Bangladesh’s rich history, vibrant cities, and natural beauty make it a destination worth exploring – but handling money in Bangladesh and understanding currency basics will make your journey much smoother. Whether you’re riding a rickshaw through Dhaka, shopping at local bazaars, or enjoying street food, knowing how to pay matters. This guide walks you through what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Bangladesh (Bangladeshi Taka – BDT), safety tips for carrying cash, and key dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid hidden fees and focus on discovering Bangladesh’s warmth and energy.
How to pay in Bangladesh – cash or card?
In Bangladesh, cash remains the primary payment method, especially outside major cities. Cards are increasingly accepted in urban areas and large businesses. However, mobile financial services are widely used by locals and can be handy for certain transactions if you have a local number.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation: Buses, rickshaws, and ferries require cash.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Traditional bazaars and small stalls are cash-only.
- Small Businesses: Local cafés, grocery shops, and informal services prefer cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Many budget lodgings require payment in cash.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tipping is standard for service staff.
- Rural Areas: Outside major cities, card facilities are often unavailable.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Mid-range and high-end hotels in cities accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Restaurants and Cafés: Larger establishments in urban areas often take cards.
- Retail Stores: Shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets accept cards.
- Online Bookings: Flights, hotels, and tours can be paid by card.
- ATMs: Available in major towns and cities for cash withdrawals with international cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Bangladesh?
The Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is the best currency to take to Bangladesh and it is the most commonly accepted.
USD is sometimes accepted by high-end hotels or travel agencies, but if you try to pay in anything other than Taka in shops, taxis, or markets – firstly, it will likely not be accepted, and even if it is, you will get a poor conversion rate.
Where to get currency in Bangladesh?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Bangladesh. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Bangladesh
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Bangladesh
If you’re withdrawing money in Bangladesh from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Bangladesh?
It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) before your trip for initial expenses like airport taxis, snacks, or tips. However, BDT is not widely stocked by foreign banks, and pre-ordering may be required.
A better strategy is to withdraw BDT from ATMs upon arrival in Bangladesh. ATMs are widely available in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other major cities, and most accept Visa and Mastercard. Cirrus and Plus networks may work, but it’s best to check with your bank before travel. Be aware of international ATM fees.
If you prefer to exchange foreign currency, use licensed forex bureaus or major banks, which offer better rates than airport kiosks or hotels. USD, EUR, and GBP are widely accepted for exchange – bring clean, undamaged notes for best rates.
Where to withdraw money in Bangladesh
You can withdraw money in Bangladesh at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Bangladesh.
Where to exchange currency in Bangladesh
You can exchange currency in Bangladesh at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
In Bangladesh, you’ll find many licensed money changers in major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, offering competitive rates compared to banks.
Currency Exchange Offices (Money Changers):
Exchange offices are commonly found in:
Gulshan and Motijheel areas of Dhaka
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Shopping malls and business districts
Some popular names include Rahman Money Exchange, Sikder Money Exchange and Trust Money Exchange.
Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are:
Dutch-Bangla Bank
Islami Bank
Sonali Bank
Eastern Bank Limited
Banks are typically open Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on Fridays.
Tip: USD, GBP, and EUR are the easiest currencies to exchange. Always demand a receipt and check the license when using street-side changers.
You can find good currency exchanges in Bangladesh using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Bangladesh. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Bangladesh safe?
Carrying large amounts of cash in Bangladesh is not recommended, particularly in crowded urban areas where pickpocketing and petty theft can happen. While cash is widely used, especially outside major cities, it’s best to carry only what you need for short periods.
To safely carry cash in Bangladesh:
- Keep your money in multiple locations – wallet, travel pouch, or inside pockets.
- Use a money belt or under-clothing pouch when traveling through busy areas.
- Avoid counting or showing large amounts of cash in public, especially in markets and transport hubs.
- Keep your wallet in your front pocket or a zippered crossbody bag.
- Withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks, shopping malls, or hotels – not from isolated machines.
- Carry small bills for rickshaws, tips, and street food – many vendors don’t have change for large notes.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Bangladesh
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
