Bangladesh, a country of rich cultural heritage, riverine landscapes, and bustling cities, offers a unique and immersive travel experience. Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of Dhaka, exploring the Sundarbans mangrove forest, or visiting ancient temples in Paharpur, knowing how to access cash is essential. While major hotels and some businesses in urban centers accept cards, cash remains the dominant form of payment across much of the country. This guide provides essential insights on cash and ATMs in Bangladesh, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a well-prepared and convenient journey.
Where to find ATMs in Bangladesh?
Major cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong (Chattogram), Khulna, and Sylhet are well-served by ATMs. In Dhaka, you’ll find them in areas like Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Banani, and Motijheel. ATMs are located near bank branches, shopping malls, universities, hospitals, and major intersections. Banks such as BRAC Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank (DBBL), and Eastern Bank operate some of the most reliable and internationally-compatible machines. DBBL ATMs are especially common and support international debit/credit cards.
Tourist Spots:
Tourist destinations such as Cox’s Bazar, Srimangal, and the Sundarbans gateway towns (like Mongla) have ATMs in central areas or near bus stations and hotels. However, machines in these areas may be cash-only or not accept foreign cards, so plan accordingly.
Rural Areas:
In villages and smaller towns, ATM access can be unreliable or entirely absent. Even when ATMs are present, power cuts or network issues can affect availability. It’s strongly recommended to withdraw enough cash in a nearby city before heading into rural areas or traveling via local transport routes.
Best ATMs to use in Bangladesh for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Bangladesh are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Sonali Bank,
- Prime Bank,
- Agrani Bank,
- HSBC, and
- Southeast Bank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Bangladesh, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in BDT).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in BDT’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Bangladesh?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Bangladesh. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept American Express, Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards. Others like Diners, and Discover cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Bangladesh generally operate 24/7, especially in major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong. Machines in smaller towns may have inconsistent uptime due to power or network interruptions.
What are ATMs called in Bangladesh?
They are referred to as “ATMs” or “Cash Machines” in English, and occasionally “ATM বুথ” (ATM booth) in Bengali. Most machines display “ATM” signage along with the bank’s branding.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically offer Bengali and English language options.
If you don’t understand these languages, try scanning the ATM screen on your phone camera with Google Translate and get an indicative translation (please note – such translations can have errors).
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Bangladesh?
ATMs in Bangladesh dispense only Bangladeshi taka (BDT), the local currency. Foreign currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP are not available from ATM machines, so travelers must withdraw taka only.
ATM withdrawal limits in Bangladesh?
Majority of the ATMs in Bangladesh have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of BDT 20,000 (Bangladeshi Taka). One ATM offers the option to withdraw upto BDT 30,000 per transaction and another up to BDT 60,000 per transaction (however this ATM also has a high ATM Fee). ATMs do not usually have any limits on number of transactions per day.
ATM Fees in Bangladesh
There are many fee-free ATMs in Bangladesh. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Bangladesh do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. Some ATMs charge BDT 35 to BDT 40 per transaction as ATM Fees. One bank charges as high as BDT 1,000 per transaction as ATM Fee. So you have many fee-free ATM options as a foreign cardholder.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Bangladesh. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Bangladesh
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Bangladesh?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Bangladesh. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Bangladesh. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Bangladesh presents varying safety conditions depending on the region. In cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, ATMs are widely accessible but incidents of card skimming, fraud, and theft have been reported. It’s best to use ATMs located inside reputable bank branches or within shopping malls where security is present. Avoid withdrawing cash at night or in quiet, isolated areas. Always check the ATM for suspicious attachments before inserting your card, and cover your PIN entry. As a precaution, monitor your account activity regularly and consider carrying a backup card.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Bangladesh takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Bangladesh?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Bangladesh. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Bangladesh do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. Some ATMs charge BDT 35 to BDT 40 per transaction as ATM Fees. One bank charges as high as BDT 1,000 per transaction as ATM Fee. So you have many fee-free ATM options as a foreign cardholder.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Bangladesh?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Bangladesh and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Bangladesh. Cryptocurrency is considered illegal and financial institutions are banned from facilitating crypto transactions.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Bangladesh
- Bank of America: No, Bank of America does not operate ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, there are no Citibank ATMs.
- Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
- HSBC: Yes, HSBC operates branches and ATMs in major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong.
- Standard Chartered: Yes, Standard Chartered Bank has widespread ATM booths across Dhaka and Chittagong.
