Bangladesh

Bangladesh makes a bold first impression: Dhaka hits you with a rush of sound, colour, and movement, while the countryside feels like a different world of rice paddies and slow rivers. Start with a day or two in Old Dhaka—wander Sadarghat River Port, step into the pink Ahsan Manzil, and explore the maze of markets around Chawk Bazar. Traffic can be intense, so plan fewer sights per day than you might elsewhere and allow time for delays.

For a gentler pace, head to Srimangal for tea gardens and cycling in the misty hills, or to Cox’s Bazar for its famously long sandy beach. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, home to Bengal tigers and crocodiles, is best visited on an organized boat trip from Khulna or Mongla.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to pin places like Lalbagh Fort, Panam City, and the ship-breaking yards near Chattogram, then group them by neighbourhood to minimize time in traffic. Buying and activating Hello eSIM before landing keeps your maps and ride-hailing apps working the moment you step out of the airport, which is especially handy when you’re negotiating busy streets after a long flight.

Moving around Bangladesh is part of the adventure. In cities, you’ll rely on CNG auto‑rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based taxis. Always agree the fare with rickshaw drivers beforehand; short rides in Dhaka often cost around 30–80 BDT (roughly $0.30–$0.80). Traffic is unpredictable, so leave generous buffer time for airport transfers and intercity buses.

For longer journeys, intercity buses and trains connect Dhaka with Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Chattogram; they’re inexpensive but can sell out near holidays. Domestic flights with local airlines are a time-saving option to reach Cox’s Bazar or Sylhet. When crossing rivers, ferries and local boats are common—try an overnight paddle steamer (Rocket) from Dhaka towards the south for a classic experience.

Download offline maps, but keep data handy: a Hello eSIM makes it easy to check routes, translate directions, and show drivers your exact destination in Bangla script. In the Hello app, add transit tickets and hotel confirmations to your trip planning timeline so everything is in one place. When travelling with others, you can use expense splitting to share costs for hired cars, boat charters, or private minivans to more remote areas.

Bangladeshi food is rich, aromatic, and far more varied than many visitors expect. Start with bhorta (mashed vegetables or fish with mustard oil and chillies), dal, and seasonal fish curries—Hilsa, the national fish, is a must-try when in season. In Dhaka, head to Old Dhaka for biryani at famed spots like Nanna or Haji Biryani, and sample fuchka, chotpoti, and jhalmuri from busy street corners where there’s a steady stream of locals.

Street food hygiene varies: look for vendors cooking fresh to order and high turnover. Many mid-range restaurants offer excellent Bengali thalis for 200–400 BDT (about $2–$4). In coastal areas like Cox’s Bazar, seek out grilled prawns and fresh crab; in Sylhet, try seven-layer tea and local snacks around the tea estates.

Use Hello’s budget tracking to see how much you’re spending daily on meals and treats like sweets from Aarong cafés or mishti shops. If you’re dining with travel companions, the expense splitting feature keeps group feasts simple—just log the bill in taka and let the app divide it. Vegetarian travellers will find plenty of options, especially lentil, egg, and vegetable dishes, but it helps to learn a few key phrases or keep them saved in your Hello trip notes.

Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi taka (BDT). Cash is still king, especially outside Dhaka and major hotels. ATMs are common in big cities but can be sparse in rural areas, so withdraw extra before heading off-grid. Credit cards work in many mid- to high-end hotels and restaurants in major cities, but small shops, bazaars, and local eateries usually take cash only. Everyday costs are low: a basic local meal might be around 150–250 BDT ($1.50–$2.50), and intercity buses are similarly affordable.

Power outages can happen, so keep devices charged when you can. Having reliable mobile data is invaluable for maps, ride-hailing, and translation. Activate a Hello eSIM before you fly so you land with data already working—no bargaining at airport kiosks or hunting for a local SIM. This is especially useful if you arrive late at night or need to book last-minute accommodation on the go.

Use Hello’s budget tracking to monitor your spending in BDT and convert roughly to your home currency when planning. If you’re travelling in a group, log shared costs like boat trips in the Sundarbans or long-distance taxis into expense splitting so settling up at the end of the trip is quick and drama-free.