Wish to travel to the thriving, vibrant and welcoming city of Dhaka for business or pleasure? The capital city of Bangladesh in South Asia, Dhaka has a storied history and a wealth of monuments, traditions and festivals that reflect its multi-cultural heritage. Its cultural influences stretch all the way back from the time of the Mughal Empire to the British Colonial period. 

Visiting Bangladesh's biggest city for the first time? Let our team at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka help you to navigate Dhaka with this list of handy information.

Dhaka, like the rest of Bangladesh, is religiously diverse. Although it has a Muslim majority, it has a sizeable Hindu and Buddhist population as well as smaller pockets of tribal communities. 

You will be pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the locals. They are likely to greet you with the Arabic Muslim phrase “Assalamu alaikum” (peace be upon you) or the Bengali phrase “Nomoshkar”(similar to Namaste in India which means “bowing to you”). Do not fret over what to reply; you can play it safe with a simple “good day” or “hello.” 

Indeed, one of the city’s highlights is its hospitable locals. Expect to receive a lot of attention—from simple waves to enquiries about your family or even offers of lunch and dinners. It is in the warm Bangladeshi culture to welcome guests with enthusiasm, often with invitations to meals with their families. If you do not have the time for a meal, spend a few minutes chatting with your newfound friends before taking your leave.

The currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). While it may not be available in the country you are travelling from, you can always change your currency in Dhaka. It is best to switch your local currency to US Dollar before converting it to Taka. You can change your notes at the airport or any money-changing facilities.

Although Bangladesh's official language is Bangla or Bengali, most locals can speak English owing to the country’s British colonial heritage. If you wish to ask for directions or have specific questions, do approach the younger Bangladeshi locals, as they are more likely to speak English than the older generation. 

During your trip, you may need to charge your devices, and the standard voltage is 220 volts, with the standard frequency at 50 Hz in Dhaka. The power plugs and sockets are of type C, D, G and K. If the standard voltage in your country is within the range of 100V - 127V (common in North and South America), you may need a voltage converter in Dhaka. 

Buses are the most common mode of transportation to get around the city, but they can be very crowded. As the signs are in Bengali however, it is challenging for tourists to decipher which one to get on. 

Do you know that Dhaka is also known as the rickshaw capital of the world? The ubiquitous (and sometimes brightly and beautifully painted) rickshaws are the most charming ways to get around Dhaka. When boarding these slow-paced three-wheelers (also known as trishaws), do check on the rates before commencing your journey. Most short rides should be about 50 to 80 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka).

Alternatively, consider hiring Auto Rickshaws (motorised versions of rickshaws). They are faster and can travel longer distances than a cycle rickshaw although their prices are slightly higher.

Taxis are common, but hailing metered taxis on the streets is not easy; if you are departing from your hotel, book a taxi from the concierge. You should also check on the fares before hailing one just to be sure. 

Alternatively, you may wish to try ride-hailing apps. Uber and Pathao are the most common in Bangladesh, offering cars and motorbike rides. If you feel adventurous, try SAM, which only offers bike rides.