Bangladesh SIM Cards and Mobile Internet: the Best Options for Tourists in 2024

It is important to ensure that you have a stable mobile connection when traveling to Bangladesh— both for communication with loved ones and for dealing with everyday routines on the spot. From this article you will learn about the intricacies of choosing and connecting SIM cards in Bangladesh for tourists.

You will learn the following:

• what are the types of SIM cards for tourists in Bangladesh;
• where and how to buy a SIM card upon arrival;
• what documents are needed to activate a SIM card;
• peculiarities of using virtual eSIM card in Bangladesh;
• detailed review of data plans and service packages of popular operators.

The information will be useful for everyone who is planning a trip to this country and wants to stay in touch.

Bangladesh: SIM cards for travelers

There are two main options available to travelers in Bangladesh to get mobile connection:

• A physical SIM card from a local operator;
• A virtual eSIM card, which is convenient to connect online.

Both options have their own advantages. Let's see them in detail.

A physical Bangladesh SIM card will have to be purchased in person at operators offices or points of sale — in airports, hypermarkets. There you will need to show your passport and sign a service contract.

Advantages of a physical SIM card:

• possibility to purchase immediately upon arrival at the airport;
• simple and clear activation process;
• no technical skills required — easy to insert into the phone and start using it.

However, physical SIM cards have disadvantages:

• it is impossible to activate services in advance, before arriving in the country;
• there is no flexibility in data palns;
• when a travel card expires, it needs to be replaced.

The virtual eSIM card solves most of these problems. It is a digital analog of a SIM card that does not require a physical carrier.

Pros of using eSIM technology in Bangladesh:

• the ability to connect remotely online before arriving in the country;
• instant activation — no need to visit operators offices;
• flexibility in changing data plans and prolonging a data plan.

The main requirement for using a virtual eSIM card is that your gadget (cell phone, tablet, laptop or smart watch) supports the technology. You can check if your device has eSIM technology on this page.

Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work

As far as call quality is concerned, it is of a high quality level for both physical SIM cards and virtual eSIM cards. International providers are available in Bangladesh and there are six major mobile operators. 4G mobile Internet speed exceeds 150 Mbps. This is enough for comfortable communication, work and entertainment online.

Where to buy a SIM card in Bangladesh

Physical SIM cards in Bangladesh are sold everywhere:

• at airports;
• at the offices of mobile network operators;
• in specialized kiosks and pavilions.

You can buy a physical SIM card in Dhaka Chittagong, Khulna — in any city of Bangladesh. The main thing is that an operator must have a sales and service outlet near you.

As for virtual eSIM cards in Bangladesh, it is much easier and more convenient to activate them than a regular SIM card. It is enough to go to the website or install the mobile application of the chosen provider, for example Yesim.app, choose the optimal data plan and activate it. We will tell you more about the terms of remote registration below in the section with the data plans overview.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in Bangladesh

To purchase any SIM card in Bangladesh, you will need a passport. The purchase and activation procedure is as follows:

• You provide your passport to a mobile operator employee.
• Take a 3x4 cm photo for the contract.
• Sign the operator's form.
• Receive the SIM card and activate it at the time of purchase.

With an eSIM card in Bangladesh, everything is easier and faster:

• Go to the provider's website or app.
• Choose a data plan and pay.
• Receive an activation code by e-mail or activate it directly in the program.

In the second case, the whole process takes 5-15 minutes without visiting any operator's offices. It is convenient if you want to activate the number in advance before your flight to Bangladesh. After activation, the virtual eSIM card is immediately ready to use for calls and Internet.

Read also: How to Unlock Your Phone to Use eSIM: Complete Guide

Best SIM cards in Bangladesh

Let's take a closer look at the data plan offers of the most popular international providers and mobile network operators in Bangladesh for tourists.

Yesim

Yesim specializes in providing virtual eSIM cards in Bangladesh for tourists by using the facilities of the local Grameenphone operator.

Advantages of connecting eSIM technology through Yesim provider:

• Online registration without visiting offices.
• Instant activation directly in the app or by QR code sent to your email.
• Work in 3G/4G networks with high speed.

Data plans:

• 3 GB for 13.50 € — 7 days;
• 5 GB for 22 € — 15 days;
• 10 GB for 43 € — 30 days;
• 20 GB for 63 € — 30 days.

The packages include only Internet traffic without minutes for calls and SMS, which is convenient for travelers who need fast mobile Internet in Bangladesh but don't care about having a local number. Thanks to these advantages Yesim can be considered the best virtual eSIM card in Bangladesh for those who care about quality and speed of connection without paying for unnecessary options.

Robi

Robi is one of the largest telecom operators in Bangladesh with its own infrastructure, a subscriber base of 50 million and 4G coverage across the country. The company offers separate 'Travel Packages' for visitors for 7 to 30 days validity; with enough minutes, mobile Internet and SMS messages included.

Let's look at a Bangladesh SIM card price:

• 4 € (200 minutes, 10 GB Internet, 50 SMS) for 30 days;
• 8 € (600 minutes, 45 GB Internet, 100 SMS) for 30 days.

The maximum speed of 4G mobile Internet via LTE technology reaches 150 Mbps. This operator does not provide eSIM technology services to tourists.

Banglalink

Banglalink is another major player in the Bangladesh cell phone market. One of the most extensive networks of base stations in the country; offers high 4G mobile Internet speeds of up to 225 Mbps.

Banglalink offers starter packages for travel SIM cards:

• 6 € TK (100 minutes, 5 GB Internet, 50 SMS) for 7 days;
• 8 € (200 minutes, 12 GB Internet, 100 SMS) for 7 days.

It is also possible to buy additional packages of minutes and Internet traffic upon request. Connection is done via USSD codes.

Although physical SIM cards can be purchased everywhere in Bangladesh, the purchase and activation process can cause some inconveniences. Language difficulties when communicating with consultants at operators offices. The need to change currency and spend extra time to sign the contract. Submission of personal and passport data to the operator when making a purchase.

Virtual eSIM cards help tourists avoid all these problems. The registration takes place online, there is no need to share personal information. Therefore, eSIM technology is a perfect solution for tourists to get mobile Internet in Bangladesh right upon arrival. Once you get off the airplane, you can use 4G with maximum speed.

Read also: How to book a hotel yourself: a complete guide

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