Country guides
Asia
Electricity
The electrical current in Bangladesh is 220 Volts, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs, flat-blade plugs, triangular three-round-pin plugs and parallel flat pins with grounding-pin plugs are all common.
Language
The country’s official language is Bangla, while English is widely used as a second language, particularly in education, business and government.
Money
The local currency is the Bangladeshi taka (BDT). ATMs are available in major cities, though access can vary, so it's wise to have some cash on hand. Credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels and larger businesses in Dhaka, Chattogram and a few other major centres, but are less commonly used elsewhere. Moneychangers are found at Dhaka's international airport, as well as at banks and top-end hotels in big cities. Travellers can sometimes use Apple Pay or Google Pay with international cards at contactless terminals in larger shops and hotels, though local support is limited and cash remains essential for everyday purchases.
Tipping
Tipping in Bangladesh is not expected, but small gestures of appreciation for good service are welcome, particularly in restaurants, hotels, and with porters or guides.
Health
Travellers are advised to see a physician or travel-health specialist four to eight weeks before departure to make sure routine immunisations are up to date and to discuss any additional vaccines or medications they might need. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are generally recommended, while rabies and Japanese encephalitis vaccines may be suggested for those spending more time in rural areas or enjoying outdoor activities. Malaria prevention may also be considered depending on the regions visited.
Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common ailment, so it's wise to drink bottled or properly treated water and be cautious with undercooked or unhygienically prepared foods. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever occurs.
Basic medical care is available in major cities, but facilities outside urban centres can be limited. Travellers are advised to carry comprehensive travel insurance, keep emergency contact details to hand, and be aware of hospitals and medical services that cater to international patients in the cities they plan to visit.
Safety
Bangladesh is generally safe for visitors who take basic precautions. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded markets, buses, and cities, but serious incidents involving tourists are uncommon. Keeping valuables secure and remaining aware of surroundings can help reduce risk.
The country occasionally experiences political unrest and demonstrations, which can become tense. Travellers are advised to stay informed through local news and avoid large gatherings. Some areas, such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the borders with Myanmar and India, can be unpredictable and are best visited only if necessary.
Roads and city traffic can be hazardous, and ferries or buses may be crowded. Monsoon-season flooding and cyclones can affect low-lying areas and regions near rivers, so following local advisories is recommended.
With common-sense precautions and awareness of their surroundings, visitors can enjoy a safe and rewarding experience in Bangladesh.
Local customs
In Bangladesh, food is customarily eaten with the right hand, and visitors are expected to wash their hands after meals. Bargaining is common in markets and bazaars, but prices in shops and supermarkets are generally fixed. Visitors should also be mindful that feet are considered unclean, and it is polite to apologize if they accidentally touch someone with a foot.
As a predominantly Muslim country, Bangladesh observes religious and cultural customs closely. Visitors should dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and when visiting religious sites, and be respectful of local practices during Ramadan. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, so discretion is advised.
Bangladesh has a largely patriarchal culture, though women play prominent roles in politics, business, and public life. Awareness of local customs and social norms helps visitors navigate the country respectfully and comfortably.
Doing business
Business dress in Bangladesh is generally conservative. Men usually wear dark or neutral suits or other formal clothing, and women dress modestly in business suits or traditional outfits such as salwar kameez (a traditional outfit with a long tunic and loose trousers). Even though the weather is often hot, casual or revealing clothes are not appropriate for business settings.
In meetings, men typically greet each other with a handshake. When women are present, it's polite to wait and see if they offer a handshake first; otherwise, a simple nod or verbal greeting is fine.
Visitors are expected to arrive on time, but meetings don't always start exactly as scheduled. The first meeting often includes small talk and is more about getting to know each other and building trust than discussing detailed business. It's usually considered impolite to jump straight into negotiations.
Meetings are generally led by the most senior person, and decisions are often made by top management rather than during the meeting itself. Because of this, final decisions can take time and may happen after several discussions.
Duty free
Travellers to Bangladesh are permitted to bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 225 g of tobacco for personal use. A reasonable quantity of perfume may also be carried duty-free, up to 250 ml, along with gifts valued at no more than 500 BDT. Non-Muslim tourists may import up to two bottles of alcoholic beverages without paying duty, while those travelling for non-tourism purposes may be limited to one bottle. Alcohol is generally not permitted for Muslim travellers, including Bangladeshi citizens.
Communications
The international access code for Bangladesh is +880, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g., 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers with unlocked phones can purchase local SIMs; many cafes, restaurants, top-end hotels, and most midrange hotels provide free WiFi, though connectivity may be less reliable in rural areas.
Passport & Visa
Some visas are available on arrival for eligible nationalities and specific purposes, but these are granted at the discretion of Bangladeshi immigration officers and are not guaranteed. Visa fees vary depending on nationality and the embassy or visa type. A return or onward ticket is required for entry, and a departure tax is charged for air travel, with the amount varying by destination. Travellers with certain passport restrictions, including Israeli passports, should check entry requirements in advance.
Entry requirements
United States passport holders require a valid passport and a visa. Short-stay visas on arrival may be available at major airports but are not guaranteed, so obtaining a visa before travel is strongly recommended. A return or onward ticket may be required, and visa extensions are possible once in Bangladesh.
British passport holders require a valid passport and a visa. Visas for up to 30 days may be available on arrival at major airports, subject to immigration discretion. A return or onward ticket may be required, and visa extensions are possible once in Bangladesh.
Canadian passport holders require a valid passport and a visa. Short-stay visas on arrival for up to 30 days may be available but are not guaranteed, so travellers are encouraged to obtain a visa before travel. A return or onward ticket may be required, and visa extensions are possible once in Bangladesh.
Australian passport holders require a valid passport and a visa. Visas on arrival for up to 30 days are generally available with a return or onward ticket, and visa extensions are possible once in Bangladesh.
South African passport holders require a valid passport and a visa, and must obtain a visa in advance from a Bangladeshi embassy or consulate. A return or onward ticket may be required, and visa extensions are possible once in Bangladesh.
Irish passport holders require a valid passport and a visa. Short-stay visas on arrival may be available at major airports, subject to immigration discretion. A return or onward ticket may be required, and visa extensions are possible once in Bangladesh.
New Zealand passport holders require a valid passport and a visa. Visas on arrival for up to 30 days are generally available with supporting documentation and a return or onward ticket, and visa extensions are possible once in Bangladesh.