You’ve probably heard the rumors. People say Bangladesh is the "budget version" of India. They tell you it's the cheapest international trip you'll ever take.
Honestly? They aren't entirely wrong, but they're missing the nuances.
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When you start looking at Bangladesh in Indian rupees, the math gets interesting. It isn't just a simple currency swap. It’s a game of fluctuating exchange rates, shifting digital payment landscapes, and the weird reality that sometimes, your Indian bank card is more useless than a chocolate teapot in a Dhaka summer.
As of mid-January 2026, the Indian Rupee (INR) is hovering around 1.35 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). That sounds like you're winning, right? For every 100 rupees, you get 135 taka.
But wait.
The Indian Rupee has been taking a bit of a hit lately, crashing toward the 91 mark against the US Dollar. This volatility trickles down. If you’re planning a trip to Dhaka or Sylhet right now, you need to understand that "cheap" doesn't always mean "simple."
The Real Cost: Breaking Down the Exchange
Let’s talk numbers. Real ones.
If you land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport today, the money changers will likely offer you a rate slightly worse than the official mid-market one. You’ll probably see something like 1 INR = 1.30 BDT.
Is it worth it? Sorta.
Most travelers make the mistake of thinking they can just walk into any shop in Dhaka and hand over Gandhi notes. You can't. While the border towns might be more flexible, the heart of the country runs on the Taka.
Here is what your daily life looks like when you convert your budget into Indian rupees:
- Street Food (Singara or Samosa): 10-15 BDT. That’s basically ₹8 to ₹11.
- A decent meal in a sit-down restaurant: 300-500 BDT. You're looking at ₹220 to ₹370.
- A Rickshaw ride across a couple of blocks: 40-60 BDT. Roughly ₹30 to ₹45.
It feels affordable. But then you hit the "foreigner tax." Not a literal tax, but the "luxury" markup. A nice hotel in Gulshan isn't going to be ₹500. You'll be paying ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 for anything that doesn't feel like a prison cell.
The UPI Problem (and the 2026 Reality)
Everyone asks: "Can I use UPI in Bangladesh?"
In January 2026, the answer is: It’s complicated. India has been pushing hard to expand UPI into East Asia. We've seen it roll out in Singapore, UAE, and even France. But in Bangladesh? We are still in the "interoperability" dance.
While there have been high-level talks between the RBI and Bangladesh Bank to link UPI with the local Binimoy system, it isn't everywhere. You cannot simply scan a QR code at a tea stall in Chittagong with your PhonePe app and expect it to work.
What actually works?
- International Debit Cards: Most Indian "Global" cards work at ATMs (like Dutch-Bangla Bank or City Bank). Expect a fee of ₹200-₹500 per withdrawal.
- Wise or BookMyForex: These are often better than banks. They lock in the rate so you don't get screwed by the morning's forex news.
- Cold, Hard Cash: Carrying Indian Rupees is legal up to ₹25,000. Beyond that, you’re asking for a chat with customs.
Is it Cheaper than a Domestic Trip?
This is where the debate gets heated.
If you live in Kolkata, a trip to Bangladesh is cheaper than a trip to Mumbai. You can take the Maitree Express or a bus for a few thousand rupees.
But if you’re flying from Bangalore or Delhi? The flight alone might cost you ₹15,000 to ₹22,000 round trip. Once you add the visa service charges (which are about ₹825 for Indians, since the visa fee itself is technically free), you might realize that a week in Kerala costs about the same.
The difference is the experience. Bangladesh isn't "India-lite." It's its own beast. The traffic in Dhaka makes Bangalore look like a playground. The hospitality is on a level most Indians aren't prepared for—people will literally invite you for tea because they heard you're from "across the border."
Why the Rupee Matters More in 2026
The global economy is weird right now.
With India's trade deficit widening and the Rupee touching all-time lows against the Dollar, the BDT-INR pair is getting tighter. A year or two ago, you might have gotten 1.45 Taka for your Rupee. Now, you're lucky to get 1.34.
This means your purchasing power is shrinking.
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If you are a business person looking at trade, this is a headache. If you’re a tourist, it’s the difference between a ₹500 dinner and a ₹650 dinner. Not a dealbreaker, but enough to notice.
Practical Tips for Managing Your Money
Stop using airport money changers. They are the biggest scam in the travel world.
Instead, head to Gulshan or Motijheel in Dhaka. Look for places like Bushra Money Exchange or Noor Brother’s. They usually have the most honest rates for Indian travelers.
Also, tell your bank you’re traveling. Nothing ruins a trip like having your card blocked because you tried to buy a biryani in a "suspicious" foreign city.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check the daily rate: Before you cross the border, check the mid-market rate on Google. If the changer offers anything more than 3% away from that, walk away.
- Carry a mix: Take ₹15,000 in cash and keep the rest on a forex card.
- Download the apps: Even if UPI is spotty, having your banking apps ready for IMPS/NEFT can help if you need to pay a local friend who's helping you out.
- Budget for the "Comfort Gap": If you want "Indian standards" of luxury (like a Taj or Oberoi feel), you will pay more in Dhaka than you do in Delhi. The supply of high-end hotels is lower, so prices stay high.
Bangladesh in Indian rupees remains a great deal for the adventurous traveler, but the "dirt cheap" era is fading. You need to be smarter with your conversions than your parents were.
Plan your cash flow, respect the currency regulations, and don't expect your Indian digital wallets to save you at every corner. Once you get the money situation sorted, the biryani in Old Dhaka is worth every single Taka—and every Rupee it took to get there.
Next Steps for You:
Check your bank's international transaction fees for BDT specifically, as some Indian banks categorize Bangladesh differently than "Western" destinations. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity before applying for the no-fee visa.