Money and payments
Cards and cash
ATMs are widely available in all cities and even in smaller towns.
Tipping
Consider tipping the driver and delivery men modestly.
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Asia · Southern AsiaOutline guideCountry in South Asia
Photo: User:Ku.sumon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The People's Republic of Bangladesh (Bengali: গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ Goṇoprojātontrī Bānglādesh) is a country in South Asia, on the edge of the Indian subcontinent. The country is endowed with pristine beaches, numerous archaeological sites, bustling markets, numerous sites of religious importance, forests, delicious food, and more importantly, hospitable and friendly people.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Bangladesh.
Cards and cash
ATMs are widely available in all cities and even in smaller towns.
Tipping
Consider tipping the driver and delivery men modestly.
Bengali
The national and official language of the country is Bengali (Bangla), which is written in its own script.
For the rural areas however, 4G mobile networks are the best option.
Bottled water is recommended since BSTI has not certified the tap water as potable.
Foreign tourists are a novelty to many Bangladeshis, especially in rural areas - kids see you as a toy to play with, while others see you as their opportunity to practice their English with endless enthusiasm or inquire…
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital of Bangladesh and a booming metropolis.
southern city famous for growing paddy, floating markets and many rivers, best reached by a slow-paced and relaxing boat ride on the Rocket Steamer.
a bustling commercial centre and the second largest international shipping port in the country just after Payra port.
a small town famous for Gur which is a form of cake-like molasses produced from the extract of date trees.
on the Rupsha river, famous for shrimp and a starting point for journeys into the Sundarbans.
a historic city by the side of the Brahmaputra River. It has got a rich cultural and political history dating back more than 200 years.
the Silk City.
an important city in the north-west, with agriculture and trade.
An important historical centre and site of several historic mosques including the famous Shait Gumbad Masjid (Sixty Domed Mosque).
The country's premier beach destination, filled to the brim with boisterous Bangladeshi holiday makers and street vendors (hawkers). It is the world's longest natural coastline with 112 km of pristine unbroken sandy beach.
The country's main coral island with friendly locals, a laid back vibe and coconuts to spare.
Ruins of an ancient Buddhist vihara in Paharpur (the centuries old Paharpur Buddhist monastery).
The largest mangrove forest in the world, with lots of bird life and the home of the very elusive but endangered Royal Bengal Tigers.
Places in Bangladesh on the World Heritage List.
Somapura Mahavihara
Listed 1985
Mosque City of Bagerhat
Listed 1985
Sundarbans Reserved Forest
Listed 1997
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
A picturesque hinterland of large hills, forests, and beaches.
Home to the capital city, jute, and rice paddies.
Home to endless rolling tea estates, beautiful natural scenery, culture, ethnic minor groups, rural lifestyle and the largest university in South Asia.
Known for its silk, mangoes, and dozens of archaeological ruins.
Temples, culture, and a rural lifestyle.
A relaxing, slow paced area, the land of rivers, paddies, and green; home to the Bangladeshi part of the Sundarbans.
Public transport and paid services in Bangladesh.
By bus
Buses in Bangladesh fall into two categories - local bus and AC bus.
By train
Bangladesh Railways is the state and only train operator. The ticket prices are reasonable and usually similar to or cheaper than bus tickets.
By boat
There are over 230 large and small rivers throughout the country, and boats and ferries are an integral part of travel for locals and tourists alike.
By helicopter
There are quite a few helicopter services available for hire in Bangladesh for transportation, tourism, medical evacuation (Medevac) or film-footage services.
By rickshaw
If you can speak Bengali fluently, rickshaws are useful for short distances. However, rickshaws are banned on major highways and roads.
By car
Driving in Bangladesh is not for the faint hearted. The road network is fairly good, but dodging irrational bus drivers and weaving in and out of rickshaws isn't easy.
By ride hailing
Many ride sharing or ride hailing companies provide easy and affordable travel options in cities. These include Obhai, Pathao, Shohoz and Uber.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Bangladesh.
Finding apps for Bangladesh…
Other ways to travel:By CNG
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dhaka · International · DAC
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Dhaka
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 24° | 29° | 34° | 35° | 34° | 31° | 31° | 31° | 30° | 30° | 27° | 24° |
| Avg. low | 11° | 15° | 20° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 23° | 18° | 13° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 9 | 20 | 50 | 149 | 292 | 382 | 437 | 359 | 283 | 185 | 38 | 18 |
| Humidity | 66% | 56% | 54% | 65% | 76% | 87% | 90% | 90% | 89% | 84% | 79% | 75% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$30
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$90
Per person, per day
Luxury
$240
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $50 | $140 |
| Food and drink | $5 | $15 | $40 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Bangladesh due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Unrest Protests can occur and turn violent without notice. Avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones. Crime In Bangladesh’s major cities, common crimes include muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking. Stay aware of petty crime in crowded areas, such as pickpocketing. These crimes tend to be based on time and location. There is no evidence that foreigners are targeted because of their country of origin. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other terrorist activity, in Bangladesh. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more Kidnapping There is risk of kidnapping in the Chittagong Hill Tracts Region, areas near the border with Burma, and refugee camps near Cox’s Bazar. Review the Risks in Specific Areas section to learn more. Restrictions on movement for U.S. government employees U.S. citizens in Bangladesh are advised to take similar precautions as U.S. government employees. U.S. government employees in Bangladesh must consult with the embassy security office before any overnight travel within Dhaka, or before any travel outside Dhaka for non-essential reasons. They must take appropriate security and accountability precautions during this travel. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh, particularly outside of Dhaka. This is due to these travel restrictions, a lack…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, an area made up of the districts of: Rangamati Khagrachari Bandarban Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. Hindu festival of Durga Puja The Hindu festival of Durga Puja will take place in Bangladesh from 16 to 21 October 2026. Public celebrations are expected throughout the festival. Expect large crowds around festival sites and Hindu temples, increased security and traffic disruption. There has been intercommunal violence during previous festivals. Remain vigilant, stay away from large crowds where possible, keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Flooding Flash floods and landslides have affected parts of Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet regions. There is an increased risk of seasonal flooding in parts of northeast Bangladesh, including the Sylhet region, due to heavy rainfall during the pre‑monsoon period. Flooding may occur with little warning and could disrupt transport, utilities and access to services, particularly in low‑lying and river‑adjacent areas. Monitor local weather forecasts and updates from the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and follow the advice of…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Bangladesh.
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