Plugs and voltage
Bangladesh runs on 220-240V at 50Hz, so check your devices handle that range (most phone and laptop chargers do). Sockets are mainly Type C, D and G - the round two-pin and the chunky three-pin British style. Bring a universal adapter; cheap ones are sold at New Market in Dhaka but quality varies. Power cuts (locally called load shedding) still happen, so a power bank is genuinely useful.
Language basics
The national language is Bangla (Bengali). English is common in hotels, airlines and with younger people in Dhaka, but a few words go a long way:
- Assalamu alaikum / Nomoshkar - hello (Muslim / Hindu)
- Dhonnobad - thank you
- Koto? - how much?
- Bhalo - good
- Pani - water
Numbers and prices are often spoken in taka (BDT); learn 100, 500 and 1000 to bargain in markets.
Packing
- Modest, light cotton clothing - it is hot and humid, and covered shoulders and knees are respectful, especially for women and at mosques
- A scarf or orna for temple and mosque visits
- Stomach meds, rehydration salts and hand sanitiser
- Mosquito repellent with DEET (dengue is a real risk in the rainy season)
- Slip-on shoes - you remove them often
Connectivity
Local SIMs from Grameenphone, Robi or Banglalink are cheap but require your passport and can take time to register. Wi-Fi is patchy outside hotels. An eSIM activated before you land saves the hassle and works the moment you arrive at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal airport.
7 quick tips
- Carry small taka notes - rickshaws, tea stalls and CNG auto-rickshaws rarely have change
- Agree the fare first on CNGs and rickshaws, or use ride apps like Pathao and Uber
- Drink only bottled or filtered water and skip ice from street vendors
- Dhaka traffic is intense - budget double the time you expect for any trip
- Fridays are the weekend - many offices close Friday and Saturday
- Ask before photographing people, especially women and at religious sites
- Try the food - biryani, hilsa fish, pitha and sweet mishti are unmissable
Stay connected in Bangladesh
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