Credit card declined in Bangladesh

In my experience, card rejections in Bangladesh are common, even if your bank has approved international use. Dutch-Bangla Bank worked best for me. Small shops, rickshaw drivers, and markets all required cash. A daily budget of 3,500-4,000 BDT is plenty for meals, local travel, and attractions. Don’t depend on just one card-carry cash as primary, and use your card only in upscale places.

I faced the same issue in Dhaka and Chittagong. Standard Chartered and HSBC ATMs were the only reliable ones for my Visa. Many shops, transport, and even some hotels refused card payments. Keep at least 4,000-5,000 BDT in cash per day for expenses like food, buses, and sightseeing. If your card keeps declining, call your bank, but also be ready to use cash as your main option in Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, foreign cards don’t always work smoothly. My Mastercard was declined at three ATMs before it worked at BRAC Bank. International hotels and upscale restaurants in Gulshan accepted cards, but elsewhere it was cash only. For budgeting, about 4,000 BDT daily is safe for rickshaws, meals, and attractions. ATMs often have low withdrawal limits, so you might need multiple attempts. Don’t panic if your card declines-just switch banks or try another machine.

Credit card declines are very common in Bangladesh. Even though my international settings were enabled, half the ATMs in Dhaka rejected my card. Dutch-Bangla Bank and Standard Chartered ATMs worked most consistently. In local shops and restaurants, most only accept cash in Bangladeshi taka. Plan around 3,500-4,500 BDT per day for meals, rides, and sightseeing like Lalbagh Fort. Always carry cash-you’ll struggle if you rely only on cards.