Bangladesh
Tracked rides, official tickets and cash backups make Bangladesh easier to navigate
Install Uber and Pathao before arrival, but expect driver calls, severe traffic and pickup confusion around Dhaka airport.
The essentials
What to know before you go to Bangladesh
Match the plate and app driver, never let a trip start before you are in the vehicle, and reject off-app fare changes. bKash is a resident mobile wallet, not a normal tourist setup: its official onboarding routes require Bangladeshi identity or expatriate documents. Carry taka in small notes, plus two physical bank cards, because card acceptance is concentrated in larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Book trains only through Bangladesh Railway's official Rail Sheba channels and keep the registered phone, ticket and matching photo ID with you.
Current official travel advice warns about unrest, flooding and travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, so check advice for the exact itinerary and avoid demonstrations.
Ride Hailing
PathaoEssential
Bangladesh's major local super app for tracked car and motorcycle booking in Dhaka and selected other cities.
UberEssential
A familiar English-language ride app for tracked cars, CNGs and motorcycles, with service types varying by Bangladeshi city.
inDrive
A negotiated-fare ride marketplace used in Bangladesh, useful only as a secondary urban availability or price check.
Food Delivery
foodpandaEssential
The most dependable first catalog for restaurant and grocery delivery in supported Bangladeshi cities and neighborhoods.
Foodi
A current local restaurant, grocery and daily-needs delivery alternative with a substantial Bangladesh user base.
Pathao Food
Restaurant delivery inside the same Pathao app used for rides, useful where the entered Bangladesh address is covered.
Messaging
WhatsAppEssential
The most practical international messenger for hotels, guides, drivers and personal contacts who publish a current number.
Messenger
A useful secondary contact channel for Bangladeshi businesses and providers whose active presence is a Facebook page.
Navigation
Google MapsEssential
The practical first map for saved places, urban navigation and live traffic across Bangladesh's main visitor destinations.
Transit
Google MapsEssential
A useful first planner for reaching Dhaka metro stations and checking walking or road alternatives around the city.
Rapid Pass
The official Android card-management app for people who already use a physical Rapid Pass or Dhaka MRT card.
Language
Google TranslateEssential
The practical first tool for simple Bangla text, speech and camera help, with exact features depending on the device.
Intercity Transport
Rail ShebaEssential
Bangladesh Railway's official app for searching, paying for and downloading intercity train tickets.
Shohoz
A major Bangladesh booking catalog for intercity buses and passenger launches, with website access as an important backup.
Also covered
Internet in Bangladesh
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Registration requires your passport plus a photo, fingerprint, or other biometric check.
- Starter prices begin near 150 BDT (~$1.35); compare the current data allowance before buying.
- Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
- Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.
- Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.
Use an official carrier store and complete registration and activation before leaving the counter.
Local carriers
Grameenphone
Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.
Robi
A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.
Banglalink
Good-value option when price matters most.
Teletalk
The weakest network here; choose it only for a clear price advantage.
Skitto
Good-value option when price matters most.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have apps for traveling in Bangladesh?
The essential apps for Bangladesh are Pathao, Uber, foodpanda, WhatsApp, Google Maps.
How many travel apps does Bangladesh have?
We've curated 14 apps across 8 categories for traveling in Bangladesh, including 8 essential apps.
What is the best ride hailing app in Bangladesh?
Pathao. Bangladesh's major local super app for tracked car and motorcycle booking in Dhaka and selected other cities.
Keep exploring
Also traveling in South Asia?
India
Prepare entry, payments and city-specific transport before a complex trip
Sri Lanka
Use two ride apps, book scenic trains early, and keep cash beyond the cities
Maldives
Arrange arrival and island transfers first, then add local apps only if your itinerary needs them
Nepal
Use ride apps in Kathmandu, carry cash beyond cities, and verify every trekking permit
Pakistan
inDrive in the cities, cash for daily life, and official alerts for the road north