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Southern Asia

BangladeshTravel guide

Explore Bangladesh visa rulesCommon scams in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. It has busy cities, historic sites, long beaches, forests and rivers, with friendly and welcoming people.

Why go

  1. Explore Old Dhaka's narrow lanes, historic buildings, shops and craft workers.

  2. See the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.

  3. Visit the long sandy beach at Cox's Bazar.

  4. Travel along rivers by boat or ferry.

  5. Explore ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim sites.

  6. Try river fish, rice, vegetable curries and local sweets.

Best time to go: October to April.

Getting there

By air

  • Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka is the main gateway to Bangladesh.
  • Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet also handle international flights.
  • Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national airline. Other airlines connect Bangladesh with hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and cities in the Middle East.

By land

  • The only open land borders are with India. There is no land crossing to Myanmar.
  • The Maitree Express connects Kolkata and Dhaka. The Bandhan Express connects Kolkata and Khulna.
  • International train tickets are sold at Chitpur station in Kolkata, Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka and Khulna Railway Station. You need a valid passport and visa to buy them.

By sea

  • The Ganga Vilas is an international cruise ship travelling from Varanasi to Dibrugarh in India, with a stop in Dhaka. Its route also offers views of the Sundarbans.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Domestic flights are described as affordable and convenient. Airports serve division capitals, Jessore, Cox's Bazar and some smaller cities. Biman Bangladesh Airlines and private airlines serve domestic routes.

  • Bus

    Choose air-conditioned long-distance buses for journeys between major cities and tourist destinations. Local buses are often crowded and in poor condition. They may only slow down for passengers to get on or off. Local bus fare collectors do not usually wear uniforms. Travellers who do not speak Bengali may need help identifying them and paying.

  • Car with a driver

    Hire an experienced local driver and use a good vehicle with seat belts. Driving yourself is discouraged, especially in Dhaka, where traffic is very heavy and parking is scarce. Avoid road travel at night, when trucks and buses can make journeys more dangerous. Vehicles drive on the left.

  • Train

    Bangladesh Railways is the only train operator. Tickets usually cost about the same as bus tickets or less. Buy tickets at least ten days ahead if possible. Station booking offices are an option for travellers who do not book online. Tickets can also be booked by phone. Online purchases require a Bangladeshi mobile phone number. Air-conditioned and first-class seats are comfortable, but some economy carriages are unclean. Journeys can take longer than bus trips, and some routes require a change of train.

What to see and do

  • Old Dhaka and Lalbagh Qilla

    Explore a historic fort and narrow lanes lined with old buildings, specialist shops and craft workers.

  • Sundarbans

    This World Heritage Site is the world's largest mangrove forest.

  • Cox's Bazar

    See one of the world's longest unbroken sea beaches.

  • Saint Martins Island

    This is Bangladesh's only coral island.

  • Paharpur, Moynamoti and Mohasthangor

    These historic sites offer a look at the country's ancient architecture and history.

  • Sylhet and Sreemangal tea gardens

    Visit tea-growing landscapes away from the bustle of Dhaka.

Food and drink

  • Hilsa fish

    Bangladesh's national fish is cooked in many ways. Watch for its many fine bones.

  • Rice and dal

    Rice is a staple, often served with dal, a dish made from pulses. Bangladeshi dal is often thin and soup-like.

  • Vegetable curries

    Common ingredients include potatoes, eggplant, squash, tomatoes and gourds.

  • Old Dhaka biriyani

    Haji biriyani and Nanna biriyani are well-known choices in Old Dhaka.

  • Phuchka and chatpati

    These street foods are found in Dhaka and Chittagong. Be careful about stall cleanliness.

  • Local sweets

    Try chomchom, shondesh, lal jaam and Kachagolla.

Money

Bangladeshi taka (BDT), written as Tk or ৳. One taka has 100 poysha.

  • Most businesses do not accept foreign currency as payment.
  • Exchange shops generally offer better exchange rates than banks. Hotels may exchange money at poor rates.
  • Cash machines are widely available in cities and smaller towns. Most accept Visa and Mastercard cards.
  • Withdrawals with foreign cards typically carry a Tk500 fee.

Tipping: Around 15% is expected in upscale restaurants. Tipping is unusual at informal food places and street stalls; consider a modest tip for drivers and delivery workers.

Typical costs

  • June 2023 price: a 2-litre bottle of water cost Tk30–35.
  • June 2023 price: a cup of tea cost Tk6–10.
  • June 2023 price: a 600 mL Coke or Pepsi cost Tk45.
  • June 2023 price: a candy bar cost Tk10–30.
  • June 2023 price: non-brand ready-made trousers cost Tk700–800.

Language

  • Bengali, also called Bangla, is the national and official language and uses its own script.
  • English use is mainly limited to well-educated people, so do not assume everyone speaks it.
Desh kothay?
What is your country?
Amar dorkar nai
I do not need this.
Lagbey nah
No need, or no thanks.
Maaf koren
Pardon me, in a polite form.
Amar bangthi poisha nai
I have no change.
Amar dike takaben na
Stop staring at me; use this sparingly.

Staying safe

  • The source reports warnings against all but essential travel because of demonstrations, clashes and nationwide strikes. Security can worsen with little warning, and there are separate warnings for the Chittagong hill tracts.
  • Avoid travelling in Khulna, Bagerhat, Chittagong and Cox's Bazar when a cyclone warning is in effect.
  • Heavy rain can quickly flood even large cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong.
  • Avoid walking alone after dark in deserted alleys. If you need help, make noise to attract other people's attention.
6 common scams in Bangladesh, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Use your right hand to bring food to your mouth.
  • Wash your hands before and after eating. Restaurants provide a washing station or water and a bowl.
  • Expect to share tables in many ordinary eating places.
  • Expect curiosity, questions about your country and staring, especially in rural areas.

Don't

  • Do not bring food to your mouth with your left hand.
  • Do not linger after refusing a seller, as this may be taken as uncertainty.
  • Do not smoke in public places. The source states a Tk50 fine.
  • Use the phrase asking people to stop staring sparingly, as many people mean no offence.

Staying healthy

  • Drink bottled water rather than tap water. The source says tap water has not been certified safe to drink.
  • Some hand-pumped wells contain arsenic. Boiling, purification tablets and filters made to remove bacteria do not remove arsenic; distillation does.
  • Wash your hands with soap before touching food and before and after meals.
  • Choose freshly cooked, piping-hot food. Be careful with street stalls and unpackaged snacks.

Where to stay

  • Hotels range from basic budget rooms to five-star properties.
  • The source lists standard double rooms as budget at Tk50–500, mid-range at Tk550–5,000 and luxury at Tk5,000 or more.
  • Some very cheap hotels may be dirty or reluctant to accept foreign guests.
  • International hotel chains in major cities include Radisson, InterContinental, Marriott and Pan Pacific.

Outdoor adventures in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has long sandy beaches, mangrove forests and hill areas with trekking opportunities. You can watch birds in the Sundarbans, explore the Chittagong hill tracts or take local boats at Nafa-khum Waterfall. October to April is the best general time to visit.

  • Cox's Bazar beach

    BeacheChittagong Divisionnear Cox's Bazar

    Visit the beach at Cox's Bazar, the country's main beach destination.

    • Do not travel here when a cyclone warning is in effect.

  • Sundarbans wildlife watching

    WildlifeSouthern Bangladesh

    Visit the mangrove forest for wildlife watching. Entry points and tour arrangements are not specified.

  • Saint Martins Island

    Beache

    Visit the island for a relaxed coastal stay. Transport and access arrangements are not specified.

  • Bandarban hill tracts trekking

    TrekChittagong hill tracts

    Explore the hills of Bandarban on a trek. Routes, starting points and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • There are regional travel warnings for the Chittagong hill tracts.
    • The security situation can worsen with little warning.

  • Rangamati hill tracts trekking

    TrekChittagong hill tracts

    Explore the hills of Rangamati on a trek. Routes, starting points and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • There are regional travel warnings for the Chittagong hill tracts.
    • The security situation can worsen with little warning.

  • Khagrachori hill tracts trekking

    TrekChittagong hill tracts

    Explore the hills of Khagrachori on a trek. Routes, starting points and guide arrangements are not specified.

    • There are regional travel warnings for the Chittagong hill tracts.
    • The security situation can worsen with little warning.

  • Nafa-khum Waterfall local-boat rafting

    Rafting

    Raft at Nafa-khum Waterfall using local boats. Operators and departure points are not specified.

  • Lawachara National Park forest visit

    More to do

    Visit the tropical forest at Lawachara National Park. Trails and access arrangements are not specified.

  • Patenga Sea Beach

    BeachePatenga, Chittagongnear Chittagong

    Visit Patenga at the mouth of the Karnaphuli River, about 14 km south of Chittagong.

    • Do not travel here when a cyclone warning is in effect.

  • Anandabazar Sea Beach

    BeacheHalishahar, Chittagongnear Chittagong

    Head to Chittagong Coastal Road in Halishahar.

    • Do not travel here when a cyclone warning is in effect.

  • South Kattali Sea Beach

    BeacheSouth Kattali, Chittagongnear Chittagong

    Visit the beach in South Kattali. Transport details are not specified.

    • Do not travel here when a cyclone warning is in effect.

  • Khejurtala Sea Beach

    BeacheChittagongnear Chittagong

    Take the road southwest from Steelmill Market towards Muslimabad Road. The journey is described as about 10 minutes by road.

    • Do not travel here when a cyclone warning is in effect.

  • Faujdarhat Beach

    BeacheFaujdarhat, Chittagongnear Chittagong

    Head to Faujdarhat, about 16 km from Chittagong city.

    • Do not travel here when a cyclone warning is in effect.

  • Agrabad Deba fishing

    More to doAgrabad, Chittagongnear Chittagong

    Go fishing at Agrabad Deba in Agrabad. Equipment and fishing arrangements are not specified.

Airports, metros and trains in Bangladesh

Airports with scheduled flights

  • DACHazrat Shahjalal International AirportDhakaMain international airport
  • ZYLOsmany International AirportSylhetMain international airport
  • CGPShah Amanat International AirportChattogram (Chittagong)Main international airport

Metro and subway

  • DhakaDhaka Metro Rail16 stations20.1 kmsince 2022

Trains

Rail network
4,458 km
Electrified
20 km

People and safety in Bangladesh

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim91%
  • Hindu8%
  • Buddhist<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows life imprisonment.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #155 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

72% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 163 of 198 countries can visit Bangladesh easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required24
  • Visa on arrival139
  • Visa required34
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Oceania13 of 14 countries
  • Africa45 of 54 countries
  • Americas28 of 35 countries
  • Asia31 of 49 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit Bangladesh?

October to April is the best time. Heavy rain can flood cities during the rainy season.

Can I get around without booking online?

Yes. Train tickets can be bought at station booking offices or booked by phone, and long-distance bus companies have offices in the cities they serve.

Will people speak English?

Bengali is the main language. English is mainly used by well-educated people, so a few Bengali phrases can help.

Can I use my bank card?

Many shops accept major cards, and cash machines are widely available. Foreign-card withdrawals typically carry a Tk500 fee.

Is tap water safe to drink?

The source recommends bottled water. Some well water contains arsenic, which boiling and ordinary bacteria filters do not remove.

What food can vegetarians find?

Vegetable curries and dal are common. Typical curry ingredients include potatoes, eggplant, squash and tomatoes.

Should I drive myself?

Driving yourself is discouraged because of heavy traffic and dangerous driving. Hire an experienced local driver and use a vehicle with seat belts.

What number should I call in an emergency?

Call 999 from a Bangladeshi mobile phone or landline for police, fire or an ambulance.

Do I need to leave a tip?

Around 15% is expected in upscale restaurants. Tips are unusual at informal food places and street stalls.

What accommodation is available?

There are basic budget hotels, mid-range hotels and five-star properties. Some very cheap hotels may be dirty or reluctant to accept foreigners.

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