SIM Card Guides

Bangladesh SIM card: How to stay connected as a tourist

A Bangladesh SIM card for tourists is one way to stay connected on your trip. Learn about different SIM cards for Bangladesh, prices, plans, and digital alternatives.

Taking time to visit your family or see Bangladesh’s natural wonders? Chances are, you might be wondering how to get mobile data! A local Bangladesh SIM card for tourists is one way to get a reliable connection while in the country. This way, you can communicate, navigate, and stay in touch with loved ones while avoiding high roaming charges.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about SIM cards for Bangladesh, including different options, pricing, data packages, and a virtual alternative such as an unlimited data travel eSIM.

In this article

Where to buy a SIM card for Bangladesh?

You can either buy a SIM card for Bangladesh before you travel online or after you arrive.

Option 1: Buy a SIM card for Bangladesh before you travel (online)

This is a convenient way to ensure instant connection, a valid mobile number, and activated data packages the moment you arrive. Here are a couple of third-party retailers that ship international SIM cards for Bangladesh and other destinations to the UK:

SimOptions: Offers SIM cards that include data packages, international calls, and ships to the UK
SimCorner: Provides travel SIM cards for Bangladesh with unlimited data and fixed data plans
Amazon UK: Sellers offer Bangladesh SIM cards from Banglalink, Robi, or Grameenphone

Option 2: Buy a Bangladesh SIM card on arrival

You can also purchase a Bangladeshi SIM card after landing; various physical SIM cards are available at the airport, mobile network operator stores, and convenience shops in major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong.

Airports: You can find local Bangladesh SIM cards for tourists at kiosks at international airports, such as Osmani, Shah Amanat, and Hazrat Shahjalal
Physical stores: Official stores from the main carriers in Bangladesh and Sylhet, Chittagong, and Coxs Bazars are the best options for getting a SIM card
Specialized stores: The main cities of Bangladesh are Dhaka, Chattogram, Gazipur, and Khulna. Here, you can find specialized stores and kiosks, like Mobile Bangladesh, on Super Market Rd.

How much does a prepaid SIM card for Bangladesh cost?

SIM cards for Bangladesh typically range from 200 TKR to 1000+ TKR (~£1 to ~£10+). Prices vary depending on the mobile network provider, the SIM card package’s features, and coverage. You may be expected to pay slightly more for in-store SIM card activation.

Best Bangladesh SIM cards for tourists

As of 2025, the country’s main SIM card service providers are Banglalink, Grameenphone, and Robi/Airtel. Here’s what these mobile operators offer regarding data plans and pricing for locals and travelers. It will help you choose among the best prepaid SIM cards in Bangladesh.

Banglalink prepaid SIM card for Bangladesh

Banglalink is one of the most well-known carriers in Bangladesh. 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.

Here are some of the SIM card plans mentioned above:

5 GB and 150 voice minutes for TK 198 (~£1) with a 7-day validity
20 GB and 300 voice minutes for TK 298 (~£2) with a 20-day validity
60 GB and 1500 voice minutes for TK 998 (~£5) with a 30-day validity

Grameenphone prepaid SIM card for Bangladesh

Grameenphone is another major mobile operator in Bangladesh and offers separate services for travelers – the country’s first tourist SIM. There are three prepaid plan options to choose from:

15 GB and 120 minutes for TK 999 (~£5) with a 7-day validity
30 GB and 250 minutes for TK 1499 (~£8) with a 15-day validity
40 GB and 400 minutes for TK 1999 (~£11) with a 30-day validity

Robi/Airtel prepaid SIM card for Bangladesh

Robi/Airtel is the last option for getting a tourist SIM card in Bangladesh, and like Grameenphone, it offers separate services for tourists.

Different prepaid Bangladesh SIM card packages range from roughly ~£1 to ~£6. These packages last seven to thirty days and include 5 GB to 45 GB for the most expensive plans, phone calls, and text messages.

What is needed to buy a SIM card in Bangladesh?

To purchase a Bangladesh SIM card, whether it’s a tourist SIM card, prepaid SIM, or mobile SIM card, you’ll need the following to ensure a successful purchase:

Valid passport (original + photocopy)
Visa or entry stamp (proof of arrival in Bangladesh)
Proof of local address (hotel or temporary stay accepted)
Passport-sized photo (some providers may ask for this)
Biometric verification (fingerprint scan often required)
Unlocked phone (check device’s compatibility with local mobile networks)
Valid payment method (carry the local currency and a working credit/debit card)

While a Bangladesh SIM card for tourists does offer certain advantages, such as connecting to strong networks at local rates, the registration process can be overwhelming. If you plan to visit Bangladesh or think this route isn’t feasible, consider using an eSIM instead.

The main difference between a physical SIM and an eSIM is that the latter can be purchased and activated online with a sign-up process that takes merely a few minutes. So, you won’t have to worry about waiting in line to activate a SIM card or submitting identification documents when you’re buying an eSIM.

Holafly eSIM for Bangladesh: A travel solution with unlimited data

Holafly’s eSIM for Bangladesh is the most convenient option for using cellular data in the country. You can purchase your Holafly Bangladesh eSIM before traveling, meaning you can get connected as soon as you arrive.

This eSIM also operates on the country’s top provider networks, including the Robi Axiata Limited and Banglalink Digital network, ensuring a reliable internet connection. You can match your plan to your vacation and choose customizable data plans from 1 to 90 days, with prices ranging from $7.90 to $307.90 USD.

The only thing you’ll need is an eSIM-compatible phone. Follow the simple activation instructions, scan the QR code, and activate your eSIM within minutes. Planning a long-term stay in Bangladesh? Subscribe to Holafly Plan’s monthly eSIM and get unlimited data for only $64.90 (~£47) per month and unlimited hotspot access for the rest of your devices.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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