Money & duty free for Bangladesh

Currency information: 

Bangladesh Taka (BDT) = 100 paisa. Notes are in denominations of BDT500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of BDT5 and 1, and 25 and 50 paisa.

Credit cards: 

Credit cards are not generally accepted for payment of goods outside the capital. ATMs (Standard Chartered Bank) are becoming increasingly common and can be found in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, Sylhet and Khulna. HSBC has ATMs in Dhaka and Chittagong.

ATM: 

ATMs (Standard Chartered Bank) are becoming increasingly common and can be found in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, Sylhet and Khulna. HSBC has ATMs in Dhaka and Chittagong. It is safest to withdraw money from the private booths at Standard Chartered Banks.

Travellers cheques: 

Can be exchanged on arrival at Dhaka Airport. US Dollars are the preferred currency, followed by Pounds Sterling.

Banking hours: 

Sat-Wed 0900-1500, Thurs 0900-1300. Some banks may close on Saturdays.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is limited to BDT100. The import of foreign currency is allowed up to the equivalent of US$1,000, but amounts greater than US$150 must be declared. The export of foreign currency is limited to US$150, or the amount declared on arrival.

Currency exchange: 

All foreign currency exchanged must be entered on a currency declaration form. Hotel bills must be paid in a major convertible currency or with traveller's cheques. Many shops in the cities will offer better rates of exchange than the banks.

Bangladesh duty free

The following goods may be imported into Bangladesh without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco.
• two bottles of alcoholic beverages or one bottle if not travelling for touristic purposes (non-Muslims only).
• 250mL of perfume; gifts up to the value of Tk500.

Duty-free items may be bought at the duty-free shop at Dhaka Airport on arrival.

Banned imports: 

Firearms and some animals.