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Do and don't in the Botswana


#1  2008-11-20 11:17:46

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From: small earth
Registered: 2008-06-01
Posts: 5411

Do and don't in the Botswana


Are you living in the Botswana? We need you to share your experience of the local customs smile

Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in the Botswana?

Could you please share with us a list of the do's and don't's in the Botswana?

Thanks!




 
 
 

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#2  2011-03-14 10:21:58

homemom
Member
From: Brussels
Registered: 2011-03-14
Posts: 16

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

Hi,

I've lived in Bostwana for 4 years. It is a relatively safe place. I never had any bad experience. Some things to watch out for:

Do not drive at night because of the animals, i.e., if you are going out of the city or planning to do trips, safaris on your own.

If driving alone, do not leave your handbag on the passenger seat. It is not uncommon for thieves to smash passenger windows at traffic stop lights (robots as they are called over there) just to grab your purse.

Last edited by homemom (2011-03-14 13:51:39)




 
 
 

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#3  2011-03-14 13:19:43

Yud
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Yud
From: Sydney
Registered: 2010-11-08
Posts: 7025

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

Welcome on Expat Blog homemom wink

Thanks for your contribution wink




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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#4  2011-03-14 13:53:43

homemom
Member
From: Brussels
Registered: 2011-03-14
Posts: 16

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

Thanks. I also want to add that the people of Botswana may seem aloof at first but they are nice people.




 
 
 

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#5  2011-03-22 15:47:52

abagirl
New member
From: Gabarone
Registered: 2009-11-29
Posts: 2

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

I have lived in Botswana for almost 2 years now. It has been a really nice place to live.
Some Do's and Don'ts
1. Do buy a 4x4 vehicle with good clearance (for example Hilux Surf or Prado)
2.Do go camping and do self drives. It saves a lot of money and is fun (if you like to camp)
3. Do not leave anything unlocked (house, car etc...)
4. When working with locals, do not make changes until after you have observed the situation for awhile then make sure to include them and their opinions when making changes.
5. Batswana like to talk things out...just go with the flow.
6. Do not be afraid to eat local food from local vendors.
7. Do not live in Phakalane (unless you like being sheltered)
8. Do have a swimming pool.
9. Get all copies of official documents (passport, birth certificate, diplomas, transcripts, etc...) certified/notarized and get several copies.
10. Do not be afraid to explore!!

If you want to see pics and stories of fun places to visit in Botswana and Southern Africa you can check out my blog abigailwhnp.blogspot.com

Last edited by abagirl (2011-03-22 15:51:24)




 
 
 

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#6  2011-03-22 18:32:11

homemom
Member
From: Brussels
Registered: 2011-03-14
Posts: 16

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

You got it all covered. I want to add as well, be prepared for the winter in Botswana. Most people would say, huh? Winter in Africa? It gets cold and the houses are not well insulated (you'd be lucky if you have double glazed windows at your place). That being said, bring lots of sweaters, pullovers, anything to keep you warm. The winter days are fantastic but the nights/mornings can be cooold!




 
 
 

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#7  2011-03-29 18:25:32

abagirl
New member
From: Gabarone
Registered: 2009-11-29
Posts: 2

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

Oh yeah...I was really surprised by how cold it got here.
You need to be prepared to layer...Bring your fleece and lots of clothes that you can layer.
Remember winter starts about May-August. It get the coldest in July.




 
 
 

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#8  2011-07-22 09:01:07

gotabchi
New member
gotabchi
From: Gaborone
Registered: 2011-03-08
Posts: 2

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

for the five years i live there life was so cool though i  hate the way police stop anybody who is tracking since they think that all blacks from outside the country are thieves.. otherwise the 50% of them are very more than generous   .. am back home to kenya but i will go there some day




 
 
 

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#9  2012-12-22 11:32:20

drsharadmd
New member
drsharadmd
From: miraj
Registered: 2012-12-22
Posts: 3

Re: Do and don't in the Botswana

hi, iam a doctor alone  from india coming  to  botswana ,somewhere around gaborne,  how  is night life? disco, pub , gym, swimming pool. is it free country  to  enjoy? is there any club for hangouts......

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