Scam in BangladeshNightlife
High prices at hotel bars in Bangladesh
How it works
Some hotel bars charge exaggerated prices. High prices alone do not establish fraud, but ordering without checking can lead to an expensive bill.
Warning signs
- You are ordering without seeing drink prices.
How to avoid it
- Check the menu and prices before ordering.
- Ask about the full cost of your order.
- Keep track of what you order.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised bill and query any charge that does not match your order.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument that feels threatening.
- Call 999 for an emergency involving police, fire or an ambulance. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect drugging.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, agreed price and vehicle licence plate if known. Save receipts and screenshots.
- Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Secure accounts on a stolen phone when possible.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorDhaka City ForumBars in DhakaA returning visitor recalls very expensive beer at a Dhaka hotel and asks for cheaper alternatives to large hotel bars.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorHotel reviewsThe Westin Dhaka Rooftop Bar: Pictures & Reviews - TripadvisorGuest review highlights describe the Westin’s rooftop bar as expensive without alleging deceptive billing.Read on Tripadvisor
- Redditr/Dhaka2026BarA commenter recommends five-star hotel bars for fewer hassles while warning that they are expensive.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the high prices at hotel bars scam in Bangladesh?
Some hotel bars charge exaggerated prices. High prices alone do not establish fraud, but ordering without checking can lead to an expensive bill.
How can I spot it early?
You are ordering without seeing drink prices.
How do I avoid high prices at hotel bars in Bangladesh?
Check the menu and prices before ordering. Ask about the full cost of your order. Keep track of what you order.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised bill and query any charge that does not match your order.
Where in Bangladesh does this happen?
Bars in some of the nicer city hotels.
How common is this scam in Bangladesh?
Occasional. Transport overcharging is a key scam risk in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong. Other problems include small tourist markups, airport bribe demands, pickpocketing and bag theft. Most people are friendly, but take extra care with strangers' offers and late-night transport.
Who can I report it to?
Police, fire or ambulance: dial 999 from a Bangladeshi mobile phone number or landline for an emergency. Local police: report theft, threats, extortion or fraud. Provide the location, time, description and any receipts or vehicle details. Ask for a report or reference number. Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room: the listed local number is 20220. For an emergency, use 999. Card issuer or bank: use the official app or published contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bangladesh?
Police, fire and ambulance: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck