Bangladesh
Money in Bangladesh: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Bangladeshi taka (BDT) for all payments; keep small notes for rickshaws and street food, use cards at hotels and larger shops, and tip about 5‑10 % or round up where service is good.
More
GuideBangladesh
Key facts
- Currency
- Bangladeshi taka (BDT)
- Small cash needed
- BDT 50‑100 notes for rickshaws, tea, tickets
- ATMs
- Common in Dhaka; limits and fees vary, foreign cards sometimes refused
- Card use
- Accepted at hotels, major shops, ride‑hailing apps
- Typical tipcheck
- 5‑10 % of bill or round up
Currency and cash handling
Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi taka (BDT). Small denominations (50 BDT and 100 BDT) are most useful for rickshaws, tea stalls and entry tickets. ATMs are widely available in Dhaka; they dispense larger notes and may impose withdrawal limits and fees. Foreign cards can be declined at some machines, so keep a backup supply of cash.
- Carry at least ৳500–1,000 in small notes for daily small purchases.
- Withdraw from ATMs in Dhaka; in other cities limit cash to what you need for the day.
Cards and digital payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants and shopping centres. Ride‑hailing apps (e.g., Uber) show fares in BDT and allow card payment. In smaller towns and markets cash is still king.
- Notify your bank of travel to Bangladesh to avoid blocks.
- Check ATM fees and daily withdrawal limits before you go.
Tipping in Bangladesh
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5‑10 % is common. For hotel staff, porters and guides, a small amount (৳20–50) is appropriate.
- Restaurants: round up or 5‑10 % of the total.
- Hotels: ৳20–50 for bell‑hops, housekeeping.
- Guides: negotiate a daily fee; extra tip for exceptional service.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi taka (BDT).
Should I use cash or a card in Bangladesh?
Carry cash for small purchases and rickshaws; use cards at hotels, larger shops and ride‑hailing apps.
How much should I tip in Bangladesh?
Tip about 5‑10 % of a restaurant bill or round up; give ৳20–50 to hotel staff and guides for good service.
Are ATMs reliable in Bangladesh?
ATMs are common in Dhaka but may decline foreign cards or have low withdrawal limits. Keep a backup cash supply.
Can I use my credit card everywhere in Bangladesh?
Cards work at hotels, larger restaurants and ride‑hailing apps. In smaller towns and markets cash is essential.
What is the best way to carry money in Bangladesh?
Carry a mix of small BDT notes for daily use and a card for larger payments. Notify your bank before travel.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialBangladesh travel money facts
Ask about Bangladesh
Loading…
Was this useful?