Country guide · AsiaLocal SIM Cards in Bangladesh: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Bangladesh start at $2 from Grameenphone. Buy at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrivals or Bashundhara City carrier stores in Dhaka. Passport required for registration. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $1.78 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $1.78, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $2 USDGrameenphone
- Network
- 4G LTEGrameenphone
Bangladesh has four carriers: Grameenphone (largest, Telenor-owned), Robi (second, Axiata), Banglalink (third), and Teletalk (state-owned, limited coverage). 4G is widely deployed in cities and major corridors.
eSIM for Bangladesh: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
Local SIM is the best value in Bangladesh. eSIM is recommended if you want to skip the biometric registration process or stay less than 2 weeks.
HelloRoam Bangladesh eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam scored 8.9/10 in our testing, roams on Grameenphone in Bangladesh, and achieved 31/31 activation success. Grameenphone is Bangladesh's top-rated carrier for nationwide coverage.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $1.78 |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 30 days | $8 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $1.78 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.9/10 |
| Airalo | $8 | 5 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.6/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.9/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Bangladesh →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Bangladesh
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Bangladesh across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | Yes, passport |
| Price from | $1.78 USD | $2 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has 2 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GrameenphoneTop pick | major | 4G LTE | 250 BDT / $2 | 2 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Robi | major | 4G LTE | 230 BDT / $2 | 2 | Carrier Store, Convenience Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Bangladesh, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Grameenphone
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 250 BDT | 30 days | 50 min local | 50 SMS |
| Tourist 15GB | 15 GB | 500 BDT | 30 days | 100 min local | 100 SMS |
Robi
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 5GBBest value | 5 GB | 230 BDT | 30 days | 40 min local | 40 SMS |
| Tourist 10GB | 10 GB | 430 BDT | 30 days | 80 min local | 80 SMS |
Where to buy a SIM card in Bangladesh
The best place to buy is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrivals or Bashundhara City carrier stores in Dhaka. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores stock prepaid SIM cards near the checkout. Stock rotates, so selection is narrower than carrier stores, but hours are long and locations are everywhere. Bring your passport.
Coverage & network in Bangladesh
Bangladesh operates on 4G LTE networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Bangladesh
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Grameenphone
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Robi
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Grameenphone leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 4/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Bangladesh
Best for: Cox's Bazar beach visitors, Dhaka business travelers, Sundarbans eco-tourists, Budget backpackers.
Bangladesh is comparable to Myanmar in price but has better infrastructure stability. India offers more carriers and 5G in major cities. Nepal has better mountain coverage but weaker urban 4G than Grameenphone.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Bangladesh SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Bring your passport
Registration is mandatory. The vendor scans your passport ID page and enters details into a government portal. Keep your passport accessible.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Bangladesh
Grameenphone (a Telenor subsidiary) has the widest 4G coverage across Bangladesh including coastal and river delta regions.
Biometric registration (fingerprint) is required for all SIM purchases. This is handled at the point of sale.
Dhaka's traffic is notorious. Allow extra time if buying a SIM in the city center rather than at the airport.
Top up at any corner shop (chapakantar dokan) using a recharge card or carrier app.
Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, and Sylhet all have solid 4G from Grameenphone.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not allowing time for biometric registration. SIM activation requires fingerprint scanning, adding 15-20 minutes to the process.
Choosing Robi without checking rural coverage. Grameenphone leads in most non-urban areas.
Not having a backup plan for the Sundarbans mangrove area, which has very limited coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a SIM card cost in Bangladesh?
Tourist SIM cards start at around 230-250 BDT ($2 USD) for 5 GB over 30 days. Plans with 15 GB cost about 500 BDT ($5 USD).
Which carrier has the best coverage in Bangladesh?
Grameenphone (Telenor) has the most extensive 4G network including rural areas, coastal Cox's Bazar, and the Sylhet hills. It is the top choice for tourists.
Do I need a fingerprint scan to buy a SIM in Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladesh requires biometric registration for all SIM purchases. This includes a fingerprint scan and passport verification at the carrier store. The process typically takes 15-20 minutes.
Is there mobile coverage in Cox's Bazar?
Yes. Grameenphone and Robi both have 4G coverage in Cox's Bazar town and the main beach strip. Signal weakens on some southern stretches of the beach and in the hill tracts area.
Can I buy a SIM at Dhaka airport?
Yes. Grameenphone has a counter in the international arrivals area at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Robi and other carriers are available in the city. The airport counter is most convenient for tourists.
Which eSIM provider is best for Bangladesh?
HelloRoam is our top-rated eSIM for Bangladesh (8.9/10). It roams on Grameenphone and activates in under 2 minutes with no passport required. Airalo and Holafly also offer Bangladesh coverage.
Which eSIM is best for Bangladesh?
HelloRoam connects to Bangladesh's 4G LTE network and plans start at $1.78 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Bangladesh?
Local SIM is the best value in Bangladesh. eSIM is recommended if you want to skip the biometric registration process or stay less than 2 weeks. A local SIM from Grameenphone starts at $2 and requires passport registration. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
- eSIM vs Local SIM: Which to Choose
- eSIM Setup Guide (iPhone and Android)
- SIM Registration Requirements
- eSIM Guide for Asia
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Bangladesh? These guides cover nearby destinations.
