Bangladesh Travel Guide

GETTING THERE

Arriving by plane

As a country located in Asia according to militarynous, Bangladesh’s national airline is called Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) (Internet: www.biman-airlines.com), which also flies from Europe in cooperation with other airlines and serves London, Milan and Rome, among others. Further connections exist with Emirates (EK) via Dubai.

Departure fee

300 Tk (mostly included in the ticket price) and 800-2,500 Tk exit tax.

Arrival by car

There are border crossings between Bangladesh and India at Benopol (towards Kolkata), which is the most used, as well as at Chiliharti (to Darjeeling) and Tamabil-Dawki (to Shillong). The opening times of the border crossings should be inquired in advance. Heavy monsoon rains often make the roads impassable in summer. There is currently no way to reach Bangladesh by land from Myanmar.

Bus: A daily bus service between Dhaka and Kolkata operates via Benapol. Further information is available from the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (Tel: (02) 955 55 53).

Arriving by train

There is a direct train connection between Dhaka and Kolkata (India) twice a week.
In the case of transfer connections, bicycle rickshaws, buses or porters help you cross the border to the connecting train.

Arrival by ship

Ferries from Myanmar and India go to the southern coastal cities, the main port is Chittagong.

ON THE GO

Traveling by plane

Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) (Internet: www.biman-airlines.com), GMG Airlines (Z5) (www.gmgairlines.com) and United Airways (BD) (www.uabdl.com) regularly connect Dhaka with the others Big cities. Domestic flights are quite inexpensive and most routes have 2-3 weekly flights.

Flight times

from Dhaka to other cities in Bangladesh (approximate hours and minutes):

On the way by car / bus

The main traffic routes have a total length of 6,240 km, of which around 4,000 km are paved roads. Any town in the country can be reached by car, but the journey can sometimes be difficult. It can take a long time and accidents often occur. Ferries often have to be used. There is left-hand traffic.

Coach of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) (tel: (2) 955 55 53; Internet: www.brtc.gov.bd) connecting all major cities; fares are usually low.

Taxis are only available at the airport and in front of large hotels. Prices should be agreed before departure.

Rental cars can be rented at the airport, at the tourist office and in large hotels (with a chauffeur recommended).

Documents:International driving license. Minimum age 18 years.

Traveling in the city

The overcrowded buses of the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation operate in Dhaka. The Central Bus Station (Fulbaria or Gulistan) is on Station Road. Long-distance buses primarily stop at the other bus stations. The lettering on the buses and stops is mostly in the local language. There are around 10,000 private “auto rickshaws” (three-wheel taxis) that shouldn’t be used at night. Conventional taxis are also available.

On the go by train

The route network of the Bangladesh Railway (Tel: (2) 935 86 34; Internet: www.railway.gov.bd) has a total length of 2800 km and connects all major cities. Several trains run daily on the main route from Dhaka to Chittagong, some with air-conditioned cars. Express trains run between major cities. Trains tend to be slow, but on time. River ferries (see ship) connect the individual rail routes (due to the geographical location, rails cannot be laid everywhere). Although the rail service has improved, accidents sometimes occur. You should avoid driving at night.

Out and about by ship

Ferries run between the coastal cities in the south and the Ganges Delta (Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chandpur, Barisal, Mongla and Khulna); Crossings should be booked well in advance. Details from the local port authorities.

The navigable waterways have a total length of 8,433 km. So-called “rocket” ferries and motor boats run by the Bangladesh Inland Waterway Transport Corporation (Tel: (2) 955 97 79; Internet: www.biwtc.gov.bd) travel the rivers. There are three price ranges on the “Rocket” ferries.

A ferry operates six times a week from Dhaka to Khulna (travel time: 28 hours). The ferries are often overcrowded and accidents occur.

TRAVEL WARNING

Natural disasters

Bangladesh is at risk of earthquakes. From mid-June to mid-October, due to the climate, floods must be expected; in the southern third of the country, from October to November and mid-April to mid-May, cyclones as well.

MONEY

Currency

1 taka = 100 poisha. Currency abbreviation: Tk, BDT (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation with a value of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Tk. Coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 TK as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 Poisha.

Credit cards

Eurocard, Diners Club, MasterCard and American Express are accepted to a limited extent in the capital and larger cities. Details from the issuer of the respective credit card.
ATMs

ec / Maestro card / Sparcard

Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.

ATMs can be found in most banks in larger cities.

Bank opening times

Sat-Wed 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thu 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Foreign exchange regulations

The import of the national currency must not exceed 100 Tk. From the equivalent of US $ 5000 there is a declaration obligation for the import of foreign currencies. The export of the national currency is allowed up to 100 Tk. The export of foreign currencies may not exceed the amounts declared on arrival, minus the exchange amounts (proof).

Currency Exchange

Every currency exchange must be noted on an appropriate form. Businesses in the big cities often offer a better exchange rate than banks.
Hotel bills and flight tickets abroad must be paid in foreign currency.