Is cash still widely used?
Yes. Cash dominates daily life in Bangladesh. While bKash mobile money is popular among locals for transfers, visitors cannot easily access it without a local SIM and bank account. Transport, street food, markets, and guesthouses are all cash-only.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are available in Dhaka and Chittagong but are much rarer elsewhere. Dutch-Bangla Bank and BRAC Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.
- Fees are around 300 BDT per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Withdrawal limits are typically low — around 20,000 BDT per transaction
- Carry enough cash before leaving Dhaka
Card acceptance
Very limited. Some international hotels and business-class restaurants in Dhaka accept Visa and Mastercard. Elsewhere, cash is required.
Tips for travelers
- Exchange currency at authorized money changers in Dhaka for the best rates
- Keep small denomination notes for rickshaws and local transport
- USD and EUR can be exchanged at banks and larger hotels
- Bangladesh is not a major tourist destination so card infrastructure is limited