Capital city in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Dhaka
One of the world's densest megacities: Old Dhaka's river docks and markets, rickshaw art and warm hospitality, with a small expat scene in Gulshan. Extremely hard to move around; air, noise and politics add strain.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$732–1,220Comfortable, one person · ৳90,000–150,000Details
- Value for money53/100Better value than 52% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 35°CDetails
- Air quality86 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet71 MbpsFixed broadband, Bangladesh medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water or ice.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards in malls, hotels and big restaurants; cash for rickshaws, street food, markets and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Dhaka
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Gulshan–Banani | Expats and visitors: embassies, hotels, cafés, quieter roads |
| Dhanmondi | Lakes, universities, cafés, easier to stay for longer |
| Uttara | Near the airport and Metro Rail's northern end |
| Old Dhaka (day trips) | River docks and markets; visit with a guide, not a base |
Apps that work in Dhaka
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| foodpanda | Widest restaurant choice in Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmondi |
| Pathao Food | Good coverage and often faster |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, IMO
- Rail Sheba: Bangladesh Railway e-tickets
- Taxis: Drivers often cancel or ask for extra cash in traffic. Agree the fare first with rickshaws; CNGs rarely use meters.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bangladesh.
- Mostly cash Cards in malls, hotels and big restaurants; cash for rickshaws, street food, markets and small shops. bKash needs a local account.
- Currency: Taka (BDT). US$1 ≈ ৳122.95 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Dutch-Bangla, BRAC and City Bank ATMs accept foreign cards in cities; scarce in rural areas.
- Tipping: Not expected at cheap eateries; leave 5–10% in better restaurants. Tip drivers and guides, and give porters small change.
- Paying by phone: bKash and Nagad need local registration; visitors pay cash, or cards at hotels and chains.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type C, D, G, K · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at operator customer centres with your passport; fingerprint registration is required. Data packs are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bangladesh
Going to Dhaka solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.