Best time to Meet BD:
Bangladesh is a country of six seasons. Traveler can enjoy each season because of every individual seasons has special beauty of nature. But the best time to travel in Bangladesh is August - March.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) :
It's very easy to get VOA from Dhaka, Chittagong & Sylhet airport. Submit your passport in the respective booth (24hrs open), Pay the fees (USD 51) and get 4 Weeks visa stamp on your passport. All country Citizens are eligible to get VOA except : a. India, b. Pakistan, c. Algeria, d. Sudan, e. Iraq & f. Afghanistan .
Note: No VOA is provided in any land borders. The VOA is applicable only for those who arrive by air.
Rout Change permission :
In the case of entering by Air and departing by land you don't need to take any permission though there was some rules which are not using at all.
Visit From/to India:
Bangladesh Currency :
1 USD = 79.010 BDT, (Normally the rate staying between 78.00 BDT- 81.00 BDT)
1 Euro = 102.5 BDT, (Normally the rate staying between 100.00 BDT- 107.00 BDT)
Banking hours:
Sunday – Thursday (From : 10 am – 4 p.m)
ATM booths :
There are many ATMs in almost all big cities (Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Srimongol, Selhet, Coxsbazar), you will find many ATMs those accepts Visa/Master/Amex Cards. For better result use Dutch Bangla Bank ATM booths as they accepts all kind of cards.
Money Changers/Banks:
You will find Six banks inside airport (almost banks are open 24 hours) where can exchange money. You can find money changers at Motijheel, Fakirapool,Purana Paltan, Gulshan Circle 1& 2 and many other places.
Airport-Dhaka city transport:
Taxi fare :
Airport - Uttara = BDT 150 - 200
Airport - Banani/Gulshan/Mohakhali = BDT 300- 400
Airport - Farmgate / Karwan Bazar / Gulistan / Motijheel = BDT 500 - 700
Bus Fare:
Airport - Uttara = BDT 5 - 10
Airport - Banani/Gulshan/Mohakhali = BDT 10 - 20
Airport - Farmgate / Karwan Bazar / Gulistan / Motijheel = BDT 15 - 25
Some BnB & Budget Hotels in Dhaka (Near Airport):
For BnB please Click Here
For Budget Hotels please Click Here
Hiring a Guide in Bangladesh:
Full Day Guiding (English Speaking) Charge USD 15 - 25 (Depending on Destinations)
Full Day Guiding (Chinese Speaking) Charge USD 25 - 30 (Depending on Destinations)
Buying a SIM Card in Bangladesh:
It is so easy to buy a SIM Card in BD. You will find a GARMEENPHONE counter just beside the luggage belt. There is also a of BANGLALINK just outside of main gate of airport. Buy a SIM card (BDT 150) and recharge some amount. Both Grameen and Banglalink have wide network in BD and also can call worldwide. You can also go for Airtel , Robi . For the good network issue all the travelers use GP network.
Internet in Mobile :
Grameen , Banglalink & Robi have almost same coverage.
Internet Modem:
Banglalion, Zoom Ultra, Ollo
Swimming In Dhaka :
National Swimming Federation, Mirpur Circle-10 (Adjacent to Cricket stadium), Dhaka.
Time : 7 am-1 pm, 3 pm-9 p.m
Fee : Tk. 250 (One Hr), Tk. 2000 (Monthly)
Weekly Holidays : Sunday & Monday.
Rocket Steamer trip:
Rocket steamer may be the most highlight of you Bangladesh Trip. This 100 years old lazy paddle steamer goes till Morelgonj from Dhaka every day (except Friday) crossing many rivers. This is the best way to see Rivers of Bangladesh.
Days : Every day except Friday
Starts: 6.30 p.m (From Sadarghat River Station, Dhaka) & Arrive Hularhat at 11 a.m and Morolgonj at 1.00 p.m
From Hularhat: at 3.00 p.m
Fare :
First class fare :
Dhaka-Hularhat : Taka 2828,
Dhaka-Morolgonj : Taka 3,388 ( Each Cabin has 2 beds, for single person just half the fare.)
Deck Class fare :
USD 2 (Taka 200)/Sleeping bag needed to travel by this class.
Advance Ticket :
You can book the ticket 15/20 days before the trip and collect ticket before 2-3 days from Bangladesh Inland Transport Corp (BIWTC), 5 Dilkusha, Dhaka. Ph : (+880 2) 955 9779. Office hour : Sunday – Thursday from 9 am – 5 p.m. No online or e-mail booking facility.
- In case of 2nd Class, you have to call another number : 739 0691
Dhaka Barisal Daytime Launch :
Launch started operation daytime between Dhaka/Barisal. This is the best option to see rivers in daytime. The Launch starts at 7 am every morning from Barisal and reach Dhaka at 1 p.m. From Dhaka Sadarghat it starts at 2 p.m and reach Barisal at 7 p.m.
Dhaka Barisal Overnight Launch :
The Launch starts at 8:45 pm every Evening from Barisal and reach Dhaka at 5 am. From Dhaka Sadarghat Launch Terminal it starts at 8:45 pm and reach Barisal at 5 am.
Fare:
First class Cabin : BDT 800- 3000
Deck Class: BDT 250
Hiring a Car in Dhaka:
It is easy to hire a Car in Dhaka. The usual cost is BD Taka 3000-4000/day with Driver (+Drivers food & Accommodation for outside Dhaka Trip).
Hotline for Rent-A-Car: +8801678666913
Chittagong Hill Tract permission (Rangamati/ Bandarbans):
To enter Chittagong Hill Tract districts (Rangamati, Bandarban) it is mandatory to take the permit from : Court Building, Chittagong (Near Lal dighi) . It is easy n takes half an hour and NO FEE.
Dhaka-Chittagong/Cox's bazar bus service:
It takes 6 hours (275 K.M) to reach Chittaong. Shohag, Soudia, Hanif, Green Line, Silk Line are the best in this route. Fare : Tk. 900 (Air con), Tk. 500 (Non air con). Dhaka Cox's bazar fare is : Tk. 1500/1600 (Air con) & Tk. 700 (Non air con). Almost buses have the Ticket Counter at Arambag/Fakirapool area. Some addresses of their head offices (also bus counter) are as under :
Luxurious Bus Fare:
Saudia S.Alam
Mercedes Benz & Volvo Buses
Business Seats : Taka 1250.00 (One way)
General Seats : Taka 930.00 (One way)
Reservation only through Prior booking
Green line
Volvo Scania & Hino Buses
Business Seats : Taka 1280.00 (One way)
General Seats : Taka 950.00 (One way)
Train Service :
Bangladesh Railway Website: http://www.railway.gov.bd
Route: Dhaka-Chittagong
a. Mohanagar Provati : 7.40 am – 3.15 pm (No off day)
b. Mohanagar Godhuli : 03.00 pm – 10.20 pm (Off day : Sunday)
c. Subarna Express : 4.20 pm – 10.40 pm (Off day : Friday)
d. Turna Express : 11.00 pm – 6.40 am (No off day)
Route: Dhaka-Srimongol/Sylhet
a. Parabat Express : 06.40 am – Sri : 11.06 am / Syl : 1.40 p.m (Off day : Tuesday)
b. Joyantik Express : 02.00 pm – Sri : 07.10 pm /Syl : 09.25 p.m (No off day)
c. Upobon Express : 10.00 pm – Sri : 03.40 am/ Syl : 05.40 am (Off day : Wednesday)
Route: Dhaka-Khulna (From Dhaka Cantonment station)
Chitra Express : 7.30 pm – 6.30 am (Monday off)
Note : Advance tickets are available (3 days ago) from Kamalapur Railway Station (6 am-11 pm), Airport Railway Station & Bananai Rail Station (Near Kakoli, Time : 8 am-8 pm).
Chittagong-Sandwip-Hatia Vessel:
You can catch the launch from Chittagong sadarghat and go to Sandwip/Hatia.
Every day at 9 a.m except Friday and Sunday from Chittagong Sadarghat.
Time : 3 Hours to Sandwip and 5.5 Hours to Hatia.
Dare : Taka. 90/105 (Deck Class) and 1st class is around 5 times higher.
You can get off at Hatia, stay 1 night and next morning take Ferry (Launch) to Dhaka.
Barisal - Bhola - Barisal Vessel:
There many small launches are available from Barisal which are going Bhola. Everyday 5 am these launches starts from Barisal Launch Terminal.
Bangladesh is a country of six seasons. Traveler can enjoy each season because of every individual seasons has special beauty of nature. But the best time to travel in Bangladesh is August - March.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) :
It's very easy to get VOA from Dhaka, Chittagong & Sylhet airport. Submit your passport in the respective booth (24hrs open), Pay the fees (USD 51) and get 4 Weeks visa stamp on your passport. All country Citizens are eligible to get VOA except : a. India, b. Pakistan, c. Algeria, d. Sudan, e. Iraq & f. Afghanistan .
Note: No VOA is provided in any land borders. The VOA is applicable only for those who arrive by air.
Rout Change permission :
In the case of entering by Air and departing by land you don't need to take any permission though there was some rules which are not using at all.
Visit From/to India:
- Bangladesh Visa in India.
- New Dellhi : High Commission of Bangladesh,
- 56 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar III, New Delhi 110024, India,
- Ph : 6834668, 6839209, Fax : 6839237,
- E-mail : [email protected]
- Kolkata : Bangladesh Consulate at Kolkata,
- Circus Avenue (Park Circus),
- Tel: 22475208
- New Dellhi : High Commission of Bangladesh,
- Dhaka-Kolkata-Dhaka TRAIN Service (Moytree Express)
- From Dhaka :
- Every Saturday & Sunday (at 8.30 a.m) from Dhaka Cantonment Station.
- Ticket : From Kamalpur Rail Station, Dhaka (with Passport & Visa)
- Fare : USD 8 (Non A/C). USD 12 (A/C Chair), USD 20 (Sleeper Class)
- From Kolkata :
- Every Saturday & Sunday (at 7.10 a.m) from Chitpur Station.
- Ticket : From Fairly Place,Kolkata (with Passport & Visa)
- Fare : USD 8 (Non A/C). USD 12 (A/C Chair), USD 20 (Sleeper Class)
i ) Please add BDT 300 for travel Tax while traveling from Dhaka.
ii) Please mention that you want to travel by train while taking visa.
- From Dhaka :
- Kolkata-Dhaka/Dhaka-Kolkata Bus service
One way fare is USD 10 (Air con). Green Line (9 A Marcuis St., New arket, Kolkata. Ph : 2252 0571) & Shymoli Transport (6/1 Marquis Street., Kolkata. Ph : 39579672), Shohag Paribahan (Marquis Street) are the best in this route. The journey takes 10-11 hours. From Dhaka, all buses start from Arambag area. - Shiliguri-Dhaka bus service.
Shyamoli Transport started Shiliguri-Dhaka bus. Fare is USD 12 (air con) . Bus starts froim Shiliguri at 1.30 p.m & reach Dhaka next morning. - India-Bangladesh border crossing (Break journey)
For break journey, there are several enter point to Bangladesh from India which details as under :- a) Horidaspur (Petropole) – Benapole border (Travelers from Kolkata)
This border located 88 km from Kolkata. You can come Horidaspur by shared jeep. Or can come to Bongaon station by Train from Sialdoh & then take Cycle Rickswaw to the border. After crossing the border, will find a bus stands from where many buses go to Dhaka, Barisal, Jessore, Khulna, Mongla (from early morning to midnight). The distances these places are : Kolkata-Horidaspur (Benapole) – 88 km, Benapole – Jessore : 39 km, Benapole – Dhaka : 310 km, Benapole - Khulna : 97 km. For any reason, if you have to stay at Benapole, can stay in the hotel of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (Govt. owned) Hotel Benapole, Room tariff : USD 7/night. - b) Chengrabandha-Buramari border (Travelers from Shiliguri /Darjeeling/Nepal)
You can also take break journey. Changrabandha border is 63 km far from Shiliguri. You will find buses & taxies to come the border. After crossing the border, will find a bus stands (Burimari side) from where many buses go to Dhaka, Dinajpur & other cities. Changrabandha-Dhaka distance is 387 km. It takes around 10 hours to reach Dhaka. - c) Dauki-Tomabil border (Travelers from Shillong, Guahati,Assam)
From Shillong, Dauki border is 95 km.After crossing the border, will find some local buses go to Sylhet (55 km). Also can hire microbus. Sylhet is tea city. So, you can stay 2-3 nights here to see the Tea gardens. From Sylhet every day many buses (air con/non air con) & trains go to Dhaka. The journey takes 5 hours (By bus) & 6 hours (By train). - d) Agartola-Akhaura border (Travelers from Agartola, Tripura)
From Agartola, take a rickshaw to Akhaura border. The distance is 4 km. Crossing the border take another Rickshaw to Akhaura rail station (12 km) . From that station, will find many trains to Dhaka (3 hours), Chittagong (2.5 hours) , Sylhet ( 4 hours).
- a) Horidaspur (Petropole) – Benapole border (Travelers from Kolkata)
- Indian Visa in Bangladesh :
Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC), House-12, Road-137, Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212
Phone : 880-2-989 3006, E-mail : [email protected]
To get the visa :- i) You have to have passport with at least 6 months validity & 2 blank pages.
- ii) 2 copies of recnt photographs.
- ii) Photocopy of Passport (1-7 pages & Bangladesh Visa page)
- iii) Visa fee (Depends on Nationality)
Visa Delivey : After 3 working days. - Dhaka-India By Air
GMG Airlines is the best. Fare : Dhaka-Kolkata : USD 60 (+ takex) & Dhaka-Dellhi USD 210 (+ Taxes). For details, please visit : http://www.gmgairlines.com - Travel Tax/Depareture Tax.
To leave Bangladesh by land, all nationals have to pay Taka 300 (USD 4.5). So, please be sure to have at least Taka 300 while you leave for border. But in cse of leaving Bangladesh by air, no need to pay extra at airport as the ticket is inclusive all taxes.
Bangladesh Currency :
1 USD = 79.010 BDT, (Normally the rate staying between 78.00 BDT- 81.00 BDT)
1 Euro = 102.5 BDT, (Normally the rate staying between 100.00 BDT- 107.00 BDT)
Banking hours:
Sunday – Thursday (From : 10 am – 4 p.m)
ATM booths :
There are many ATMs in almost all big cities (Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Srimongol, Selhet, Coxsbazar), you will find many ATMs those accepts Visa/Master/Amex Cards. For better result use Dutch Bangla Bank ATM booths as they accepts all kind of cards.
Money Changers/Banks:
You will find Six banks inside airport (almost banks are open 24 hours) where can exchange money. You can find money changers at Motijheel, Fakirapool,Purana Paltan, Gulshan Circle 1& 2 and many other places.
Airport-Dhaka city transport:
Taxi fare :
Airport - Uttara = BDT 150 - 200
Airport - Banani/Gulshan/Mohakhali = BDT 300- 400
Airport - Farmgate / Karwan Bazar / Gulistan / Motijheel = BDT 500 - 700
Bus Fare:
Airport - Uttara = BDT 5 - 10
Airport - Banani/Gulshan/Mohakhali = BDT 10 - 20
Airport - Farmgate / Karwan Bazar / Gulistan / Motijheel = BDT 15 - 25
Some BnB & Budget Hotels in Dhaka (Near Airport):
For BnB please Click Here
For Budget Hotels please Click Here
Hiring a Guide in Bangladesh:
Full Day Guiding (English Speaking) Charge USD 15 - 25 (Depending on Destinations)
Full Day Guiding (Chinese Speaking) Charge USD 25 - 30 (Depending on Destinations)
Buying a SIM Card in Bangladesh:
It is so easy to buy a SIM Card in BD. You will find a GARMEENPHONE counter just beside the luggage belt. There is also a of BANGLALINK just outside of main gate of airport. Buy a SIM card (BDT 150) and recharge some amount. Both Grameen and Banglalink have wide network in BD and also can call worldwide. You can also go for Airtel , Robi . For the good network issue all the travelers use GP network.
Internet in Mobile :
Grameen , Banglalink & Robi have almost same coverage.
Internet Modem:
Banglalion, Zoom Ultra, Ollo
Swimming In Dhaka :
National Swimming Federation, Mirpur Circle-10 (Adjacent to Cricket stadium), Dhaka.
Time : 7 am-1 pm, 3 pm-9 p.m
Fee : Tk. 250 (One Hr), Tk. 2000 (Monthly)
Weekly Holidays : Sunday & Monday.
Rocket Steamer trip:
Rocket steamer may be the most highlight of you Bangladesh Trip. This 100 years old lazy paddle steamer goes till Morelgonj from Dhaka every day (except Friday) crossing many rivers. This is the best way to see Rivers of Bangladesh.
Days : Every day except Friday
Starts: 6.30 p.m (From Sadarghat River Station, Dhaka) & Arrive Hularhat at 11 a.m and Morolgonj at 1.00 p.m
From Hularhat: at 3.00 p.m
Fare :
First class fare :
Dhaka-Hularhat : Taka 2828,
Dhaka-Morolgonj : Taka 3,388 ( Each Cabin has 2 beds, for single person just half the fare.)
Deck Class fare :
USD 2 (Taka 200)/Sleeping bag needed to travel by this class.
Advance Ticket :
You can book the ticket 15/20 days before the trip and collect ticket before 2-3 days from Bangladesh Inland Transport Corp (BIWTC), 5 Dilkusha, Dhaka. Ph : (+880 2) 955 9779. Office hour : Sunday – Thursday from 9 am – 5 p.m. No online or e-mail booking facility.
- In case of 2nd Class, you have to call another number : 739 0691
Dhaka Barisal Daytime Launch :
Launch started operation daytime between Dhaka/Barisal. This is the best option to see rivers in daytime. The Launch starts at 7 am every morning from Barisal and reach Dhaka at 1 p.m. From Dhaka Sadarghat it starts at 2 p.m and reach Barisal at 7 p.m.
Dhaka Barisal Overnight Launch :
The Launch starts at 8:45 pm every Evening from Barisal and reach Dhaka at 5 am. From Dhaka Sadarghat Launch Terminal it starts at 8:45 pm and reach Barisal at 5 am.
Fare:
First class Cabin : BDT 800- 3000
Deck Class: BDT 250
Hiring a Car in Dhaka:
It is easy to hire a Car in Dhaka. The usual cost is BD Taka 3000-4000/day with Driver (+Drivers food & Accommodation for outside Dhaka Trip).
Hotline for Rent-A-Car: +8801678666913
Chittagong Hill Tract permission (Rangamati/ Bandarbans):
To enter Chittagong Hill Tract districts (Rangamati, Bandarban) it is mandatory to take the permit from : Court Building, Chittagong (Near Lal dighi) . It is easy n takes half an hour and NO FEE.
Dhaka-Chittagong/Cox's bazar bus service:
It takes 6 hours (275 K.M) to reach Chittaong. Shohag, Soudia, Hanif, Green Line, Silk Line are the best in this route. Fare : Tk. 900 (Air con), Tk. 500 (Non air con). Dhaka Cox's bazar fare is : Tk. 1500/1600 (Air con) & Tk. 700 (Non air con). Almost buses have the Ticket Counter at Arambag/Fakirapool area. Some addresses of their head offices (also bus counter) are as under :
Luxurious Bus Fare:
Saudia S.Alam
Mercedes Benz & Volvo Buses
Business Seats : Taka 1250.00 (One way)
General Seats : Taka 930.00 (One way)
Reservation only through Prior booking
Green line
Volvo Scania & Hino Buses
Business Seats : Taka 1280.00 (One way)
General Seats : Taka 950.00 (One way)
Train Service :
Bangladesh Railway Website: http://www.railway.gov.bd
Route: Dhaka-Chittagong
a. Mohanagar Provati : 7.40 am – 3.15 pm (No off day)
b. Mohanagar Godhuli : 03.00 pm – 10.20 pm (Off day : Sunday)
c. Subarna Express : 4.20 pm – 10.40 pm (Off day : Friday)
d. Turna Express : 11.00 pm – 6.40 am (No off day)
Route: Dhaka-Srimongol/Sylhet
a. Parabat Express : 06.40 am – Sri : 11.06 am / Syl : 1.40 p.m (Off day : Tuesday)
b. Joyantik Express : 02.00 pm – Sri : 07.10 pm /Syl : 09.25 p.m (No off day)
c. Upobon Express : 10.00 pm – Sri : 03.40 am/ Syl : 05.40 am (Off day : Wednesday)
Route: Dhaka-Khulna (From Dhaka Cantonment station)
Chitra Express : 7.30 pm – 6.30 am (Monday off)
Note : Advance tickets are available (3 days ago) from Kamalapur Railway Station (6 am-11 pm), Airport Railway Station & Bananai Rail Station (Near Kakoli, Time : 8 am-8 pm).
Chittagong-Sandwip-Hatia Vessel:
You can catch the launch from Chittagong sadarghat and go to Sandwip/Hatia.
Every day at 9 a.m except Friday and Sunday from Chittagong Sadarghat.
Time : 3 Hours to Sandwip and 5.5 Hours to Hatia.
Dare : Taka. 90/105 (Deck Class) and 1st class is around 5 times higher.
You can get off at Hatia, stay 1 night and next morning take Ferry (Launch) to Dhaka.
Barisal - Bhola - Barisal Vessel:
There many small launches are available from Barisal which are going Bhola. Everyday 5 am these launches starts from Barisal Launch Terminal.