How to plan a trip to Bangladesh

What is the best time to visit Bangladesh? 

November to February (High Season)

Winter season is generally considered as the best time to visit Bangladesh. Skies are blue, days are sunny and the weather is dry in this season. Day time is shorter than night. Every morning you see foggy weather, sunlight cannot get the early morning. Temperature range from 08° to 30° Celsius. 

A large variety of vegetables are available in the market. This season brings with many seasonal flowers like rose, marigold, sunflower and mustard flower which blooms with all their beauty, brightness, and fragrance. The cool date juice is a pleasant drink in the season. Cakes made of newly harvested paddy and date molasses are really delicious.

June to September (Shoulder Season)

Monsoon is the another good time to visit Bangladesh. Heavy rainfall occurs during this monsoon season. Almost one third of the country is flooded underwater. The average temperature in the rainy season is 30°C. Although the rainfall may hamper your plans. But If you are kind of a person who likes rain you may enjoy this season. 

In this time hill tracts become lush greenery, the rivers are flowing at their fullest. Fish lovers also becomes excited as this is the picking season for varieties of fishes in the ponds, lakes, rivers, and seas. Various juicy fruits such as mangoes, litchis, jack-fruits, bananas, pineapples, etc. ripen at this time and adds up to the list.

Where should I stay? 

Gulshan and Banani are one of the most affluent areas of Dhaka. You will be awestruck by the glaring beauty of this area. The sublimely designed houses, premium restaurants, mega Malls and hotels promote the luxury of this area. It also has malls like the Gulshan DCC market, where you can find things at a reasonable price. Police Plaza shopping moll just on the bank of Hatirjheel attracts the city dwellers. It has a charming lake in both places. It’s a good option if you want to feel a little cultured atmosphere in a crowded city. This both areas are located in the center of Dhaka. So you can easily go to the airport and other tourist attractions in Dhaka.

How long should I stay?

Your Bangladesh itinerary can span from a few days to a few weeks, and it all depends on how much time you have to explore this wonderful country. You can very easily fill a three-week itinerary with destinations and activities that allow you to experience the richness and diversity of Malaysia, though it is possible to get the taste of what the country has to offer within five days or less. Our advice, though, is to spend at least ten days in Bangladesh. This should give you enough time to discover both its cities and countryside at a relaxed pace.

What should I do and not miss? 

Bangladesh is not a tourism based country. Even tourism industry role in economic sector is very poor. So the country has not yet become a tourist friendly country. Bangladesh is actually not only for some specific destinations. The value of traveling to Bangladesh will depend on how much you can observe or enjoy.

Just as you may be bored by the most densely population, you may be delighted by the peoples of cute Bengalis. Cute Bengalis spread joy in the alleys and alleys of this country. Sitting in jams for hours can get you bored, as well as you can enjoy and experience excessive jam of Dhaka city. Bangladesh get media coverage for its problem like overpopulation, natural disaster, economic and political crisis. That’s why most people think its an unsafe, poor and conservative Islamic country. But reality is different. This situation has changed a lot. If you have an open mind, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed when you come to this unique country.

How to go around? 

With the exception of heavy traffic in big cities like Dhaka, transport is not an issue for the citizens and tourists alike. Taxis, rickshaws, Air-conditioned buses, trains, air travel, hence all is available. However, transport may not be as easily available in villages and small towns. Uber is extremely cheap in Bangladesh and can be used as a primary source of transport by tourists. If you want a more profound experience of local transport, then opt for rickshaws or auto-rickshaws to travel to beautiful places in Bangladesh. They are also extremely economical and a great experience to enjoy a ride in.

Currency exchange in Bangladesh

The official currency of the country is a Taka. One USD is equal to 110 Taka. There are money exchange booths available at the major airports of the country, which makes it easier for foreign travelers to attain the local currency. There are many options available in the markets as well for money exchange. Tourists do not need to carry a lot of cash on hand because ATMs are widely available in big cities and towns. However, if they are travelling to villages, then it is advised to keep some cash in hand.

What should know and shouldn't do?

South Asia’s greenest jewel, rich is culture and heritage, is still off the beaten tourist path, just waiting to be truly discovered. Here, you will find yourself immersed in the mysteries of nature, unique and colorful festivity, and interactions with wonderful people. So without further ado, here is a list of things to know about traveling to Bangladesh.

What should I pack for Bangladesh?

Weather Demands

In general Bangladesh is a humid, warm country. Because of the heat and humidity we would recommend that you wear light, durable and loose-fitting clothes with natural fabrics e.g. cotton, linen or silk. Winter is pretty mild here in Bangladesh. If travelling during winter season (November – Feb) you can add light jacket, sweatshirt or sweater. Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses are also always recommended for you. It does rain a lot in the monsoon season (June – October). So a travel umbrella could be a great protection for both rain and sun. Avoid solid white as the dust will spoil it easily.

Packing tips for Men

There is no dress code for men. Although men in shorts is not common in Bangladesh. Jeans and t-shirt are the “uniform” of most young Bangladeshi men.

Packing tips for Women

Keep in mind it is a Muslim country so the key is modesty. Showing flesh is not the done thing in Bangladesh. Women should cover their legs fully (no shorts) and their arms at least past the shoulders and cleavage should be covered up. Loose fitting cloths also recommended. 

A pashmina or sarong is great to take with you to cover your head in case it gets too hot. Some religious places also require you to cover your head, so it will come in handy then too. Visitors often buy a local ‘salwar kameezthese are readily available and are well suited to the heat and humidity. Salwar kameez are loose-fitting and vibrant garments often worn in Bangladesh. Many tourists choose to buy some to help overcome the heat and to be more modest, in line with cultural expectations. You should know that tampons are not available in Bangladesh.

Electronics Items

Bangladesh’s power sockets are a fun mix – including 2 round pin European style, 3 round pin and 3 square pin. So a multi way travel adaptor (or 3) is a must!

Make sure to bring a power bank for long bus, launch and train journeys

Shoes

You’ll likely want to protect your feet while travelling & walking around cities. It’s best to avoid heels in favor of flat sandals/ flip-flips. Take good sturdy shoes that will protect your feet will get dusty and dirty or try Hotter shoes, they’re really comfy and have styles to suit everyone.

Best SIM card in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has the several network providers with a wide range of services and rates. Generally, Mobile networks across Bangladesh are mostly limited to 3G, though some network providers 4G in the cities. Despite the slower connection, coverage is still pretty good in Bangladesh. Grameenphone is one of the best options for Bangladesh who want best coverage and faster internet connectivity. These SIM cards can be purchased at any Grameenphone store (customer care center) even in the airport and all major cities in Bangladesh. 

To get a Grameenphone SIM card, bring along a photocopy of your passport and one passport photo. There’s a minimal charge to buy a SIM card, you’ll just need to load calling credit or an internet package. They offer different plans that appeal to different travelers. Grameenphone’s website has a list of internet package prices so you can get an idea of cost. 

To add more calling credit or bundle/ internet plan to your SIM card, just head to any small shop that has the logo of your mobile provider on it somewhere. Posters with the logo listing recharge prices are usually a good sign.

Download MyGp app. No more memorizing specific and complex codes to activate offers, check your balance, usage details or manage your account. Gets the job done fast and simple!

Check remaining balance by dialing: *566#

Check your phone number by dialing: *2#

Electricity & Plug

In Bangladesh the power plug sockets are of type C, D, G and K. But most using power plug sockets are C & G. The standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Is Bangladesh safe?

The most important question of all is: is it safe to travel to Bangladesh? Well, yes, absolutely. Except for the usual petty crime, such as pickpocketing and snatch and grab incidents etc. The environment for tourists in the country is safe, and they can travel around without worrying overmuch. 

Be aware from thieves target. They target passengers on public transport, including rickshaws, taxis and the three-wheel vehicles known as ‘CNGs.’ Keep the windows up and your residential doors, windows and gates locked for your safety.