How to Phone Botswana from South Africa: Dialing Guide

Calling Botswana from South Africa is straightforward once you know the correct dialing sequence. This guide covers the exact steps for landline and mobile calls, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do if your call doesn’t connect.

What You’ll Need

A phone (landline or mobile) with international calling enabled.
The full Botswana phone number you wish to call, including the local area code (if any) and the subscriber number.
Sufficient call credit or an international calling plan with your service provider.

Step-by-Step

Dial the international access code: From South Africa, the international prefix is 00. This tells your phone network that you are making an international call. On most mobile phones, you can also press and hold the + key to enter the international prefix automatically.
Dial Botswana’s country code: Enter 267. This code is unique to Botswana and routes your call to the correct country.
Enter the local Botswana number: Botswana uses 7-digit local numbers for both landlines and mobiles. There are no area codes. Simply dial the 7-digit number after the country code. For example, if the local number is 355 1234, you would dial 00 267 355 1234.
Press the call button: After entering the full sequence (00 + 267 + 7-digit number), press the call or send button on your phone.
Wait for the connection: Allow a few seconds for the international connection to be established. You may hear a ringing tone or a message from your carrier before the call connects.

Common Mistakes

Omitting the international prefix: Dialing just 267 without the leading 00 will not work from South Africa. Always start with 00 or +.
Adding a leading zero: Botswana numbers do not have a trunk prefix like South Africa’s 0. Do not add a 0 before the local number, as it will result in a wrong number.
Using an area code: Botswana does not use area codes. Adding one, such as a city code, will cause the call to fail.
Entering the number incorrectly: Double-check that you have the correct 7-digit number. A single wrong digit can connect you to the wrong person or a nonexistent number.

Tips

Save the number in your phone’s contacts with the full international format (e.g., +267 355 1234) so you can call with one tap in the future.
If you’re calling from a landline, you may need to dial 00 first, but some corporate or office systems require you to dial an external line prefix (like 9) before the 00. Check with your office administrator if needed.
Consider using VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calls to Botswana if you have an internet connection, as these may be cheaper than traditional international calls.
If you’re traveling in South Africa and using a local SIM, ensure you have international calling enabled or enough credit to cover the call.

Troubleshooting

Call not connecting: If you hear an error message or the call drops immediately, verify that you’ve dialed the correct sequence: 00 (or +) then 267 then the 7-digit number. Also check that you have sufficient credit or an active international plan.
Wrong number reached: If you reach a different person, hang up and re-check the number. It’s easy to misdial a digit, especially when entering a long international number.
Poor call quality: International calls can sometimes have static or delays. Try moving to an area with better signal strength, or call again later if the issue persists.
Carrier restrictions: Some prepaid plans may block international calls by default. Contact your service provider to enable international dialing or add an international bundle.
Landline issues: If you’re using a landline and the call fails, ensure you have an active line and that your provider supports international calls. You may need to dial a carrier access code if you’re using a calling card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call a Botswana mobile number the same way as a landline?

Yes. All Botswana numbers, whether mobile or landline, are 7 digits and dialed the same way: 00 + 267 + 7-digit number.

What is the time difference between South Africa and Botswana?

There is no time difference. Both countries are in the Central Africa Time zone (UTC+2), so you don’t need to worry about time zone changes when calling.

Is it cheaper to call Botswana using a mobile or a landline?

Rates vary by provider and plan. Generally, landline calls may be cheaper, but mobile plans often include international minutes. Compare your provider’s rates or consider using internet-based calling apps for the best value.

Do I need to dial a different prefix if I’m calling from a South African mobile?

No. The same prefix (00 or +) works for both mobile and landline calls from South Africa.

What if I’m calling a Botswana number that starts with a 0?

Botswana numbers do not start with 0. If you see a number written with a leading 0, drop it and dial only the 7 digits after the country code.

Can I call Botswana using a calling card?

Yes. Dial the calling card access number first, then enter your PIN, and then dial 00 267 followed by the local number. The card provider will deduct the cost from your card balance.

Sources: Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.