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Essential apps for

Bangladesh

বাংলাদেশ

BengaliBDT5 apps

Pathao is the local super-app. Foodpanda is huge for delivery. WhatsApp for almost any business.

🔌

Power & Plug

TypeA / C / D / G / K
Voltage220V
Freq50Hz

Multiple types coexist. Universal adapter required.

💬

Basic phrases

Bengali

  • Hello
    নমস্কার / আসসালামু আলাইকুম
    Nomoshkar / Assalamu alaikum
  • Thank you
    ধন্যবাদ
    Dhonnobad
  • Excuse me / Sorry
    মাফ করবেন
    Maf korben
  • Yes
    হ্যাঁ
    Ha
  • No
    না
    Na

+10 more below

🎎

Tipping

Tipping (called 'baksheesh') is common but modest; many restaurants add a service charge, and otherwise rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is appreciated. Small tips to porters, drivers, and hotel staff are customary.

🚖Rideshare & Taxi

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P

Pathao

Bangladesh and Nepal's home-grown super-app: bikes, cars, food, parcels.

Local super-app — bikes, cars, food, parcels.
U

Uber

The most widely available rideshare service globally. Works in 70+ countries.

Also widely available; Pathao is faster for bikes in Dhaka traffic.

🗺️Navigation & Maps

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G

Google Maps

Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.

Solid.

📱Messaging

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W

WhatsApp

The dominant messenger in Europe, Latin America, India, Middle East, Africa.

Universal.

🍱Food Delivery

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F

Foodpanda

Dominant food delivery in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh.

Foodpanda dominates food delivery.
Phrases

All Bengali phrases

Hello
নমস্কার / আসসালামু আলাইকুম
Nomoshkar / Assalamu alaikum
Thank you
ধন্যবাদ
Dhonnobad
Excuse me / Sorry
মাফ করবেন
Maf korben
Yes
হ্যাঁ
Ha
No
না
Na
Please
দয়া করে
Doya kore
Goodbye
বিদায়
Biday
How much?
এটা কত?
Eta koto
Where is the bathroom?
বাথরুম কোথায়?
Bathroom kothay
The check, please
বিলটা দিন, দয়া করে
Bil-ta din, doya kore
I don't understand
আমি বুঝতে পারছি না
Ami bujhte parchi na
Do you speak English?
আপনি কি ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন?
Apni ki ingreji bolte paren
Help!
সাহায্য করুন!
Shahajjo korun
Delicious
সুস্বাদু
Shushadu
Cheers
চিয়ার্স
Cheers
Briefing

What to know before you go

Do

  • Greet with 'Assalamu alaikum' in this Muslim-majority country, often with a slight nod; a handshake is common between men
  • Eat and pass items with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean
  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; women may carry a scarf for mosques and conservative areas
  • Remove your shoes before entering homes and mosques
  • Accept offered tea or food, as hospitality is central and refusing can seem impolite
  • Be respectful during prayer times and the holy month of Ramadan, when many eat only after sunset

Don't

  • Do not show physical affection between couples in public, which is frowned upon
  • Avoid touching people on the head or pointing the soles of your feet at someone, both seen as disrespectful
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke openly in public during Ramadan daylight hours out of respect
  • Avoid critical jokes about religion or the country's founding history

⚠️ Common scams to know

  • Rickshaw and CNG (auto-rickshaw) drivers quoting inflated fares or refusing the meter; agree the price before getting in
  • Overcharging tourists in markets where bargaining is expected and initial prices are heavily padded
  • Unofficial 'guides' or 'helpers' who attach themselves to you at sights and then demand payment
  • Money-changer shortchanging or unfavorable rates at unofficial booths
Going elsewhere?

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