Botswana Currency: Meaning, History, and Exchange Rates

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Botswana's currency is the Pula, denoted by the symbol "BWP". This is the official currency used in the country.

The Pula is divided into 100 thebe, with thebe being the subunit of the Pula. This is a common currency structure found in many countries.

The Pula is issued by the Bank of Botswana, which is the country's central bank. The bank is responsible for managing the country's monetary policy and regulating the banking sector.

The Bank of Botswana issues Pula banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200. These denominations are widely accepted and used in everyday transactions.

What is BWP?

The Botswana Pula, or BWP for short, is the official currency of Botswana. The Bank of Botswana issues and manages it.

The symbol "P" represents the BWP, and it's an important distinction to know when traveling or doing business in Botswana. The pula is made up of 100 thebe, which means "shield."

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Understanding the Pula

Credit: youtube.com, Botswana’s Pula Exchange Rate: Big Changes Ahead in 2025!

The Botswana pula is a fascinating currency with a rich history. It's pegged to a basket of currencies, including special drawing rights (SDR) and the South African rand (ZAR) as reserve assets.

The pula's value is determined by its crawling band exchange policy, which helps maintain a stable exchange rate. This policy is designed to prevent excessive fluctuations in the value of the currency.

In 2019, Botswana's economy experienced a 2.97% annual GDP growth, and a 2.77% increase in inflation, according to World Bank data. This growth is largely driven by the country's mining, tourism, cattle, textiles, and salt industries.

The pula has undergone many changes since its debut in 1976. Initially, it was pegged to the U.S. dollar, with P1 equaling $1.15. Later, the pula basket was introduced in 1980 after the rand moved off its dollar peg.

Here are the different currencies Botswana has used throughout its history:

  • British pound sterling (1885-1920)
  • South African pound (1920-1961)
  • South African rand (1961-1976)
  • Botswana pula (1976-present)

The pula has also introduced new denominations over the years, including a P5 coin in 2000, and a P200 note in 2009. These changes have helped to keep the currency relevant and useful for everyday transactions.

Pula History

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The Botswana pula has a fascinating history that spans over a century. The country initially used the British pound sterling from 1885 to 1920.

The South African rand was introduced in 1920 and remained the country's currency until 1961. The rand was then used until 1976.

The pula debuted on August 23, 1976, a day celebrated annually as Pula Day. The currency was initially pegged to the U.S. dollar.

Before the pula, Botswana used a variety of currencies, including the British pound sterling, the South African pound, and the South African rand. Here's a quick rundown of the currencies Botswana used before the pula:

  • British pound sterling (1885-1920)
  • South African pound (1920-1961)
  • South African rand (1961-1976)

The pula has undergone many changes since its introduction in 1976. The currency has seen the introduction of higher denomination notes and coins, such as the P5 coin and the P50 note featuring Sir Seretse Khama.

Currency Exchange

The Botswana Pula (BWP) is the official currency of Botswana, and understanding how to exchange it for US dollars (USD) is crucial for travelers and businesspeople alike. The exchange rate for BWP to USD can fluctuate due to economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and interest rates.

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Credit: youtube.com, Botswana Pula Currency Exchange Rates Today -( BWP) 6 September 2024

If you're planning to send money to Botswana, be aware that high fees and exchange rates are common with international banks, but alternative providers can offer better rates. To find the cheapest provider, use a live comparison tool like Monito's.

The exchange rate for BWP to USD can be inverted to show the value of the pula relative to the US dollar. For example, if the USD/BWP rate is 10.86, it costs 10.86 pula to buy one US dollar.

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Sending Money

Sending money internationally can be a costly affair, especially if you're using your bank to make the transfer. High fees and exchange rates can eat into your transfer amount, leaving you with less than you bargained for.

Fees from international banks can constitute more than 10% of your transfer amount, which is a significant chunk of change.

If you're sending money to Botswana, for example, you'll want to explore alternative providers that offer better exchange rates. These rates can far outdo those offered by your bank, saving you money in the long run.

The cheapest provider to send money abroad can vary depending on your location, transfer amount, and payment method, among other factors. This is why it's essential to shop around and compare rates before making a transfer.

Converting to US Dollars

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To convert Botswanan pulas to US dollars, you can use a currency converter. Simply type in the box how much you want to convert, select BWP in the first dropdown as the currency you want to convert, and USD in the second dropdown as the currency you want to convert to.

The current BWP to USD rate can be found using a currency converter, and it's updated in real-time. The rate may fluctuate over time, so it's essential to check the current rate before making a conversion.

In the past, the BWP to USD rate has fluctuated significantly. For example, in the last 30 days, the 30-day high was 0.0727 and the 30-day low was 0.0710, with an average of 0.0718. This means the BWP to USD rate has decreased by -0.83% over the past 30 days.

If you want to know how many US dollars it takes to buy one pula, you can divide one by the USD/BWP exchange rate. For instance, if the rate is 10.86 for the USD/BWP, then the BWP/USD rate is 1/10.86, or 0.09208.

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Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when converting BWP to USD:

  • To find out how many US dollars it takes to buy one pula, divide one by the USD/BWP exchange rate.
  • The current BWP to USD rate can be found using a currency converter.
  • The rate may fluctuate over time, so it's essential to check the current rate before making a conversion.
  • The BWP to USD rate has fluctuated significantly in the past, so it's essential to stay up-to-date with the current rate.

Note: The above information is based on the data available in the article section examples. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please consult a reliable currency converter or a financial expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Botswana accept US dollars?

Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in Botswana, especially at major hotels and lodges. You can also exchange them for local currency, the Pula, at foreign exchange desks.

Is Botswana Pula a closed currency?

Yes, the Botswana Pula is a closed currency, meaning it cannot be obtained outside of Botswana. This unique status affects how tourists and travelers can access local currency.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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