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Taking time to visit your family or see Bangladesh’s natural wonders? Chances are you’re already there, and you might be wondering how to get mobile data!

Either way, you’ll need the best SIM card in Bangladesh to get a reliable connection while in the country, whether it is for communicating, using GPS, or calling home!

But as there are different options when it comes to SIM cards and other alternatives, we’ll give you all the information so you can choose the best option for getting an internet connection in Bangladesh!

eSIM for Bangladesh

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Why buy a SIM card for Bangladesh?

Whether you’re a short-term visitor, long-term traveler, or even a local, choosing a SIM card in Bangladesh is a great way to get an internet connection. 

As a local, you’ll need it to get a mobile plan with text messages, phone calls, and data plan, while as a tourist, you’ll need to access Google Maps, translate from Bengali to English, and stay in touch with friends and family.

SIM cards often represent a cheaper option than other alternatives, like roaming, which ranges from $7 to $15 per day, making it more accessible for a tight budget.

Where to buy a SIM card for Bangladesh?

When looking for a SIM card for Bangladesh, you’ll find there are different places to get one

  • Airports: International airports, such as Osmani, Shah Amanat, and Hazrat Shahjalal, are the ideal places to get a SIM card as soon as you arrive in the country, as there are different stores to visit.
  • Physical stores: Official stores from the main carriers in Bangladesh and Sylhet, Chittagong, and Coxs Bazars are a go-to option to get a SIM card.
  • Specialized stores: In Dhaka, Chattogram, Gazipur, and Khulna, which are the main cities of Bangladesh, you can find specialized stores and kiosks, like Mobile Bangladesh in Super Market Rd, where you can buy a SIM card.

Also, when visiting any of the stores, you need to take with you a copy of your passport and two passport-size photographs to buy a SIM card in Bangladesh!

Which is the best SIM card for Bangladesh?

When traveling to Bangladesh, you’ll find different mobile carriers, and you can get a SIM card from them. As of 2024, the main providers in the country are Banglalink, Grameenphone, and Robi/Airtel. 

So, let’s talk about what each one of these SIM card providers offers in terms of data plans and pricing for locals and travelers.

Banglalink

banglalink coverage map in bangladesh
Banglalink cellular network coverage map. Source: Nperf.com

Banglalink is one of the most important carriers in Bangladesh. With 19 years of experience, they focus on providing a variety of data plans for using SIM cards in the country.

While their focus is on locals with monthly and yearly plans, there are also some options for travelers with data plans varying from seven to 30 days for an affordable price.

Advantages of Banglalink

  • There are data plans starting at roughly $0.25 USD with 1 GB of data for a week.
  • There are different add-ons included on Banglalink plans, such as free access to local apps.
  • Banglalink offers the fastest 4G service in the country.
  • Data plans and other bundles are manageable through a mobile app or website.

Disadvantages of Banglalink

  • Data plans and other bundles are only available using Taka, the local currency, or credit cards.
  • Prepaid SIM cards from Banglalink don’t specify what’s included in the plan.
  • Banglalink SIM cards are only available for purchase in physical stores.

Grameenphone

grameenphone bangladesh coverage map
Grameenphone cellular network coverage map. Source: Nperf.com

Grameenphone is another of the major mobile operators in the country and offers two types of services: for locals and travelers.

There are six different plans for locals, varying from prepaid to postpaid. However, remember that this is only the SIM card; data plans are sold separately and start at roughly $16.60 USD. To buy one, you must show a national ID to be eligible.

For travelers, there are three different prepaid SIM options. These range from seven to 30 days, including 15 GB to 40 GB of mobile data, plus 120 to 400 minutes for phone calls. Prices for these SIM cards range from roughly $8.37 to $16.60 USD.

Advantages of Grameenphone

  • There are SIM cards available for locals and tourists
  • 4G connectivity is ensured with local and tourist data plans
  • Easy to top-up and manage data plans and other bundles through the website

Disadvantages of Grameenphone

  • Prepaid SIM cards for tourists are only sold in Grameenphone physical stores
  • Available to purchase using Taka or credit cards

Robi/Airtel

robi airtel coverage map in bangladesh
Robi/Airtel cellular network coverage map in Bangladesh. Source: Nperf.com

Robi/Airtel is the last option for getting a SIM card in Bangladesh, and it offers two different services: for locals and tourists.

As a local, you’ll get access to three different plans, ranging from roughly $0.35 to $0.69 USD. Depending on your plan, you’ll need to recharge the same amount to get 4 GB and 40 to 100 minutes for phone calls.

For tourists, there are different packages ranging from roughly $1.68 to $8.38 USD. These packages last seven to thirty days and include 5 GB to 45 GB for the most expensive plans, plus phone calls and text messages.

Advantages

  • Easy to purchase Robi packages with a phone call
  • Tourists only need a passport to get a SIM card
  • Offers coverage with a 4.5G network

Disadvantages

  • Some packages are only eligible for seven days
  • Tourists can’t purchase add-ons to their SIM cards

Holafly eSIM for Bangladesh: An alternative with unlimited data

If you plan to visit Bangladesh or think their local plans are not a good fit for you, using the Holafly eSIM is a great option to stay connected with unlimited while in the country.

Different from local SIM cards in Bangladesh, you can purchase your Holafly eSIM before traveling, meaning you’ll get an internet connection as soon as you arrive. With this eSIM, you’ll connect to the Grameenphone local network, ensuring 4G data speeds.

holafly esim for bangladesh

With Holafly, you can choose data plans for 5 to 30 days, with prices ranging from $28.90 to $78.90 USD. The only thing you’ll need is an eSIM-compatible phone, as you won’t have to wait to receive it as a QR will be sent to your email after purchase. 

Advantages of Holafly

  • Available for purchase before traveling to Bangladesh
  • Connects to the Grameenphone 4G network
  • Customer support available in 19 languages
  • Top-ups are available to add more days to your eSIM
  • Easy to purchase with a valid email address
  • Ideal for calling using VoIP apps thanks to the unlimited data

Disadvantages of Holafly

  • Doesn’t allow sharing data with other devices

Traveling beyond Bangladesh? Explore the Holafly Asia eSIM

Which SIM card for Bangladesh offers more data at a better price?

Banglalink, Grameenphone, and Robi/Airtel are all affordable options for getting a SIM card in Bangladesh. Since these companies manage prices in Taka, exchanging it for USD is quite affordable.

However, the Holafly eSIM for Bangladesh includes unlimited data for a higher price, but it’s a much safer option to stay connected while traveling. With Holafly you won’t:

  • Worry about losing the prepaid SIM card from any of the mobile operators we mentioned
  • Need to wait until you arrive in Bangladesh to buy the SIM card for your phone
  • Worry about getting customer support and an easy purchase process through online platforms

Best SIM card for Bangladesh: Which one to choose?

While SIM cards are affordable options for travelers and locals, you’ll need to monitor your data usage, and you won’t have internet access as soon as you arrive in Bangladesh.

As a traveler, you will need an internet connection as soon as you arrive, whether to check Google Maps, check your email, or simply message your friends and loved ones. Holafly ensures that with its Bangladesh eSIM.

So, while SIM cards in Bangladesh are a good option, travelers will find it easier to rely on the Holafly eSIM due to its additional features and ease of use!

FAQs about the internet and SIM cards for Bangladesh

How to get internet in Bangladesh?

You can get internet in Bangladesh by using a SIM card, eSIM, international roaming, pocket WiFi devices, or even free WiFi hotspots.

How much does roaming cost in Bangladesh?

Depending on your mobile provider, you’ll have to pay around $10 to $15 per day to use international roaming in Bangladesh.

How to choose a data SIM card for Bangladesh?

When choosing a SIM card in Bangladesh, think about how much mobile data, minutes, text messages, and other features it’ll give. Plus, check how good customer support and offers are.

How much does a SIM card cost in Bangladesh?

The most expensive SIM card plans in Bangladesh range from roughly $0.25 to $16.60 USD.

Brenda Beltrán

Brenda Beltrán

Content Manager

Hi, I'm Brenda Beltrán. I'm passionate about travel, technology, and video games. In 2019, I started my career as a journalist in entertainment and technology. Then, I discovered that content creation was my true calling. Now, at Holafly, I'm dedicated to sharing travel tips and experiences that will make your adventures unforgettable. ✈️ Hola, soy Brenda Beltrán, apasionada por los viajes, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde mis inicios en 2019 como periodista en entretenimiento y tecnología, descubrí que la creación de contenido era mi verdadera vocación. Hoy, en Holafly, me dedico a compartir consejos y experiencias de viaje para que cada una de tus aventuras sean memorables.✈️

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