Scam in BangladeshChanging money
Poor hotel exchange rates in Bangladesh
How it works
Some hotels accept foreign currency but offer poor exchange rates. This is a poor-value transaction, not necessarily fraud.
Warning signs
- The hotel rate is worse than rates offered by exchange shops or banks.
- You have not checked how much taka you will receive.
How to avoid it
- Compare the rate before exchanging money.
- Check money exchange shops and banks.
- Confirm the total taka you will receive before handing over cash.
If it happens to you
- 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.
- TripadvisorHotel reviews2025RENAISSANCE DHAKA GULSHAN HOTEL - Updated 2026 Prices & Reviews (Dhaka Division, Bangladesh)A guest alleges that the hotel converted a USD room price into taka at an inflated exchange rate, adding approximately seven percent to the bill.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorHotel reviews2016Hotel Zakaria International Rooms: Pictures & Reviews - TripadvisorA guest reviewing Hotel Zakaria International reports that its in-house money exchange offered a low exchange rate.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the poor hotel exchange rates scam in Bangladesh?
Some hotels accept foreign currency but offer poor exchange rates. This is a poor-value transaction, not necessarily fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The hotel rate is worse than rates offered by exchange shops or banks. You have not checked how much taka you will receive.
How do I avoid poor hotel exchange rates in Bangladesh?
Compare the rate before exchanging money. Check money exchange shops and banks. Confirm the total taka you will receive before handing over cash.
Where in Bangladesh does this happen?
Hotels that accept foreign currency.
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