Money & SIM Cards in Bangladesh (2026)

💡 The short version

Carry taka in cash for most daily spending; cards work in hotels, malls and bigger restaurants. Use bank ATMs in cities. Declare foreign cash over US$5,000 on arrival. Buy a SIM at the airport with your passport and a fingerprint scan — or use an international eSIM. Mobile wallets like bKash generally need a Bangladeshi ID, so most tourists can't use them.

⚠️ Rules change — check before you travel

I last checked these details in October 2026 against official and news sources. Bangladesh's visa, airport and customs rules change often. Always confirm with the official source (Bangladesh embassy, immigration or customs) before you travel. This is general travel information, not legal advice.

Currency

The currency is the Bangladeshi taka (BDT, ৳). In October 2026, one US dollar was worth roughly 123 taka. Rates change daily.

Cash, Cards and ATMs

Cash is needed for markets, rickshaws, small restaurants and tips. Keep small notes.
Cards are accepted in good hotels, malls, Aarong and many city restaurants.
ATMs from major banks in Dhaka and other cities usually accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards. Use ATMs inside banks or malls, and tell your bank you're travelling.
Changing money: use banks or licensed money changers and keep the receipt.

Bringing Cash Into Bangladesh

You can bring foreign currency, but amounts above US$5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared to customs on arrival. For taka, the no-declaration limit is very small (Tk 5,000), so change money after you arrive.

bKash and Mobile Money

Bangladeshis pay for almost everything with mobile wallets such as bKash and Nagad, but opening an account generally needs a Bangladeshi national ID, so most tourists can't. If you need to pay someone by bKash, a local friend or helper can pay for you and you settle in cash. Paying me from abroad? See PayPal vs Wise vs bKash.

SIM Cards

Where: operator counters in the arrivals area at Dhaka (and other international airports), or official operator stores in cities.
What you need: your passport, and a fingerprint scan for biometric registration.
Operators: Grameenphone (widest coverage), Robi, Banglalink and the state-owned Teletalk.
eSIM: if your phone supports it, you can buy an international eSIM before you fly and skip registration.

Coverage is good in cities and weaker in the Sundarbans and remote hills.

How I Can Help

I'm a Dhaka-based personal shopper and local helper. Through my travel concierge service I can arrange airport pickup, help with hotels and transport, find a guide, and shop with you or for you. If you can't come at all, I can buy things in Bangladesh and ship them to you. Message me before your trip with your dates and what you need.

More Bangladesh Travel Guides

Travel concierge · Visit Bangladesh safely · Visa guide · Dhaka airport arrival · 7–10 day itinerary · Dhaka shopping · Cox's Bazar · Sundarbans · Sylhet & Srimangal · Visiting home as an NRB

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my foreign card in Bangladesh?

Yes in good hotels, malls and many city restaurants, and at major bank ATMs. Markets and small shops are mostly cash only.

How do tourists get a SIM card in Bangladesh?

At an operator counter at the airport or an official store, with your passport and a fingerprint scan for biometric registration. An international eSIM is an alternative.

Can tourists use bKash?

Usually not, because opening a bKash account generally needs a Bangladeshi national ID. A local helper can pay by bKash for you.

How much cash can I bring into Bangladesh?

Any amount of foreign currency, but amounts above 5,000 US dollars or the equivalent must be declared on arrival.

What currency is used in Bangladesh?

The Bangladeshi taka (BDT). In October 2026 one US dollar was roughly 123 taka.

Last updated: 6 October 2026. Written by Nazrul Islam, personal shopper in Dhaka.

Money and SIM Cards in Bangladesh: A Visitor's Guide