading zero from local Botswana numbers when dialing internationally.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
Dial 011-267-[local number without 0]
From UK:
Dial 00-267-[local number without 0]
From most other countries:
Dial 00-267-[local number without 0] or use +267 which works from any mobile phone globally.
Specific Examples by Number Type
Example 1 - Calling a Gaborone landline (395 XXXX):
- From USA: 011-267-395-XXXX
- From UK: 00-267-395-XXXX
- From mobile anywhere: +267-395-XXXX
Example 2 - Calling a Botswana mobile (71 XXX XXX):
If the local format is 71 XXX XXX:
- From USA: 011-267-71-XXX-XXX
- From UK: 00-267-71-XXX-XXX
- From mobile anywhere: +267-71-XXX-XXX
Example 3 - Calling a Francistown landline (241 XXXX):
- From USA: 011-267-241-XXXX
- From UK: 00-267-241-XXXX
- From mobile anywhere: +267-241-XXXX
Important Reminder About Leading Zeros
Botswana local numbers sometimes appear with a leading zero (like 071 XXX XXX for mobiles). Always remove this zero when dialing internationally. For instance, if you see 0395 XXXX locally, dial 267-395-XXXX internationally.
Quick Steps Summary
- Dial your country's international exit code (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for UK/Europe)
- Dial 267 (Botswana's country code)
- Drop any leading zero from the local number
- Dial the remaining local number
This format ensures successful connections to any Botswana phone number from anywhere worldwide.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Botswana, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Botswana phone numbers often start with 0 domestically, but you must remove this when dialing internationally. If the local number is 071 234 5678, dial +267 71 234 5678, not +267 071 234 5678.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many people dial incorrect exit codes for international calls. Instead of memorizing different codes (011 from the US, 00 from Europe), simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
Unlike some countries, Botswana doesn't use area codes after +267. The country code is followed directly by the local number. Don't add extra digits thinking they're required regional codes.
4. Including spaces inconsistently
While spaces don't affect connectivity, inconsistent formatting causes confusion when saving contacts. Use a standard format like +267 XX XXX XXX for clarity.
5. Not verifying number length
Botswana numbers are typically 7-8 digits after the country code. If your number is significantly shorter or longer, double-check it before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
Phone communication in Botswana reflects the country's warm, relationship-oriented culture while maintaining professional standards in business contexts.
When making calls, always begin with a proper greeting. "Dumela" (hello) is appropriate, followed by "Rra" (sir) or "Mma" (madam) to show respect. Take time to exchange pleasantries and ask about the person's well-being before discussing your reason for calling. Rushing immediately into business matters is considered rude.
For business calls, maintain formality until invited to be casual. Use titles and surnames initially, and dress professionally even for phone meetings, as this affects your tone and confidence. Business hours (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday) are ideal for work-related calls. Avoid calling during lunch (1-2 PM) when possible.
Personal calls are more flexible, though calling after 8 PM or before 8 AM is generally discouraged unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship with the person.
Voice messages are widely accepted. Speak clearly, leave your name, number, and a brief message. Don't be surprised if callbacks take longer than in Western countries—patience is valued in Botswana.
Mobile phone usage is prevalent, but remember that many Batswana still share phones within families. When calling, politely ask for the specific person you need rather than assuming who answered.
Silence or pauses during conversation aren't awkward—they're normal and show thoughtful consideration.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in Botswana:
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 997
- Fire Department: 998
- General Emergency (All Services): 911
- Air Rescue Services: 390 1161
- Anti-Poaching Hotline: 0800 600 606
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Botswana. The 911 number connects to all emergency services and is particularly useful if you're unsure which specific service you need.
Most operators speak English, as it's Botswana's official language, making communication easier for international visitors. Emergency services operate 24/7, though response times may vary depending on your location, with urban areas generally receiving faster assistance than remote regions. Save these numbers in your phone upon arrival, and note that mobile network coverage can be limited in wilderness areas.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 990: Directory enquiries for local numbers
- 991: International directory assistance
International Calls
- 00: International dialing prefix followed by country code
Tourist Information
- +267 395 9455: Botswana Tourism Organisation helpline for travel inquiries and assistance
Key Embassy Contacts
- +267 395 3982: US Embassy (Gaborone)
- +267 395 2841: British High Commission (Gaborone)
- +267 390 4411: South African High Commission
Essential Services
- 997: Botswana Power Corporation (power outages)
- 998: Water Utilities Corporation (water issues)
- +267 3688 200: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
Consumer Protection
- +267 360 0200: Consumer Affairs for complaints and guidance
Keep these numbers saved in your phone for convenient access during your stay in Botswana.
Tips for Calling Botswana
When calling Botswana (UTC+2), timing is crucial for successful communication. The country doesn't observe daylight saving time, making scheduling predictable year-round.
Best Times to Call
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday. These are standard business hours when offices are fully staffed. Morning calls (9:00-11:00 AM) often yield better results as people are fresh and available.
Peak vs Off-Peak
Off-peak hours (evenings and weekends) offer lower call rates if using international calling plans. However, you'll have limited success reaching businesses during these times.
Scheduling Recommendations
Always schedule business calls in advance via email. This shows professionalism and ensures availability, especially when dealing with government offices or large organizations.
Days to Avoid
Don't call on public holidays including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1), Botswana Day (September 30), and Christmas. Friday afternoons can be unproductive as many businesses wind down early.
Communication Tips
Speak clearly and slightly slower than normal, as connections can vary. English is widely spoken in business settings, making communication straightforward for most international callers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Botswana is +267. When calling Botswana from abroad, you must dial your international access code (like 011 from the US or 00 from Europe), followed by 267, then the local phone number without the leading zero.
When calling Botswana from a cell phone, dial + (press and hold 0), then 267, followed by the local number. For example: +267-12-345678. Most smartphones automatically format international calls when you include the plus sign before the country code.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero when calling Botswana from another country. Botswana phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but when dialing internationally, remove the 0 and dial +267 followed by the remaining digits of the phone number.
The cheapest way to call Botswana is using internet-based services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom for calls to other app users. For landlines, consider international calling cards, VoIP services like Vonage, or mobile carrier international plans before calling Botswana.
In Botswana, dial 999 for police emergencies, 997 for ambulance services, and 998 for fire department. These numbers work from any phone without requiring the country code. When calling Botswana emergency services from abroad, dial +267 followed by the emergency number.
Botswana operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2 year-round with no daylight saving time. When calling Botswana, check the time difference from your location to avoid calling during inconvenient hours for the recipient in Botswana.
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