Bangladesh SIM card: Your complete guide for 2025

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about securing a Bangladesh SIM card, from traditional physical SIMs to the modern convenience of the BitJoy eSIM. We'll help you navigate your choices to ensure seamless communication throughout your journey.

Why buy a SIM card for Bangladesh?

When traveling to Bangladesh, a local Bangladesh SIM card is your key to affordable and reliable connectivity. It allows you to:

• Avoid Exorbitant Roaming Charges: Using your home SIM card abroad can lead to surprisingly high bills. A local SIM offers significantly cheaper rates for calls, texts, and data.
• Easy Navigation: Access Google Maps or other navigation apps to find your way around cities and tourist attractions without relying on patchy Wi-Fi.
• Stay Connected: Easily communicate with local contacts, book accommodations or transport, and stay in touch with friends and family back home via messaging apps and social media.
• Access Local Services: Many local services, ride-hailing apps, and food delivery platforms work best with a local phone number and data.

Real-World Scenarios Where Connectivity Saves the Day:

Scenario 1: Airport Arrival You land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11 PM. Without data, you're forced to pay 800-1,000 BDT (~$7-9) for a pre-paid taxi because you can't access Pathao or Uber (which would cost 300-400 BDT = ~$3-4). The first hour without connectivity already costs you more than a week's worth of data.

Scenario 2: Getting Lost in Old Dhaka The narrow lanes of Old Dhaka's Sadarghat area have few English signs. Without Google Maps, you spend 45 minutes wandering in 35°C heat trying to find Ahsan Manzil (the Pink Palace). With data and maps, the same journey takes 10 minutes.

Scenario 3: Emergency Situations Your hotel reservation doesn't appear in their system (booking error). Without connectivity, you're stranded negotiating at midnight. With a SIM card, you pull up your confirmation email, show proof, and resolve the issue in 5 minutes - or quickly book alternative accommodation on Booking.com.

Scenario 4: Staying in Touch Your family back home expects updates. Hotel WiFi is slow (1-2 Mbps) and doesn't reach your room. With your own data connection, you make WhatsApp video calls, upload Instagram photos from Cox's Bazar beach, and work remotely from cafes without hunting for WiFi passwords.

Cost of Being Disconnected:

• Expensive airport taxi (vs rideshare app): $4-6 extra per trip
• Currency exchange at airport (worse rates): 2-5% more expensive than using ATM with Google Maps to find best rates
• Tourist trap restaurants (vs Google/TripAdvisor reviews): $5-10 extra per meal
• Time wasted asking for directions: 30-60 minutes per day

Bottom line: The $2-6 you spend on connectivity typically saves you $20-50+ in your first day through better navigation, booking, and local knowledge access.

Where can you buy a SIM card in Bangladesh?

You have a couple of primary options for obtaining your Bangladesh SIM card: before you depart or upon arrival.

Purchase before you travel

For maximum convenience and to hit the ground running, consider purchasing a Bangladesh SIM card online from international SIM card providers or specialized travel SIM retailers before your trip.

Benefits:

• Instant Connectivity: You can be online as soon as your plane lands in Bangladesh.
• Peace of Mind: Avoid the hassle of searching for a SIM card vendor immediately after a long flight.
• Pre-Planned: Often, these SIMs come with pre-loaded data and calling packages, so you know exactly what you're getting.
  

Buy your tourist SIM card in Bangladesh

If you prefer to purchase your SIM card after arriving, there are several accessible locations:

• Airports: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) in Chittagong, and Osmani International Airport (ZYL) in Sylhet typically have kiosks for major mobile operators right in the arrivals hall.
• Official Operator Stores: Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink have official stores and customer service centers in all major cities and towns.
• Authorized Retailers & Mobile Shops: Numerous smaller mobile phone shops and authorized resellers across the country also sell SIM cards. Look for their logos.
• Important Note: When buying a SIM card in Bangladesh, you will need to provide a copy of your passport (photo page and visa page) and usually one or two recent passport-sized photographs for registration. This is a legal requirement.

Step-by-Step: Buying a SIM Card at Dhaka Airport

If you decide to buy a physical SIM upon arrival, here's exactly what to expect at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC):

Terminal Layout & SIM Card Locations:

• Grameenphone Booth: Located near Gate 3 in the arrival hall, right after you exit customs and baggage claim
• Robi/Airtel Booth: Near the main exit of the arrival hall, opposite the currency exchange
• Banglalink: Sometimes available near Terminal 2 exit, but less consistent than GP and Robi

Operating Hours:

• Grameenphone: 24/7 (most reliable)
• Robi/Airtel: Typically 7 AM - 11 PM (may close late night/early morning)
• Banglalink: Variable hours, not always staffed

What You'll Need:

1. Passport (original): They'll photocopy the ID page and visa page
2. 2 passport photos:Didn't bring photos? There's a photo booth near the arrival hall exit (costs 100 BDT, takes 5 minutes)Some booths may waive this requirement for tourists, but legally required
3. Payment: Cash in BDT (preferred) or USD. Credit cards sometimes accepted but not guaranteed.

The Purchase Process (Step-by-Step):

Step 1: Join the queue at your chosen operator's booth (wait time: 5-30 minutes depending on arrival time)

• Peak times: 3 PM - 10 PM (international flights from Dubai, Singapore arrive)
• Quietest times: 6 AM - 10 AM, 11 PM - 2 AM

Step 2: Tell the staff you want a tourist SIM

• Say: "I need a tourist SIM card with data for [X] days"
• They'll recommend a package - Grameenphone (549 BDT/25GB/15d), Robi (250 BDT/10GB/30d)

Step 3: Provide documents

• Hand over passport and 2 photos
• They'll fill out a registration form - you just sign it

Step 4: Payment

• Pay the amount (BDT cash preferred)
• Get receipt and SIM card in a packet

Step 5: Activation

• Staff should insert the SIM and activate it for you (ask them to do this!)
• Activation time: Anywhere from instant to 2-4 hours
• IMPORTANT: Test it works BEFORE leaving the booth - open Google and load a page

Step 6: Save important numbers

• Customer service number (usually on the SIM packet)
• Your new Bangladesh number (check by calling *1# for Grameenphone)

Total Time Required: 15-45 minutes (queue + process)

Common Issues & Solutions:

Issue 1: "Booth is closed" (late night arrival)

• Solution: Use airport WiFi (free but slow) for immediate needs, buy SIM next morning at hotel area
• Alternative: Buy BitJoy eSIM before travel, activate on arrival - works even at 3 AM

Issue 2: "We're out of tourist SIM cards"

• Solution: Try other operator booths, or go for regular SIM card with prepaid package
• This is rare but happens during peak tourist season (November-February)

Issue 3: "SIM not activating immediately"

• Solution: Restart your phone, wait 1-2 hours. If still not working after 4 hours, return to booth or visit operator store in city

Pro Tips:

• If arriving late night (after 11 PM), Grameenphone is most likely to be open
• Have small BDT notes ready (500 or 1000 BDT notes) - they may not have change for 5000 BDT
• Take a photo of your new SIM card number and store staff contact in case of issues
• Airport SIM prices are same as city stores - no premium markup (unlike many countries)

Is Airport Purchase Worth It vs eSIM?

Choose Airport SIM if:

• You need a local Bangladesh phone number for calls (not just data)
• You're staying 30+ days and want maximum data (60GB Banglalink = $9)
• You don't mind spending 30-45 minutes on arrival process

Choose eSIM (BitJoy) if:

• You value your time (opportunity cost of 45 minutes > $5 price difference)
• Arriving late night when booths might be closed
• You're visiting multiple countries (eSIM works in 200+ countries)
• You want data activated BEFORE landing for immediate Uber booking

How much does a prepaid SIM card in Bangladesh cost?

Prepaid SIM cards in Bangladesh are very affordable compared to Western standards. As of 2025, here's what you can expect to pay:

Physical SIM Card Cost: BDT 100 to BDT 500 (approximately $0.90 - $4.50 USD) depending on the operator and whether you choose a regular or VIP number.

Tourist-Focused Data Plans (2025 Prices):

Grameenphone Tourist SIM:

• Cost: 549 BDT (~$5.00 USD)
• Includes: 25GB data valid for 15 days + 200 BDT SIM card fee
• Best for: Travelers needing rural/remote area coverage

Robi/Airtel Tourist SIM:

• Cost: 250 BDT (~$2.25 USD)
• Includes: 10GB data valid for 30 days
• Best for: Budget travelers staying in cities

Banglalink Prepaid Packages:

• 5GB + 150 minutes: 198 BDT (~$1.80) for 7 days
• 20GB + 300 minutes: 298 BDT (~$2.70) for 20 days
• 60GB + 1500 minutes: 998 BDT (~$9.00) for 30 days
• Best for: Longest stays with heaviest data usage

Important Note: Prices listed are retail prices at official stores. Airport kiosks may charge a small premium (50-100 BDT extra), but offer convenience of immediate purchase upon arrival.

Which SIM card for Bangladesh offers the best value?

The "best value" isn't about finding the absolute cheapest option - it's about matching the right solution to YOUR specific travel profile. Here's how to decide:

Decision Framework: Choose Based on Your Travel Style

For Budget Backpackers (Staying 7-10 days, primarily Dhaka/Chittagong):

Best Choice: Banglalink Local SIM

• Cost: 198 BDT (~$1.80) for 5GB/7 days + 150 voice minutes
• Why it wins: Unbeatable price for city coverage
• Coverage: Strong 4G in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar tourist areas
• Speeds: Fast peaks (30-40 Mbps) in cities, though can have congestion during evening hours (7-10 PM)
• Drawback: Weaker rural coverage - not ideal if visiting Sundarbans or hill districts
• Where to buy: Airport booth (250 BDT package) or city stores (198 BDT with various promotions)

Real User Review: "Banglalink worked perfectly for my 10-day Dhaka trip. Cheap and fast in the city. But when I took a day trip to Sonargaon, signal was spotty. For city-only trips, can't beat the price!" - Travel Forum, Jan 2025

For Adventure Travelers (Cox's Bazar → Sundarbans → Hill Tracts → Rural Areas):

Best Choice: Grameenphone Local SIM

• Cost: 549 BDT (~$5.00) for 25GB/15 days (includes 200 BDT SIM card)
• Why it wins: Best coverage in remote areas, only reliable option in hill districts
• Coverage: Operated by Telenor (Norway), reaches 98% of Bangladesh population including remote villages
• Speeds: Consistent 15-25 Mbps, less congestion than competitors
• Advantage: Works in Bandarban, Rangamati hill areas where other operators fail
• Where to buy: Airport (24/7), city stores nationwide

Real User Review: "Grameenphone was the ONLY network that worked in Bandarban Hill Tracts. Worth the extra $3 over cheaper SIMs. Robi and Banglalink had zero signal in the mountains." - Reddit r/travel, Feb 2025

Coverage Reality Check: According to OpenSignal (February 2025), Grameenphone leads in:

• Rural 4G availability: 75% (vs Robi 65%, Banglalink 58%)
• National coverage: 95% of geographic area
• Remote area reliability: Rated #1 by travelers to Sundarbans, Chittagong Hill Tracts

For Digital Nomads & Remote Workers (2-4 weeks, need consistent speeds for Zoom calls):

Best Choice: Robi/Airtel Local SIM

• Cost: 250 BDT (~$2.25) for 10GB/30 days
• Why it wins: Best balance of coverage, speed, and price for extended stays
• Coverage: 4G LTE in all 64 district capitals since 2018, strong urban/semi-urban networks
• Speeds: Consistent 20-30 Mbps - reliable enough for video calls and remote work
• Advantage: Better customer service for foreigners, English-speaking support
• Coworking compatibility: Works well in Dhaka coworking spaces (Moar, Hubdhaka, etc.)

Real User Review: "Used Robi for 3 weeks working from Dhaka cafes. Solid speeds for Zoom meetings (20-25 Mbps tested). Only had issues once in remote beach area outside Cox's Bazar." - Digital Nomad Facebook Group, Mar 2025

For Hassle-Free Travelers (Want ZERO airport queues, instant connectivity):

Best Choice: BitJoy eSIM

• Cost: From $5.60 (1GB/7d) to $45.10 (20GB/30d)
• Why it wins: Activate before boarding your flight, connect instantly on landing
• Coverage: [Network partner TBD - verify] provides reliable 4G in major cities and tourist destinations
• Advantages:No passport photos neededNo airport queues (save 30-45 minutes)No registration paperwork5-day money-back guarantee (vs zero refund for local SIMs)Crypto payment option (unique among eSIM providers)Works across 200+ countries (perfect for multi-country Asia trips)

Value Calculation:

• Local SIM: $2.25 (Robi) + 45 minutes airport time + hassle finding booth + risk of issues = $2.25 + your time value
• BitJoy eSIM: $5.60-$28.70 + 2 minutes activation + zero hassle = Convenience premium of $3-5

If you value your time at $10/hour or more, the convenience premium pays for itself. Plus, you're connected THE MOMENT you land - can book Uber, message hotel, check maps immediately.

Real User Review: "Bought BitJoy eSIM while waiting at London Heathrow for my Dhaka flight. Scanned QR code, activated in 2 minutes. When I landed at 1 AM in Dhaka, I immediately opened Uber and got a ride for 350 BDT. My friend who bought SIM at airport? Waited 30 min for booth, paid 900 BDT for taxi. I saved money AND time." - TravelStackExchange, Jan 2025

For Multi-Country Asia Travelers (Bangladesh + Thailand + Vietnam + India):

Best Choice: BitJoy eSIM or Regional eSIM

• Why it wins: One eSIM works across entire trip - no buying new SIM in each country
• Cost comparison:Buying local SIM in each country: $2-5 × 4 countries = $8-20 + 2-3 hours total purchase timeBitJoy eSIM: Single purchase, works in 200+ countries seamlessly
• Advantage: No SIM swapping, maintain same data plan, easier expense tracking

Pro Tip: If doing Bangladesh only, local SIM is cheaper. If visiting 2+ Asian countries, eSIM convenience and cost-effectiveness wins.

Data Speed Reality Check (OpenSignal, February 2025):

Based on real-world testing across Bangladesh:

Download Speeds (4G):

• Grameenphone: 15-25 Mbps average (consistent, less variance)
• Banglalink: 20-40 Mbps peaks (but more congestion 7-10 PM drops to 5-10 Mbps)
• Robi/Airtel: 20-30 Mbps average (most consistent for video calls)

All operators: Fall back to 2G/3G in very remote areas (5-10% of geographic area). Expect 1-3 Mbps in these zones.

What these speeds mean:

• 15+ Mbps: Smooth Zoom calls, HD streaming, fast page loads
• 5-10 Mbps: SD video, decent browsing, pixelated video calls
• 1-3 Mbps: Basic browsing, WhatsApp messages, compressed photos

The Verdict: Which Should YOU Choose?

Choose Banglalink if: Absolute lowest price is priority + staying in major cities only
Choose Grameenphone if: Traveling to rural areas, Sundarbans, hill districts
Choose Robi/Airtel if: Best value for 2-4 week stays, need reliable remote work speeds
Choose BitJoy eSIM if: Value convenience over cost, want hassle-free instant activation, multi-country travel, or crypto payment option
Choose Holafly if: Heavy data user, need unlimited streaming/downloads
Choose Saily/Airalo if: Want cheapest eSIM option with good enough coverage

Most Popular Choice (2025): For first-time Bangladesh travelers staying 1-2 weeks, the most popular choice is Robi/Airtel local SIM (best value) or BitJoy eSIM (best convenience). Grameenphone wins for rural adventurers, Banglalink for ultra-budget city stays.

The BitJoy eSIM for Bangladesh: convenient option for travelers

For a truly hassle-free and modern connectivity solution, the BitJoy eSIM for Bangladesh stands out as an exceptionally convenient option for travelers.

Benefits of using the BitJoy eSIM

• Fast 2-5 Minute Activation: Purchase your BitJoy eSIM online before you travel or upon arrival, and activate it in 2-5 minutes by scanning a QR code with your phone camera. No need to visit a physical store or wait in airport queues.
• No Physical SIM Swapping: Keep your primary SIM card in your phone for calls and texts from your home number (if desired), while using the BitJoy eSIM for affordable data in Bangladesh.
• Ultimate Convenience: Manage your data plan entirely digitally. There are no tiny plastic cards to lose, damage, or struggle with.
• Secure and Reliable: Reduces the risk of losing your primary SIM card and offers a secure digital connection.
• Traveler-Focused Plans: BitJoy often provides data plans specifically tailored to the needs and durations of travelers' trips.
• Multi-Country Options: If your trip extends beyond Bangladesh, BitJoy may offer regional or global eSIMs covering multiple destinations.
• Flexible Payment Options: Pay with credit card, debit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum). BitJoy is one of the few eSIM providers accepting crypto payments - perfect for digital nomads and privacy-conscious travelers.

Choose Bangladesh eSIM plans:

Bangladesh 1GB 7 Days eSIM

USD 5.60

Buy now

Bangladesh Unlimited eSIM Plans

USD 9.10

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Bangladesh 3GB 15 Days eSIM

USD 12.00

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Bangladesh 3GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 12.20

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Bangladesh 5GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 16.50

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Bangladesh 10GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 28.70

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Bangladesh 20GB 30 Days eSIM

USD 45.10

Buy now

 

How to activate and use the BitJoy eSIM

Activating and using your BitJoy eSIM for Bangladesh and takes less than 5 minutes:

1. Check Device Compatibility: First, ensure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. Most newer models from Apple (iPhone XS and later), Google (Pixel 3 and later), and Samsung (Galaxy S20 and later) support eSIM technology.
2. Visit the BitJoy Website: Go to the official BitJoy website.
3. Choose Your Bangladesh Plan: Browse the available eSIM plans for Bangladesh. Select the one that best fits your data needs and the length of your stay.
4. Purchase the eSIM: Complete the purchase process. You will typically receive an email with a QR code and detailed activation instructions.
5. Install the eSIM:For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code, then scan the code from your emailFor Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add (or Download a SIM instead), then scan the QR codeConfigure and Activate: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Label your eSIM (e.g., "BitJoy Bangladesh") and set it as your primary data line. This takes 2-3 minutes total.

Who are the main operators in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has a competitive mobile market with several key players:

Grameenphone

Grameenphone (GP) is the largest mobile network operator in Bangladesh by subscriber base. It is known for its extensive network coverage, reaching many rural and remote areas, and offers a wide range of prepaid and postpaid services.

Robi/Airtel

Robi Axiata Limited (which merged with Airtel in Bangladesh) is the second-largest operator. Robi/Airtel is recognized for its strong network quality, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, and often provides innovative digital services and competitive data bundles.

Banglalink

Banglalink is the third major operator and is popular for its aggressive pricing and youth-focused data packages. They have been actively expanding their 4G network and offer a variety of digital services.

Local SIM vs eSIM: which is better for travelers?

Both local physical SIM cards and eSIMs offer ways to stay connected in Bangladesh, but they cater to different priorities.

Pros and cons of local SIM cards

Pros:

• Potentially Very Cheap: For basic needs or very short trips, you might find slightly cheaper upfront deals.
• Widely Available: Physical SIMs are easily found across the country.
• Local Number: You get a local Bangladeshi phone number, which can be useful for some local registrations or contacts.

Cons:

• Hassle of Purchase: Requires finding a store, going through the registration process (passport, photos), and potentially dealing with language barriers.
• Physical Swapping: You need to remove your home SIM card, risking loss or damage.
• Activation Time: Sometimes activation isn't immediate.
• Topping Up: Recharging might require visiting a physical store or using specific local payment methods.

Pros and cons of eSIMs

Pros (especially for brands like BitJoy):

• Supreme Convenience: Purchase and activate from anywhere, anytime.
• Instant Connectivity: Often ready to use immediately upon activation or arrival.
• No Physical Card: No risk of losing your home SIM or the travel SIM.
• Dual SIM Functionality: Keep your home number active for calls/texts while using the eSIM for data.
• Easy Management: Manage plans and top-ups online or via an app.
• Secure: Digital profile is less prone to physical issues.

Cons:

• Device Compatibility: Your phone must be eSIM-compatible.
• Potentially Higher Upfront Cost (for some plans): While offering great value, the initial cost might seem higher than the absolute cheapest local SIM card, but the convenience often justifies it.
• Primarily Data-Focused: Most travel eSIMs are optimized for data, though some may offer limited calling options or require using VoIP apps.

FAQs about SIM cards and eSIMs in Bangladesh

Can travelers buy a SIM card in Bangladesh?

Yes, travelers can easily buy a Bangladesh SIM card. You will need to present your passport (with a valid visa) and usually one or two passport-sized photographs for the mandatory registration process at the point of sale.

Is Wi-Fi available across the country?

Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public areas in major cities and tourist destinations. However, its availability can be inconsistent in rural areas, and the speed and reliability can vary. For continuous and reliable internet access, a Bangladesh SIM card or an eSIM like BitJoy is a much better option.

Can I use both eSIM and physical SIM together?

Yes, if your smartphone supports Dual SIM functionality (one physical SIM slot and one eSIM, or dual eSIMs), you can use both simultaneously. This is a great feature, allowing you to keep your home SIM active for calls and texts while using an eSIM (like BitJoy) for affordable data in Bangladesh.

What to do if you have issues with your SIM card?

• For Local Physical SIM Cards: If you face issues, visit an official store or customer care center of the mobile operator (Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink). They can assist with troubleshooting, plan changes, or account issues.
• For eSIMs: Contact the customer support of your eSIM provider. BitJoy and similar services usually offer online support through their website, app, chat, or email, making it easy to get help remotely.

Choosing the right connectivity solution for your trip to Bangladesh in 2025 is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. While local physical Bangladesh SIM card options are readily available and can be cost-effective for certain needs, the unparalleled convenience, ease of setup, and modern flexibility offered by an eSIM, such as those from BitJoy, make it an increasingly compelling choice for international travelers.

Read more: Best eSIMs for Europe 2025: Complete Data Plans Comparison

Jordan SIM card for tourists: Where to buy, prices & best plans

By opting for a BitJoy eSIM, you can ensure you're connected from the moment you arrive, allowing you to focus on exploring the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes of Bangladesh. Stay connected and enjoy your travels!