Best Tourist Sim Cards in Bangladesh in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Bangladesh across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you’re planning a trip to Bangladesh, having a sim card is essential for staying connected while you explore. With internet access, you can easily navigate new cities, discover the best restaurants, find directions to your accommodation, book taxis, and share memorable moments with your loved ones.
While roaming is an option, the costs can quickly add up when traveling internationally. That’s why we recommend either getting an eSIM or a local sim card to access local phone rates. Luckily, obtaining both options in Bangladesh is incredibly easy, but it’s helpful to know which one suits you best.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to buy a sim card in Bangladesh, including current pricing and the top recommendation for your needs.
The best sim card in Bangladesh is the new prepaid sim card offer by Robi or Airtel. Robi and Airtel have been the same company since 2016 and their prepaid sim card offerings are identical.
All you need to do is find one of their stores and purchase a new sim card for 250 BDT. The new sim card offer includes 10GB of data which is then valid for 30 days!
They’re the second largest mobile network operator in Bangladesh and their network is very extensive and covers the entire country.
The Airalo Bangladesh eSim is an option as well, however, at around $13 or $22 USD they are not at all priced competitively compared to local sim cards. Budget conscious travellers should definitely get the Robi or Airtel sim card. If you value the convenience of an eSim, then the Airalo Bangladesh eSim is the best option for you.
A Tourist Sim Card in Bangladesh costs 250 BDT in September 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Bangladesh will cost between $4.50 USD and $22 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Bangladesh which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $13 USD.
In Bangladesh, three main sim card providers dominate the telecommunications market, namely Grameenphone, Airtel, and Robi. Grameenphone, being the largest operator, boasts a vast customer base and an extensive network coverage across the country. Known for its reliable and high-quality services, Grameenphone offers various prepaid and postpaid plans to cater to diverse customer needs.
Airtel, on the other hand, positions itself as a customer-centric brand, constantly striving to offer innovative services and affordable packages. With a focus on data-driven solutions, Airtel provides attractive data bundles and internet offers to keep its users connected.
Robi, a joint venture between Axiata Group Berhad and Bharti Airtel Limited, is known for its brand extension – Skitto. Skitto primarily targets the younger demographic, offering customizable and cost-effective packages with a seamless digital experience.
Overall, these sim card providers continue to compete fiercely, driving advancements in the telecom sector of Bangladesh.
Grameenphone is the leading telecommunications company in Bangladesh. They offer convenient and affordable tourist sim cards for visitors to explore the country hassle-free. These sim cards come with various data packages suited for different needs and durations. With Grameenphone’s reliable network coverage, tourists can stay connected, access the internet, make local and international calls, and enjoy uninterrupted communication during their stay in Bangladesh.
The price of a Grameenphone tourist sim card in Bangladesh is 549 BDT (349 BDT for plan + 200 BDT for sim card).
The plan offered by Grameenphone stores includes 25GB data valid for 15 days.
Airtel and Robi are prominent telecommunication companies in Bangladesh, offering tourist sim cards for travelers. These sim cards provide convenient communication services to tourists, ensuring they stay connected during their visit. With competitive pricing plans, they offer cost-effective calling, messaging, and internet data packages. Furthermore, Airtel and Robi provide reliable network coverage across the country, allowing tourists to explore Bangladesh and share their experiences with ease.
The price of a Airtel or Robi tourist sim card in Bangladesh is 250 BDT.
The plan offered by Airtel or Robi stores offers 10GB data valid for 30 days.
Skitto is a leading telecommunications company in Bangladesh, offering affordable and reliable mobile services. For tourists visiting Bangladesh, Skitto provides cost-effective prepaid SIM cards that cater to their specific needs. These tourist SIM cards offer great benefits such as local and international calling, data packs, and attractive rates for internet browsing. Skitto ensures seamless connectivity and helps tourists stay connected with friends and family while exploring the beautiful country of Bangladesh.
The price of a Skitto tourist sim card in Bangladesh is 498 BDT.
The plan offered by Skitto stores includes 7GB data valid for 30 days.
Identify mobile providers: Grameenphone, Airtel or Robi and Skitto are your best options in Bangladesh.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Bangladesh at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Bangladesh then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Bangladesh have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Grameenphone, Airtel or Robi and Skitto. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Bangladesh are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Bangladesh with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Bangladesh. The Airalo Bangladesh eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $13 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Bangladesh without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Bangladesh is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Bangladesh and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Bangladesh eSim uses the GrameenPhone network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the GrameenPhone networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Bangladesh.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Bangladesh eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $9 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $13 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $22 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $13 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Bangladesh eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Bangladesh eSim uses the Grameenphonenetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Bangladesh
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Bangladesh eSim:
6GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $44 USD
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is already built into a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike regular physical SIM cards, there is no need to physically insert or remove an eSIM from the device.
The eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This means that users can easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards.
eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, especially for travelers or people who change between mobile networks frequently or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it easier to manage multiple mobile connections on one device.
To activate an eSIM, users can scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually input the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected mobile network and enjoy the same voice, data, and messaging services as with a traditional SIM card.
There are multiple benefits to using an eSIM:
– Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans. This is especially useful for travelers who frequently switch between networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.
– Dual SIM functionality: eSIM allows for two active mobile numbers on one device. This is great for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
– Space-saving: With eSIMs embedded within the device, there’s no need for a physical SIM card slot, freeing up space. Manufacturers can make devices smaller or use the extra space for other components.
– Remote provisioning: eSIMs enable activation and management of mobile plans remotely over the air. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card or store visits. It offers flexibility and convenience in managing mobile connectivity.
– Future-proofing: As eSIM technology gains popularity, more mobile networks and service providers support eSIMs. Using an eSIM-compatible device ensures access to new services and offerings as they emerge.
Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an attractive choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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