Currency

The national currency is the Taka (BDT or Tk) and its smaller unit, the Poisha. A Taka corresponds to one hundred Poisha. You will receive 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Taka banknotes, plus coins worth 1, 2 and 5 taka. For coins and banknotes, there are two, three, sometimes four different editions, all of which are valid. Also from the sometimes “desolate” state of the paper money you must not be deceived, all no problem, provided no banknote is torn on the edge. Poisha is worth 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50, but these are only of interest to Numismatists, and they are hardly ever in circulation. For more answers to questions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Currency exchange

With foreign currencies, you can’t pay anywhere, apart from some luxury hotels. Money is best exchanged in one of the numerous exchange offices in Dhaka, by no means somewhere on the street. Banks change money, of course, but the exchange offices offer a much better exchange rate. Rule of thumb: The larger the value of the banknotes, the better the exchange rate. Exchange offices do not charge any fees and it is also safe. The question about the current exchange rate will be answered here.
Tip: You should pay with big banknotes wherever possible, in order to get this small, because in the country nobody will be able to change you a thousand Taka banknote. So, spend big bills wherever possible.

Credit cards

The plastic money is becoming increasingly accepted. With Visa, you can pay anywhere in Dhaka’s business district. More and more often with Amex or MasterCard. Also in many hotels nationwide visas are accepted in good, international hotels de facto every card is accepted. However, you should not rely on it. On the road, in the country, they will admire the pretty, colorful plastic card, but you can pay with it nowhere. So, always carry enough Taka!

Cash machines – ATMs

In all major cities you will find cash machines where you can draw cash with a Visa card. With Amex this is not possible, with the MasterCard rather rare. The money machines of large financial institutions such as Standard Chartered Bank, Citibank, Dutch Bangla Bank, etc. accept even Maestro cards. Nevertheless, it is advisable to ask your bank if your card also works in Bangladesh. Not infrequently this required a separate release by the bank.