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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Dhaka, Bangladesh: how to avoid them
Photo made by Ferdous Hasan on Pexels.com
Dhaka is a busy, crowded city where most issues for visitors are small-scale: overcharging drivers, aggressive touts and ticket confusion. Street crime and violent incidents are uncommon but traffic is chaotic and driving standards poor. The main thing to watch is negotiating fair fares before any ride and keeping valuables secure in crowds.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Dhaka, Bangladesh and how to avoid them
1. Overcharging at airport
How it works: Unlicensed drivers and some licensed ones outside the terminal quote several times the fair fare, claiming a fixed airport rate. They may also refuse to use the meter.
How to avoid it: Book through Uber, Pathao or the official pre-paid taxi counter inside the terminal. Agree on a fare before getting in if not using an app.
2. Rickshaw fare inflation
How it works: Rickshaw and CNG drivers in tourist areas quote 3 to 5 times the local rate, especially when they see foreigners. They rarely use meters.
How to avoid it: Ask for the fare before boarding, or use Pathao or Uber where available. Know typical local fares beforehand or check the app price as a guide.
3. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange counters at the airport and some tourist-area booths offer rates well below the official or interbank rate, and add hidden fees or commission.
How to avoid it: Compare rates at multiple places, prefer bank counters, and withdraw cash from bank ATMs instead. Do not exchange large sums at the first booth.
4. Friendly helper scams
How it works: Someone approaches claiming to help buy tickets, guide you or change money, then demands payment or shortchanges you after the service or transaction.
How to avoid it: Politely decline unsolicited help. Buy tickets only at official counters and use official taxis and guides booked through reputable apps or hotels.
5. Menu without prices
How it works: Some eateries in tourist areas present menus without prices and then charge an inflated amount on the bill, sometimes adding a bogus service charge.
How to avoid it: Ask for a priced menu before ordering. If only an unpriced menu exists, confirm the total price verbally before the meal and check the bill.
6. High-fee standalone ATMs
How it works: Independent, non-bank ATMs in tourist spots charge steep withdrawal fees and sometimes poor exchange rates. The fee is shown only after the card is inserted.
How to avoid it: Use ATMs attached to bank branches. Decline dynamic currency conversion at the machine and always choose to be charged in Taka.
From the airport to the city centre
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 1,000 BDT - 2,000 BDT (€7 - €14). Fix the fare before getting in or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Pathao. Drivers outside the terminal may demand much higher prices. Official rank and app fares are significantly cheaper.
Best alternative: Airport shuttle bus or the city bus routes toward Motijheel / Dhaka city centre, plus the metro rail line serving nearby stations. (60 BDT (€0.43), about 60 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 20 BDT (€0.14) (Single ride ticket for the Dhaka Metro Rail or a short bus fare.)
- Validation rules
- Tap your MRT pass or ticket at the gate before entering metro platforms. Bus fares are paid in cash to the conductor; no validation needed but keep your ticket until you exit.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 500 BDT (€3.62). Fine for riding the metro without a valid ticket, enforced by inspectors at station gates.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards are not widely accepted on buses or rickshaws. Metro accepts preloaded MRT passes and some apps; carry cash for most transport.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated in nicer restaurants. A 5 to 10 percent tip is fine for good service. Taxi and rickshaw drivers are not tipped beyond rounding up.
Cover and service charges: Most restaurants do not add a cover or service charge. Some upscale places add a 10 percent service charge, which is shown on the bill. Check menus for prices before ordering, as some places without printed prices may inflate charges for foreigners.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Use ATMs attached to major banks, not standalone machines, to avoid high fees. Always select to be charged in Bangladeshi Taka and decline dynamic currency conversion. Some independent ATM networks charge notably higher withdrawal fees. Contactless cards work at many bank ATMs and mid-range to upscale shops.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around Kamalapur Railway Station: Late at night, keep bags closed and valuables out of sight; petty theft and aggressive touts are reported near the station.
- Old Dhaka bazaar areas: In very crowded markets like around Sadarghat and the old city lanes, watch pockets and bags for pickpocketing during rush crowds.
Emergency number
999
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.