Money and Currency in Bangladesh

Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (Tk) = 100 poisha. Notes are in denominations of Tk 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 poisha.

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 travellers cheques. Many shops in the cities will offer better rates of exchange than the banks.

Credit cards: Limited acceptance of MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Can be exchanged on arrival at Dhaka Airport. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Exchange rate indicators against Sterling and the US Dollar: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Taka against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Currency restrictions: The import of foreign currency is unlimited (subject to declaration at time of arrival for sums in excess of US$5000). The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency is limited to Tk100.

Banking hours: 0900-1500 Sunday to Thursday

Duty Free and Customs
The following goods may be imported into Bangladesh without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims only); a reasonable amount of perfume; gifts up to the value of Tk500.

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

Prohibited items: Firearms and some animals.

Customs Regulations: There are restrictions on importing currency and weapons. Contact the Embassy of Bangladesh for specific information