Money and Tipping in the Okavango Delta

Currency is Botswana pula (BWP). US dollars are widely accepted at tour operators and lodges (bring newer, undamaged notes; crumpled or marked bills are rejected). Change comes in pula. Tipping is customary: roughly $10 per guest per day for a guide, $5 for a poler. Hand it over on the last day.

CurrencyBotswana pula (BWP); 1 USD ≈ 13–14 BWP, rates fluctuate

USD acceptanceYes, at tour operators, lodges, restaurants (newer notes only)

ATM accessAvailable in Maun; card withdrawals in pula

Tour paymentBook and pay online (GetYourGuide); no cash needed on the day

Tipping guide~$10 per guest per day (customary, not required)

Tipping poler~$5 per guest per day (customary)

Tipping in whatUSD or pula (guide will take either)

When to tipLast day of tour, after the experience

Currency and payment

The official currency is the Botswana pula (symbol P). In Maun, you can exchange USD at a bank or at your hotel. ATMs in Maun accept international cards and dispense pula. Tours are booked and paid on GetYourGuide before you travel. You do not need cash on the day of the tour. Restaurants and shops in Maun accept USD (bring crisp, new notes; banks and shops reject damaged bills). Change comes in pula.

Tour costs and what is included

A $171 mokoro tour covers: hotel pickup and drop-off in Maun, transfer to the poling station, full day on the water, island bush walk, lunch, guide and two polers. A $315 Moremi game drive covers: pickup, 4x4 game drive, guide, photo stops, return. Pay on GetYourGuide; you receive a confirmation on your phone. Nothing else is charged on the day.

Tipping guidelines

Tipping is customary but never required. Your guide spends 8 hours interpreting the landscape, finding wildlife, and keeping you safe. Your polers spend the day standing at the stern of a mokoro, poling against current and wind. A reasonable tip is $10 per guest for the guide and $5 per guest for the poler (or $5 total for both if budget is tight). Hand it over on the last day, in person, and thank them. You can tip in USD or pula; guides accept either.

What not to spend money on

Do not bring large amounts of cash. Leave valuables locked in your hotel safe. Do not carry a wallet or phone visibly in Maun town. Petty theft exists but is rare on organized tours. On the Delta itself, theft is non-existent (community and guide reputation matter).

Insider tip

Currency is pula; USD accepted. Tour cost includes guide and poler. Tip $10 guide + $5 poler on the last day. Book on GetYourGuide; no cash needed on tour day.

During your trip

Bring a small amount of pula for coffee, snacks, or phone credit in Maun. Your hotel can change USD to pula if needed. Restaurants in Maun take cards. On the tour itself, food and drink are provided.

Book on GetYourGuide; payment handled online

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

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Frequently asked questions

What currency do I need for the Okavango Delta?

Botswana pula (BWP). US dollars are accepted at tour operators and lodges (new, crisp notes only; damaged bills are rejected). ATMs in Maun dispense pula.

How much should I tip my guide?

Roughly $10 per guest per day for the guide, $5 for the poler. Tipping is customary but not required. Hand it over on the last day. You can tip in USD or pula.

Is tipping expected?

Tipping is customary, not mandatory. Your guide and polers work hard for 8+ hours. If you enjoyed the experience, a tip reflects that appreciation. Even a few dollars is welcome if budget is tight.

How do I pay for the tour?

Book and pay on GetYourGuide before travel. You receive a confirmation on your phone. No cash is needed on the day of the tour.