Travel Bangladesh on a Budget
How much money will you need for your trip to Bangladesh? Well, Bangladesh can be a very cheap country to travel around as long as you know what you are doing, and have done some research. With lots of affordable eateries, low budget hotels, and cheap buses and ferries to get around, you can travel around Bangladesh for around BDT 3300/USD 40 a day
Accommodation
Travellers need to do their research, especially for accommodation, as prices for hotels in large cities vary considerably. Note that on the budget end of things, quality is often under par, so don’t necessarily expect warm water or good hygiene standards at these levels. When looking for a place to sleep, always check the room before agreeing to anything, and ask to see several rooms. If you’re staying in budget accommodation, try to get a room away from the road as it can be very noisy. Feel free to ask for a discount – it might not be given, but there’s no harm asking. Booking online is commonplace in the mid to upper standards of accommodation, but if you’re looking for a budget place, just walking in and asking for a room is the best option.
Below is an approximate guide to accommodation costs across the range in Bangladesh:
- Low budget hotels/guest houses: BDT 800/USD 10 a night.
- Budget hotels/guest houses: BDT1200-2500/USD 15-30 a night.
- Mid-range hotels: BDT3000-5000/USD35-60 a night.
- Luxury hotels (4 stars+): BDT6000-16000/60-190 a night.
Food and Drinks
You can eat and drink (non-alcoholic drinks) at the budget end of the scale for next to nothing in Bangladesh, with cheap eateries galore. Be aware though, the downside of eating in some cheap eateries, and especially at roadside vendors, is that hygiene standards may be low, so there’s a reasonable chance you could get ill at one point or another. In smaller eateries, and without the benefit of speaking the local language, ordering might be difficult. Be sure what you are ordering, and if in doubt, walk into a busy place and just point at whatever it is you wish to eat.
Across Bangladesh tap water should not be consumed or used for cleaning teeth etc. Drink bottled water only, ensuring the seal is intact. Below is a rough guide as to what you might expect to pay:
- A cheap lunch or dinner: BDT80-180/USD 1-2
- Sit down lunch or dinner at a better standard place: BDT200-500/USD 3-6
- Tea and snacks from a street vendor: BDT 20-50/USD 0.25-0.50
- A 2 litre bottle of water: BDT 30/USD 0.30
All up costs including accommodation, travel, food and drinks per day
Allowing for budget costs across the board, for one person, you should plan to spend in the region of BDT 3000-5000/USD 35-60 per day on your holiday in Bangladesh. That said, always allow for additional funds, as at times you may just wish to splash out on better accommodation, or, quite simply, there may be no room left at your budget place of choice.
Travel
Getting around in Bangladesh can be a challenge. It can be difficult to know from where, or at what time, transport to your desired destination goes. Available transport from one city or distant location to another includes, travel by air, train, ferry, bus or private transfer by vehicle. Travel in and around cities and other locations will usually be by bus, private transfer, ferry, Uber, CMV or cycle rickshaw. Some indicative prices are below. As a foreigner, be aware the costs may be disproportionately higher. And be aware of the potential for pickpocketing and other theft when travelling on crowded public transport.
- One-way flight between cities: BDT 2500-7000/USD30-80
- One-way bus between cities: BDT 600-1500/USD7-18
- One-way train between cities: BDT 200-1200/USD2.5-15
- Longer distance one-way ferry/boat ride: BDT1000-5000/USD12-60
- Private transfer between cities: BDT5000-8000/USD60-95
- Half-day hire of Uber around town: BDT1200-2500/USD 15-30
- Half hour cycle rickshaw around town: BDT80-160/USD 1-2
Contact information for transport providers
Air: The following airlines offer regular services throughout Bangladesh
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines:
- US-Bangla:
- NovoAir:
Bus:
Hanif Paribahan
Ena Paribahan
Train:
Ferry:
Money
Many ATM’s accept international cards, with only a small fee, but withdrawal limits vary significantly by bank. Many larger businesses accept payment by credit card, otherwise expect to pay cash.
There are several foreign money exchange booths on arrival at Dhaka airport, generally offering a competitive rate.
Getting a good deal
When purchasing any item, ask if the price is fixed. In large shops it almost certainly will be, but in smaller outlets and markets etc there is often room to haggle. Put your bargaining powers to good use and see if you can get yourself a better deal!
Get a local SIM Card
You’ll save a lot of money on data roaming, be able to keep in touch with home easily and its a wise step for your safety.
Protecting your health and well-being
Before commencing your trip ensure you purchase travel insurance covering both travel disruptions and cancellations and medical emergencies. It’s bad enough getting sick at any time, but more so when alone in a foreign country. Be sure also to check your vaccination schedule is up to date.
Power and the Internet
Though speeds vary and reception can be sketchy, Wi-Fi is generally widely available in many areas of the country, though don’t expect to find it everywhere. The cheapest hotels and guest houses are unlikely to offer wifi. Typical speeds are around 29.85 Mbps mbps for download and 45.74 for uploads.
Chances are you will experience power cuts from time to time, especially when using budget accommodation where there are no back-up generators. That said, unless there is a major incident or natural disaster power cuts tend not to last too long.
Visa requirements
Check with the Bangladesh High Commission or Embassy in your country of residence for full information pertaining to visa requirements for your nationality. Visas can be granted on arrival to certain nationalities – this information can also be found online. Expect to show detailed information regarding accommodation, travel etc on demand to immigration officials at point of entry. Single and dual-entry visas can be obtained. Be sure not overstay your visa as penalties can apply.
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