Bangladesh on 20 Dollars a day – fact or fiction?
Bangladesh on 20 dollars a day? Come on, you’re pulling my leg! Those kinds of prices and that kind of budget doesn’t exist any more. Or do they? Sure, Bangladesh is the world’s most crowded city, and yes; it does happen to be prone to what seems like more than its share of floods and earthquakes. But if you get yourself off the beaten path you’ll find a countryside that is full of interesting archeology, stunningly beautiful beaches and an assortment of decaying palaces and mansions that even Rhett Butler would envy.
Bangladesh is one of the few countries where you can travel on a fixed budget and live rather well — if you apply yourself. Once you understand and accept the fact that the “quality” of food, accommodations, and internal travel is a notch or two or three below what you’re used to finding in much of Europe, you’ll be fine.
Always remember, you are the visitor.
It’s possible to average around US$4-a-day if you travel 2nd class on trains, travel on local buses, sleep in any number of inexpensive hotels (those would be the one’s with no air conditioning and a shred bathroom) and eat your meals in the very cheapest restaurants. Do the math! You can see right away that you’re pocketing huge savings that you can use on other more important stuff like souvenirs and postcards.
However, if you want to raise your standard-of-living just a hair, you can escape the crowded buses and risk of dysentery by spending in the US$10-15-a-day range. For that kind of money, you can get a decent hotel room (by local standards) with a private bathroom, a couple of good meals a day and travel first-class by train.
If you want to spend big, it’s possible, but in the over-all scheme of things, there’s a fine line between mid-range and top-of-the-line accommodations and meals.
Check out the hotels link on Bangladesh.com for access to accommodations that suit every taste and budget.
Cash and travelers cheques in US dollars are preferred by banks instead of British pounds. Outside Dhaka and Chittagong you’ll have problems changing pounds. Credit cards are widely accepted at the upscale hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in Dhaka and Chittagong. American Express users can get a cash advance with their card.
Bangladesh on 20 dollars a day…? But of course! Just remember, you get what you pay for.