Bangladesh offers an incredible mix of natural wonders, from the world's longest beach at Cox's Bazar to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. Experience vibrant culture, ancient heritage sites, and warm hospitality in this South Asian gem.
Bangladesh is generally safe for tourists in major cities and popular destinations, but requires awareness of political demonstrations, road safety risks, and health precautions. The Chittagong Hill Tracts require special permits and carry advisories due to periodic civil unrest.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution. Avoid political demonstrations. Do not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts without proper permits and local guidance. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism risks. Certain areas have increased risk including the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Advised to exercise caution
Be vigilant in public places, particularly during political rallies and demonstrations. Monitor local news for developments.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, even peaceful ones
Stay aware of increased violent crime in urban areas since mid-2024
Do not travel to Chittagong Hill Tracts districts
Keep copies of passport and important documents
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber/Pathao
Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in rural areas
Be cautious with street food and drink bottled water only
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival — Bangladesh may impose curfews with little notice
Carry cash in Bangladeshi Taka at all times; ATMs are scarce outside Dhaka and Chittagong
Seek medical care only at private hospitals such as Square or United Hospital in Dhaka; government hospitals have limited resources for foreigners
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Rickshaw overcharging
Cycle rickshaw and CNG drivers often quote 3-5x the fair price to tourists unfamiliar with local rates. Fares in Old Dhaka should be BDT 30-80 for short trips.
How to avoid: Agree fare before boarding; use Uber or Pathao apps for transparent pricing; ask hotel staff for fair fare estimates
Unofficial tour guides
Unofficial 'guides' at major tourist sites like Lalbagh Fort and Sonargaon approach tourists and quote extravagant fees before demanding more at the end.
How to avoid: Use official guides from the site entrance; agree the full price in writing before starting any tour
Money exchange scams
Unofficial money changers, particularly near tourist areas, may use sleight of hand to short-change tourists or offer seemingly good rates that prove unfavourable.
How to avoid: Use bank ATMs (Dutch-Bangla Bank, BRAC Bank) or official money changers at airports and hotels only
Fake 'students' seeking English practice
Friendly locals, particularly near Dhaka University, sometimes begin conversations in the guise of English practice and gradually steer tourists toward expensive shops where they earn commission.
How to avoid: Enjoy genuine conversation but politely decline if steered toward specific shops
Taxi driver commission shops
Some CNG and taxi drivers take tourists to specific restaurants, hotels, or shops where they earn a commission, charging higher prices. Most prevalent in Cox's Bazar hotel and restaurant recommendations.
How to avoid: Research and choose accommodation before arriving; use Pathao/Uber to avoid driver influence on routing
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, and Rabies (if travelling outside cities) are recommended. Japanese Encephalitis for rural areas. Malaria prophylaxis for Chittagong Hill Tracts districts.
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Bangladesh. Drink only bottled water (widely available) or properly filtered water. Be cautious with ice in drinks and uncooked salads.
- Food
- Street food is generally safe at high-turnover stalls but avoid pre-cooked food that has been sitting out. Fish and seafood should be eaten freshly cooked. Peel all fruit yourself.
- Facilities
- Square Hospital (+880 2 8159457) and United Hospital (+880 2 8836000) in Dhaka provide international-standard medical care. Outside Dhaka, medical facilities are limited — travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel is generally safe in Bangladesh's cities and popular tourist areas. Dhakaites are exceptionally friendly and helpful to foreign visitors. Use ride-hailing apps rather than unmetered transport at night, stay in established guesthouses, and avoid unlit areas of Old Dhaka after dark. Solo travellers are often warmly welcomed and invited for tea by curious and hospitable locals.
Female travellers
Female travellers should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) to avoid unwanted attention, particularly in rural areas and Old Dhaka. Travelling alone after dark is inadvisable outside Gulshan/Banani. Pathao and Uber are safer than traditional CNGs after dark. Women-only compartments exist on Bangladesh Railway trains. Local women are generally very helpful if approached for assistance.
Families
Bangladesh is very family-friendly for prepared families. Children attract enormous positive attention from Bangladeshis. Pack all medications from home, carry rehydration salts, and use bottled water strictly with children. Book AC accommodation as the heat is challenging for young children. Major hotels in Dhaka and beach resorts at Cox's Bazar are the most family-friendly bases.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Bangladesh under Section 377 of the Penal Code with potential prison sentences. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme discretion — public displays of affection between same-sex couples are inadvisable. The community exists quietly underground in Dhaka but there are no openly gay venues or events.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 999
- Medical
- 999 (national emergency), Square Hospital: +880 2 8159457, United Hospital: +880 2 8836000
- Embassy
- US Embassy Dhaka: +880 2 5566-2000; UK High Commission: +880 2 5566-0000; Emergency consular assistance varies by nationality — register before travel
- Tourist Police
- +880 1730-336498 (Tourist Police Dhaka)