Bangladesh

Travel tips for Bangladesh: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Carry some cash. While cards work at major hotels, branded stores, and high-end restaurants in Dhaka, cash remains king for everyday expenses. You will need local notes for Ubers, rickshaws, street food, and any travel outside major urban centers.

Try the food

  • Hilsa Curry (ইলিশ মাছের ঝোল): A pungent, mustard-laced curry featuring the tender, silver-scaled national fish of Bangladesh.
  • Kacchi Biryani (কাচ্চি বিরিয়ানি): A fragrant, slow-cooked dish of marinated mutton layered with aromatic rice and potatoes.
  • Bharta (ভর্তা): A fiery, flavorful mash of vegetables, lentils, or fish mixed with mustard oil, onions, and green chilies.
  • Fuchka (ফুচকা): Crispy, hollow dough balls stuffed with spiced potatoes and chickpeas, served with a tangy tamarind water.

Say it in Bangla

  • Hello: আসসালামু আলাইকুম (Assalamu alaikum)
  • Thank you: ধন্যবাদ (Dhonnobad)
  • Please: দয়া করে (Doya kore)
  • Excuse me: মাফ করবেন (Maf korben)
  • How much is this?: এটার দাম কত? (Etar dam koto?)
  • The bill please: বিলটা দিন (Bilta din)
  • Yes / No: হ্যাঁ / না (Haa / Na)
  • Goodbye: খোদা হাফেজ (Khoda Hafez)

Essentials

Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Left side
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Grameenphone or Robi at the airport arrivals hall, ensuring you have your passport ready for mandatory biometric registration.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, passing objects, and shaking hands, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Airports in Bangladesh