Bangladesh — Shopping
Shopping
Bangladesh is famous for its pink pearls. Handloom fabrics, silks, printed saris, coconut masks, bamboo products, mother-of-pearl jewelry, leather crafts, wood and cane handicrafts and folk dolls are popular purchases. Duty-free shops are available in Dhaka and international airports.
Shopping hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0900-2000, Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-2000 (shops in tourist districts often stay open later).
Currency
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.
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 traveler's checks. Many shops in the cities will offer better rates of exchange than the banks.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
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.
Travelers Checks
Can be exchanged on arrival at Dhaka Airport. US Dollars are the preferred currency, followed by Pounds Sterling.
Currency Restrictions
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.
Banking Hours
Sat-Wed 0900-1500, Thurs 0900-1300. Some banks may close on Saturdays.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 120 BDT |
| 1.00 USD = 75.13 BDT |
| 1.00 EUR = 106.05 BDT |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
