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4,968 mi away
£1 BDT 167.26
Today
4:28 pm
+6h from you
Travel warning
There is an ongoing, serious risk of political violence and terrorist attacks across the country, making travel very unsafe right now.
Weather & climate
Weather in Bangladesh
Bangladesh
33°
Slight rain
Sat
24°
33°
Sun
22°
32°
Mon
23°
30°
Tue
22°
31°
Wed
24°
31°
Thu
25°
29°
Fri
26°
33°
SPF level in Bangladesh
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Bangladesh
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to visit Bangladesh for up to 3 months unless you have a 'no visa required' stamp in your UK passport.
Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and no damage to enter Bangladesh.
You may be able to apply for a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport, which requires a return ticket and proof of funds, but it is a single entry visa valid for 15 to 30 days and is not guaranteed.
When you arrive, make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport as immigration officers will check it when you leave and you could be fined for overstaying.
At border control you may also need to show a return or onward ticket.
Good to know:
If you are travelling with foreign currency or Bangladeshi taka, you may need to declare it depending on the amount.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Safety in Bangladesh
Tips when travelling
Bangladesh is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert when using your phone in public and do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery.
Avoid using rickshaws, taxis, buses, or trains alone, especially at night, due to a high risk of violent crime and robbery.
To reduce the risk of methanol poisoning, only drink alcohol from licensed venues and avoid black-market sources.
Dress modestly in public to avoid offence, with women covering their shoulders and legs.
Keep copies of your passport and visa separately from the originals, as local officials may ask for ID.
Bonus tips:
Arrange taxis in advance at airports to avoid theft, harassment, and being overcharged by touts.
Check bus, shop, and restaurant opening hours during Ramadan and be aware that fasting can cause local tiredness.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Bangladesh
A UK driving license is usually accepted for a short period. An International Driving Permit is recommended, especially for longer stays.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
Various, generally 30-50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Health in Bangladesh
As a British tourist, your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will not be valid in Bangladesh. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities may require upfront payment. Check that your policy covers the activities you plan to undertake.
No vaccinations required
It is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present in Bangladesh. Consider taking mosquito repellent and other necessary actions to prevent mosquito bites. Drink only bottled or purified water.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in larger establishments in cities, but cash is still preferred for smaller businesses and rural areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Bangladesh
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Bangladesh as it is in some Western countries. However, it is becoming more common, especially in tourist-oriented establishments. While not mandatory, a small tip for good service is appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service. Check if a service charge is already included in the bill.
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
20-50 BDT per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
100-200 BDT per day for good service.
Tour Guide
200-500 BDT per day, depending on the quality and length of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Bangladesh. Purchasing a local SIM card can be more cost-effective.
Local SIM
10 GB for 800 BDT (~£6)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Bangladesh
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities, but can be unreliable. Coverage is less common in rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Mobile data provides better availability than WiFi.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Bangladesh
Country code
+880
To call the British High Commission in Dhaka from the UK, you would dial 00 880 2 55668700.
The country code for Bangladesh is 880. When calling Bangladesh from abroad, you'll need to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the Bangladesh country code.
Language in Bangladesh
Bengali(primary)
UK Embassy
British High Commission Dhaka
United Nations Road, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
8 days ago
Regional risks
- A new warning has been added for seasonal flash flooding in parts of northeast Bangladesh, including the Sylhet region, during the pre‑monsoon period.
- Flash floods may occur with little warning and could disrupt transport, utilities, and access to services in low‑lying and river‑adjacent areas.
Airports in Bangladesh
Beaches in Bangladesh
Frequently asked questions
While many visits are trouble-free, exercise caution due to the risk of petty crime, occasional political unrest, and the potential for natural disasters like cyclones and flooding. Stay informed about local conditions, avoid large gatherings, and monitor local media. Be aware of surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Bangladesh for tourism purposes. You can apply for a visa online or at the Bangladesh High Commission in London before your travel date. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
The best time to visit Bangladesh is during the cooler, drier months between November and February. The weather is more pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the hot and humid climate. Women should avoid overly revealing clothing. Consider carrying a scarf for visiting mosques or temples.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Bangladesh. Drink bottled or purified water only. Be cautious of ice in drinks, and ensure that food is properly cooked. Avoid eating from street vendors where hygiene standards may be questionable.
Be wary of unsolicited offers of assistance, especially at airports and tourist areas, as these may be scams to extract money. Agree on prices for transportation (rickshaws, taxis) beforehand. Keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.
The local currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). While credit cards are accepted in some larger establishments, cash is widely used. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash, preferably in smaller denominations, for daily expenses. Exchange currency at reputable banks or authorized money exchange outlets.
Respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Use your right hand when eating or handling objects, as the left hand is considered unclean. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.