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Yes, most European nationals remain eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Dhaka Airport (DAC) for stays up to 30 days. As of late 2025, the fee is $50 USD (payable in cash, preferably USD or EUR equivalent, though USD is safer), and you must show a return ticket plus a hotel booking. The dedicated VOA counters in the new Terminal 3 are much more efficient than the old system, but queues can still spike when multiple wide-body jets arrive from the Middle East simultaneously. To skip the line entirely, apply for the E-visa through the official Bangladesh government portal at least 2 weeks before departure.

The MRT Line 6 extension is now operational, connecting the airport area (Uttara North station) to key districts like Motijheel and Dhaka University. While you still need a short taxi or shuttle ride from the terminal to the station, the metro offers a reliable, traffic-free way to cross the city in under 40 minutes—a feat impossible by car. It operates from early morning until late evening, costing less than €1 for the longest journey. However, avoid it during rush hour (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) with heavy luggage, as the trains get incredibly crowded with daily commuters.

Conservative dress is essential to show respect and avoid unwanted stares. For women, loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders, chest, and legs are standard—a salwar kameez bought locally is comfortable and culturally appreciated. Men should wear long trousers; shorts are generally seen as underwear or children’s clothing and are inappropriate for street wear or visiting mosques. In upscale areas of Dhaka like Gulshan, Western fashion is more common, but modesty remains the safest policy everywhere else.

Cash is king in Bangladesh. While 5-star hotels and upscale restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard, most shops, transport, and local eateries deal strictly in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Bring Euros or US Dollars to exchange at authorized money changers in Gulshan or Motijheel for better rates than the airport. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept foreign cards, but notify your bank beforehand to prevent fraud blocks. Keep plenty of small notes (10, 20, 50, 100 BDT) for rickshaws and tips, as drivers rarely have change for large bills.

Absolutely not—never drink tap water in Bangladesh, not even in high-end hotels. Always rely on sealed bottled water (brands like Mum or Kinley are reliable) for drinking and brushing your teeth. Avoid ice in drinks at street stalls or smaller restaurants, as it is often made from unfiltered municipal water. Contaminated water is the number one cause of traveler’s sickness here, so sticking to sealed bottles is a non-negotiable rule for a healthy trip.

Buy a SIM card immediately at the airport arrivals hall—Grameenphone and Robi have dedicated kiosks open 24/7. You will need your passport and visa copy to register, and the staff will set it up for you instantly. A package with 10-15GB of data typically costs around €5-8 equivalent, offering excellent 4G coverage nationwide. Trying to buy a SIM later in the city can be bureaucratic and time-consuming due to strict biometric registration laws for locals, which shops struggle to bypass for foreigners without airport clearance.

Bangladesh uses a confusing mix of plug types, primarily Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin round), and Type G (Modern British 3-pin rectangular). Most modern hotels have universal sockets, but a universal travel adapter is essential for charging devices in guesthouses or cafes. The standard voltage is 220V, same as Europe, so your electronics won’t need a voltage converter. Pack a small power strip if you have multiple devices, as reliable outlets can be scarce in older rooms.

Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated and expected in service industries. In restaurants, leave 5-10% if a service charge isn’t already added. For hotel porters and bellboys, 50-100 BDT (€0.40-0.80) is standard. Rickshaw pullers and Uber drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up the fare by 10-20 BDT is a kind gesture given their hard labor. Avoid tipping in very rural areas where it might cause confusion, but in Dhaka and tourist hubs, a small tip ensures better service and a warm smile.