Dhaka Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Dhaka.
Healthcare System
Dhaka has a two-tier healthcare system with high-quality private hospitals catering to affluent locals and expatriates, and overcrowded public hospitals serving the majority. Private facilities often match international standards, while public hospitals face resource constraints.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals include United Hospital, Apollo Hospitals Dhaka, Square Hospital, and Labaid Hospital. These facilities accept international patients and have emergency departments, though costs can be high. Always confirm payment methods and insurance acceptance before treatment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Dhaka, with many open late. Most common medications are available without prescription, though quality can vary. Stick to reputable pharmacy chains like Lazz Pharma or pharmacies within hospitals. Counterfeit medications exist, so purchase from established outlets.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage including emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Medical costs at private hospitals can be expensive, and evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore may be necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letters
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Consider hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations before travel
- Keep a list of your blood type and allergies in English and Bengali
- Private hospitals may require upfront payment or credit card guarantee before treatment
- Air pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions; consider bringing masks during winter months
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Dhaka has extremely congested traffic with poor road discipline, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and frequent accidents. Traffic fatalities are common, and road safety is one of the biggest risks to travelers.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists.
Contaminated water and food can cause traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Street food hygiene standards vary considerably.
Dhaka frequently ranks among the world's most polluted cities, particularly during winter months. Poor air quality can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and exacerbate existing health conditions.
Political rallies, strikes (hartals), and demonstrations can occur with little notice, sometimes turning violent. These events can disrupt transportation and business operations.
During monsoon season, heavy rains can cause significant flooding, waterlogging, and transportation disruptions. Flood waters may be contaminated.
Foreign tourists, particularly women, may experience staring, photography without permission, and verbal harassment. While usually not physically threatening, it can be uncomfortable.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices to foreigners or claim meters are broken. Some take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Individuals approach tourists at attractions claiming to be official guides, then demand excessive fees or lead tourists to shops where they receive commissions.
Friendly locals befriend tourists and eventually invite them to see 'family business' selling gems, carpets, or handicrafts at 'special prices' that are actually inflated. Sometimes claim items can be resold for profit abroad.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand, miscounting, or counterfeit bills. Some switch bill denominations during the transaction.
Extra items appear on bills, or incorrect prices are charged, counting on tourists not checking carefully or not knowing proper prices.
People approach tourists with clipboards claiming to collect for orphanages, schools, or disaster relief, but money goes to scammers. Some use children to elicit sympathy.
Shops sell fake or already-registered SIM cards, or electronics that are counterfeit, stolen, or don't work properly. Warranty claims are impossible.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use ride-hailing apps (Uber, Pathao) instead of flagging random taxis
- Always wear seatbelts in vehicles; sit in back seat of taxis
- Avoid motorcycle taxis unless absolutely necessary
- Never attempt to drive yourself unless you have extensive experience with Dhaka traffic
- Cross streets at designated crossings; traffic rarely stops for pedestrians
- Avoid traveling after dark when possible due to poor street lighting and increased accident risk
- Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic to prevent bag snatching
- Allow extra time for all journeys; traffic is unpredictable and often gridlocked
Personal Security
- Keep copies of passport and important documents separate from originals
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Share itinerary with family or friends back home
- Avoid displaying wealth; leave expensive jewelry at home
- Use hotel safes for valuables and extra cash
- Be cautious when using ATMs; use machines inside banks during business hours
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from wallet
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Learn basic Bengali phrases for emergencies
- Keep phone charged and have local emergency numbers saved
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Bring oral rehydration salts for treating diarrhea
- Pack a basic first aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and antibiotics
- Apply mosquito repellent to prevent dengue, especially during monsoon season
- Avoid touching stray animals due to rabies risk
- Get travel vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before departure
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications
- Consider travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites
- Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Use right hand for eating and greeting; left hand is considered unclean
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Respect prayer times and religious customs
- Don't point feet at people or religious objects
- Learn basic greetings in Bengali; locals appreciate the effort
- Be patient with different concepts of time and queuing
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics
Accommodation Safety
- Stay in established hotels in safer neighborhoods like Gulshan, Banani, or Baridhara
- Verify hotel has working fire alarms and emergency exits
- Keep hotel room door locked and use chain lock
- Don't open door without verifying identity of visitors
- Store valuables in room safe
- Keep a flashlight handy due to occasional power cuts
- Note emergency exit routes upon check-in
- Keep hotel contact card with you when exploring
Communication
- Purchase local SIM card from official operator stores for better rates
- Download offline maps before arrival
- Keep important phone numbers written down in case phone is lost
- Learn basic Bengali phrases or use translation apps
- Have hotel address written in Bengali for showing to drivers
- Keep embassy contact information readily accessible
- Consider portable WiFi device or ensure hotel has reliable internet
- Download ride-hailing apps before arrival
Money and Valuables
- Carry small denominations; getting change can be difficult
- Use ATMs inside banks during daytime hours
- Notify bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry backup credit/debit card separately
- Bargain respectfully at markets; expect to pay 50-70% of initial price
- Keep only daily spending money in wallet; hide rest securely
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Mobile payment apps like bKash are widely used but require local bank account
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Dhaka safely but should take extra precautions. While violent crime against tourists is rare, women may experience uncomfortable staring, unwanted photography, verbal harassment, and occasional groping in crowded spaces. Conservative dress and confident demeanor help minimize unwanted attention. Many women travelers find Dhaka manageable and rewarding, particularly when taking sensible precautions.
- Dress conservatively: cover shoulders, chest, and knees; loose-fitting clothing is most comfortable and appropriate
- Wear sunglasses to avoid prolonged eye contact and reduce staring
- Book accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Gulshan, Banani, or Baridhara
- Use ride-hailing apps rather than flagging taxis; sit in back seat
- Avoid traveling alone after dark; arrange transportation in advance
- In crowded areas, carry bags in front and keep arms crossed to create personal space
- Consider wearing a wedding ring even if unmarried; claim to have husband waiting
- Join women-only groups or hire female guides when available
- Be firm and loud if harassed; don't worry about causing a scene
- Use women-only queues and waiting areas where available
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Connect with other female travelers or expat women's groups for advice and companionship
- Keep phone charged with emergency contacts readily accessible
- Consider staying in women-only accommodation or floors if available
- Be especially cautious during festivals when crowds are larger and more chaotic
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Bangladesh under Section 377 of the Penal Code, with potential penalties including life imprisonment. While prosecutions are rare, the law creates a hostile legal environment. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections.
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity openly
- Exercise extreme discretion in all interactions
- Be aware that dating apps may not be safe; police or vigilantes sometimes use them to target LGBTQ+ individuals
- Avoid LGBTQ+ activism or attending any LGBTQ+-related gatherings
- Book separate beds/rooms when traveling with same-sex partner to avoid questions
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations carefully before booking
- Be prepared for intrusive questions about marital status and family
- Have cover stories prepared if traveling with same-sex partner
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel groups for updated advice
- Register with your embassy and keep contact information accessible
- Consider whether travel to Bangladesh aligns with your safety needs and comfort level
- Be aware that local LGBTQ+ activists face harassment and violence
- Understand that legal recourse is limited if you experience discrimination
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Dhaka. Medical care at quality private hospitals is expensive, and serious conditions may require medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore costing tens of thousands of dollars. The risk of traffic accidents, foodborne illness, and trip disruptions due to political unrest or weather makes comprehensive coverage critical. Bangladesh's healthcare system is not equipped to handle complex medical emergencies for free, and hospitals typically require upfront payment.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries