Bangladesh (BD)
Bangladesh is a densely populated delta nation in South Asia, bordered by India and Myanmar, with the Bay of Bengal to the south.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Bangladesh.
Denominations
Coins: 1, 2, 5 Taka. Notes: ৳5, ৳10, ৳20, ৳50, ৳100, ৳200, ৳500, ৳1000. Exchange rate approx. ৳110–115/USD (2026).
Payment Culture
Bangladesh is predominantly cash-based, though mobile financial services (bKash, Nagad, Rocket) have revolutionised everyday payments, especially for remittances and small transactions. Cards are accepted at hotels, supermarkets, and larger restaurants in Dhaka and Chittagong. Markets, rickshaws, and most street vendors require cash. Always carry small notes.
ATM Tips
ATMs are concentrated in Dhaka and other major cities. Dutch-Bangla Bank, BRAC Bank, and Standard Chartered have the most reliable ATM networks for foreign cards. Withdrawal fees of ৳150–300 per transaction are common. Inform your home bank before arriving. Rural areas have very limited ATM access.
Exchange Tips
Exchange money at authorised banks or hotel exchange counters — never with street touts. Airport rates are poor. Wise and Western Union are popular for international transfers. The BDT is not freely convertible — you cannot export Taka in large amounts. Bring USD or EUR for exchange.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents