BANGLADESH

CURRENCY:

Bangladesh Taka (BDT)

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: BDT500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1

COIN: BDT5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 paisa

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

Again it is advised to take sufficient supply of cash to Bangladesh as it is hard to find acceptance on credit cards anywhere except the capital. ATMs can be found in the following places: Bogra, Chittagong, Dhaka, Sylhet, Khulna, Narayanganja.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Slightly more complicated than some countries. If exchanging foreign currency, make sure it is entered on a currency declaration form. It is wise to take sufficient cash when travelling to Bangladesh and in a major currency.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

Best to order these in US Dollars or Sterling but they might be hard to exchange.

BANKING HOURS:

Sun-Wed 0900-1500, Thurs 0900-1300. Check in advance on some banks which open on Saturdays.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

Bangladesh is officially called the People's Republic of Bangladesh and is surrounded by India and Burma. The capital is Dhaka and the official language is Bengali. Bangladesh declared its independence from Pakistan in 1971. The country is beset with difficulties including literacy, political issues, discrimination against ethnic minorities and women as well as corruption.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

There are restrictions on both import and export of local and international currency associated with Bangladesh.

POPULATION:

Around 150 million

ECONOMY:

Bangladesh is described as a developing nation. The country grows a large amount of mustard, tea and rice, and the majority of Bangladeshis are farmers. A large proportion of the economy is garment export – Bangladesh has attracted foreign business due to its cheap labour. Many Bangladeshis have left the country and a proportion of foreign currency earnings to the country comes from these people.