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Some scams

Southern Asia

Tourist scams in Bangladesh

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.
  1. 1 Buses and trainsCommonInflated fares and avoiding the meterA driver quotes an inflated fare before the journey. In Chittagong, some drivers quote tourists ten times the going price. In Dhaka, CNG drivers may avoid using the meter and ask you to negotiate instead. Cycle rickshaws do not have meters, so agreeing a fare is normal.Dhaka, Chittagong 2Read
  2. 2 ShoppingOccasionalSmall tourist markups in shopsA seller charges a foreign visitor slightly more than a local customer. The difference is usually small. Many market prices are negotiable, and even some shops displaying fixed-price signs may bargain.Shops and markets across Bangladesh. 2Read
  3. 3 Buses and trainsOccasionalExtra money demanded on arrivalAfter reaching your destination, the driver asks for more than the agreed or metered fare.Dhaka 1Read
  4. 4 Buses and trainsOccasionalTaking a longer routeA driver claims to know the destination but takes a longer route. This can waste time and may increase a metered fare.Dhaka 2Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in crowds and transportSomeone takes valuables while you are crowded together or distracted during travel.Crowds and journeys by rickshaw, CNG or bus. 3Read
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalBag grabbing from rickshawsSomeone grabs a passenger's bag when it is within reach.Dhaka 2Read
  7. 7 Food and drinkOccasionalDrugging through strangers' offersFood, drink, sweets or smoking items offered by a stranger may contain drugs. A friendly offer can leave you unable to protect yourself or your belongings.Public transport, including buses and trains, and other encounters with strangers.Read
  8. 8 Airport and borderOccasionalAirport 'domestic terminal closed' bribe demandAn airport official tells a transferring passenger that the domestic terminal is closed. They make the passenger sit down, then try to demand a bribe.DhakaRead
  9. 9 TheftOccasionalMugging during late-night rickshaw ridesA slow-moving rickshaw can leave a passenger exposed to thugs and muggers. Women travelling alone after dark are specifically warned to avoid this situation.Dhaka 1Read
  10. 10 TaxisOccasionalKidnapping by late-night airport taxi driversThere have been incidents of tourists being kidnapped by taxi drivers after leaving the airport very late at night. The chance of trouble is described as low, but the consequences are serious.DhakaRead
  11. 11 On the streetOccasionalUnwanted drug or sex-service pitches from rickshaw driversA rickshaw driver begins the journey by offering drugs or sex services. This is described as very rare; it is an unwanted sales pitch rather than a documented fraud method.Dhaka 1Read
  12. 12 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor hotel exchange ratesSome hotels accept foreign currency but offer poor exchange rates. This is a poor-value transaction, not necessarily fraud.Hotels that accept foreign currency. 2Read
  13. 13 NightlifeOccasionalHigh prices at hotel barsSome hotel bars charge exaggerated prices. High prices alone do not establish fraud, but ordering without checking can lead to an expensive bill.Bars in some of the nicer city hotels. 3Read

Where to stay alert

  • Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport: scanning station before the domestic terminal, DhakaOfficials may falsely say the domestic terminal is closed and demand a bribe.
  • Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport: late-night taxi departures, DhakaKidnappings by taxi drivers have been reported among tourists leaving in the small hours.
  • ChittagongMany drivers may quote tourists fares up to ten times the going price.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree the fare or meter use before departure.
  • Confirm the destination and carry your accommodation's address.
  • Compare another driver's quote if the price seems high.
  • Use a yellow taxi where available and record its licence plate.
  • Avoid solo rickshaw rides after dark.

Money

  • Compare exchange rates before handing over money.
  • Check the final amount of taka you will receive.
  • Compare shopping prices and ask a local for help with bargaining.
  • Remember that a small tourist markup does not always mean serious fraud.

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer an ATM inside a bank or guarded building.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight.
  • Check withdrawal fees; foreign-card withdrawals typically carry a Tk500 fee.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and close to your body in crowds and on transport.
  • Keep bags inside the rickshaw rather than hanging outside.
  • Avoid displaying expensive jewellery.
  • Decline food, drinks and smoking items offered by strangers.
  • Avoid isolated alleys after dark.

Nights out

  • Check drink prices before ordering at hotel bars.
  • Keep track of your drinks and your bill.
  • Leave unnecessary valuables behind when going out late.
  • Arrange your return transport before you need it.

Police and officials

  • Be alert to the domestic-terminal closure claim at Dhaka airport.
  • Do not pay a bribe in response to that claim.
  • If harassed, draw attention and seek help from other staff.
  • Call 999 if you feel threatened or need urgent help.

What travellers say about Bangladesh

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Bangladesh?

Transport overcharging is a key concern, especially in Chittagong. Small shopping markups, pickpocketing and other incidents also occur. Most people are friendly, so judge the situation rather than assuming every approach is a scam.

How do I avoid paying too much for a ride?

Agree the fare or meter use before boarding. Confirm the destination. If a quote seems high, ask another driver or check with a local.

What if a driver demands extra money at the end?

Stick to the agreed or metered fare and leave if safe. If the driver threatens you, seek help and call 999.

What is the domestic-terminal scam at Dhaka airport?

An official at the scanning station may say the domestic terminal is closed, make you sit down and demand a bribe. If this happens, walk out of the doors and turn right towards the domestic terminal if safe. Firmly tell a persistent follower to leave you alone.

Should I leave Dhaka airport by taxi late at night?

If possible, stay at the airport until morning. Kidnappings by taxi drivers have occurred in the small hours, although the chance of trouble is described as low. Record the licence plate of any taxi you use.

Where should I watch my bags most closely?

In crowds and on buses, CNGs and rickshaws. Keep bags closed and close to your body. On a rickshaw, keep them inside the passenger space.

Can I accept a sweet or drink from another passenger?

It is safer to decline. Strangers' food, drinks, sweets or smoking items may contain drugs. Seek urgent help if you suddenly feel confused or unwell.

Is a higher shop price always a scam?

No. Foreigners sometimes pay slightly more, often only a few US cents. Compare prices, bargain where appropriate and ask a local what a fair price should be.

Is the Tk500 foreign-card ATM fee a scam?

Foreign-card withdrawals typically carry a Tk500 fee. That fee alone is not evidence of fraud. Check the fee shown before completing a withdrawal.

Who should I contact after theft or fraud?

Report it to police and contact your bank if cards or payments are involved. Call 999 for an emergency. Contact your insurer and your embassy or consulate if you need help with a stolen passport.

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