Money & duty free for Bangladesh
Exchange rates:
Bangladesh TakaC$1 = BDT59.45
€1 = BDT83.06
£1 = BDT98.25
US$1 = BDT79.75
Currency & Money
Bangladesh Taka (BDT) = 100 paisa. Notes are in denominations of BDT500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins exist in denominations of BDT5, 2 and 1, as well as 50 and 25 paisa, though the smaller coins are rarely used in practice.
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, upscale restaurants and larger shops in Dhaka, Chittagong and other major cities. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express is less widely used. Outside urban centres and in smaller businesses, cash is generally preferred, so travellers should not rely on cards alone.
ATMs are widely available in larger cities and towns, and many accept international debit and credit cards. Machines operated by major banks usually offer the most reliable service. However, ATMs can be limited in rural areas, and occasional outages do occur, so it is advisable to carry enough cash for onward travel. Withdrawal limits and foreign transaction fees vary by bank.
Travellers may bring up to US$5,000, or the equivalent in other foreign currency, into Bangladesh without declaring it. Larger amounts must be declared on arrival. The export of Bangladeshi Taka is restricted, and only small amounts may be taken out of the country. Foreign visitors may take out up to US$5,000 in foreign currency, or the amount declared on arrival if higher. Those carrying significant sums should check the latest regulations before travel.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, authorised money changers and major hotels in Dhaka and other large cities. Banks generally offer reliable rates, while private exchange booths may provide slightly better value. US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange, especially if the notes are clean and undamaged. Outside major urban areas, exchange facilities become limited, so it is advisable to obtain local currency before travelling to rural regions.
Bangladesh duty free
Travellers aged 18 or over may bring a reasonable quantity of personal belongings into Bangladesh without paying customs duty. Duty-free allowances typically include up to:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
• 1 litre of alcohol for non-Muslim foreign visitors. Alcohol is not duty-free for Bangladeshi citizens.
• Perfume, cosmetics, small electronic devices and other personal items are generally permitted in modest quantities.
• Medicines for personal use are allowed, but prescription drugs should be supported by a doctor's note.
Travellers carrying items beyond normal personal-use limits may need to declare them on arrival. As regulations can change and interpretation may vary, visitors should check the latest guidance with Bangladesh Customs or their airline before travelling.
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