South Asia
Bangladesh
Rarely visited and very curious about foreigners: river journeys, the Sundarbans mangroves, Sylhet's tea country and Old Dhaka's chaos. Expect tough logistics, heavy traffic, conservative norms and constant attention.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa23 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBDTUS$1 ≈ ৳122.95Details
- Price level25%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, D, G, K220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe, including in Dhaka.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedHostile climate: queer people faced mob attacks and arrests in Dhaka in 2026.Details
- Internet71 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 39 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftIDP with home licence accepted, but few visitors drive; traffic is chaotic, so hire a car with driver.
Where to go in Bangladesh
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DhakaCapital city | 3/5 | $732–1,220 | Nov–Feb | 53/100 |
| Cox's BazarBeach town | 3/5 | $488–813 | Nov–Mar | 79/100 |
When to visit Bangladesh
November–February is dry and mild, the best time. March–May is hot and stormy; the June–October monsoon floods much of the country but suits river trips.
Good to know
Entry
- Most visitors need a visa from a Bangladesh mission; fill in the online form at visa.gov.bd first.
- Visa on arrival for eligible nationalities costs US$51 or €51 in cash; bring an onward ticket and hotel booking.
- Foreigners need prior government permission to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari); tour operators arrange it.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Alcohol is restricted to licensed hotels and bars; drinking in public is illegal.
- Photographing military, police or government buildings can lead to detention.
Etiquette
- Dress conservatively; cover legs and shoulders, especially outside Dhaka
- Use your right hand for eating and handing things over
- Expect selfie requests and crowds; a firm, polite no works
- Remove shoes at mosques; women should cover their hair
Tipping
Not expected at cheap eateries; leave 5–10% in better restaurants. Tip drivers and guides, and give porters small change.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Bangladesh Online Visa Portal
- Bangladesh Railway e-ticket
- Speedtest Global Index: Bangladesh
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.