Places to exchange currency in Bangladesh

When I landed in Dhaka, I made the mistake of changing $200 at the airport counter and immediately lost value - the rate was terrible. Since then, I just withdraw a small amount from Dutch-Bangla or City Bank ATMs at the airport and wait until I’m in Gulshan or Motijheel to exchange properly. Shops in those areas gave me noticeably better rates. I’d recommend keeping your first exchange small at the airport - just enough to pay a taxi - then doing the bulk in the city.

Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal Airport has exchange counters in arrivals, but the rates aren’t the best. Change a small amount for taxis and basics, then do the rest in the city. Motijheel is known for good exchange offices, and you’ll find reliable services in Gulshan as well. ATMs such as Dutch-Bangla Fast Track, BRAC Bank, or Prime Bank are safe and widely available in Dhaka. A lot of travellers find ATMs more convenient than cash counters, especially if their home bank refunds foreign withdrawal fees.

I wouldn’t rely heavily on the airport exchange counters in Dhaka, as they’re mostly for convenience. Rates in the city are far better - Gulshan, Motijheel, and even Bashundhara City mall have competitive licensed exchange shops. ATMs like Standard Chartered, HSBC, or Dutch-Bangla work fine with foreign cards, though fees vary. I usually grab 2000-3000 taka at the airport ATM just to cover my ride, then head into town for a proper exchange. Definitely safer and cheaper that way.

In Dhaka airport you’ll see exchange booths right after arrivals, but their rates are usually 5-10% worse than in the city. For a quick taxi or snack, change $20-30 there, but don’t do big amounts. Once in the city, places in Gulshan and Motijheel offer better rates. ATMs like Dutch-Bangla Bank, BRAC Bank, and City Bank are widely used and give decent conversion rates, though some charge fees. I always withdraw from an ATM in Banani after landing because the city exchange shops definitely beat airport counters.