eSIM for Dhaka
Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities on Earth, a chaotic, energetic megacity of over 20 million where cycle rickshaws, the Old City's Mughal-era lanes, the Buriganga river traffic, and a fast-growing modern district create an intensity that few cities in Asia match. Connectivity is solid in the capital: Grameenphone (owned by Telenor) is the largest operator and reaches 98% of the population, Robi is the strong second, and Banglalink is the budget option that works well in the city centre. Grameenphone and Robi are the networks most travel eSIMs use. 4G is reliable across Dhaka with 5G in early-stage development in selected city areas. Bangladesh has no permanent content blocking, though the country has imposed temporary internet shutdowns during periods of political unrest, most notably extended shutdowns during the events of 2024; a VPN and offline maps are sensible precautions. Pathao and Uber both operate in Dhaka and are essential for navigating the notorious traffic. Network congestion during peak hours is the main day-to-day connectivity challenge in the city.
An eSIM Bangladesh gives you access to the same plans in Dhaka as in the rest of the country. 5 GB is generally enough for maps, messaging and social media, while video streaming and hotspot use require more data. The plans shown range from 1 to 20 GB and start at $1.90. They are fully refundable within 30 days provided the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination. The activation link is sent by email after purchase.
Getting connected in Dhaka
Install your eSIM before the flight or buy a Grameenphone or Robi SIM at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC). Local SIM purchase requires passport registration. Bangladesh has no permanent content blocking; WhatsApp, Google Maps, and social media work normally. Keep a VPN as a precaution: Bangladesh has imposed temporary nationwide internet shutdowns during political unrest. Pathao (the local ride-hailing and delivery super-app) and Uber both operate in Dhaka and are the only practical way to navigate the traffic. Download an offline map of the city; Dhaka's street network is dense and complex.
Bangladesh eSIM plans
Prices in USD. Instant QR activation. Pick your data, land connected.
Coverage in Dhaka
Dhaka city: 4G across the metropolis from all operators. Early 5G in selected central areas. Old Dhaka (Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Sadarghat): 4G, denser lanes can dip during congestion. Gulshan and Banani (diplomatic and business districts): 4G/5G. Dhaka University area: 4G. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport: 4G. Sonargaon (old capital, day trip 30km): 4G in town, spotty on the approach. Surrounding rural Dhaka division: 4G on main roads.
Best network here
Grameenphone (widest, 98% population); Robi (strong second)
| Area | Best network | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Old Dhaka (Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Sadarghat) | Grameenphone 4G | 4G at the Mughal monuments and the Buriganga riverfront. Dense lanes dip during peak congestion. |
| Gulshan and Banani (diplomatic, business) | Grameenphone/Robi 4G/5G | 4G with early 5G in parts. The most reliable connectivity in Dhaka. International hotels here. |
| Dhaka University and Shahbagh | Robi 4G | 4G across the university district and the National Museum area. |
| New Market and Dhanmondi | Grameenphone 4G | 4G in the shopping and residential districts. Dhanmondi Lake: 4G. |
| Sadarghat river port | Grameenphone 4G | 4G at Bangladesh's largest river port. Launch (ferry) departures to the south. |
| Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) | All operators 4G | 4G in the terminal. Operator kiosks for passport-registered SIM. |
Where to stay and connect in Dhaka
Gulshan (diplomatic enclave)
4G/5G. The most reliable connectivity and best hotels in Dhaka.
Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka)
4G but dips in dense lanes during congestion. The historic Mughal heart.
Dhanmondi (upscale residential)
4G across the lake district and cafe scene.
Staying online while you move
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport: 4G. Pathao and Uber ride-hailing operate citywide and are essential for the traffic. Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line 6): 4G on the elevated and underground sections. Launches (river ferries) from Sadarghat to the south: 4G near the port, variable on the rivers.
How much data in Dhaka
Dhaka has cheap, reliable 4G. Budget 1.5-2GB per day. Bangladesh has no permanent blocking but keep a VPN for temporary shutdowns during political unrest. Pathao and Uber use data constantly in the traffic. Network congestion during peak hours slows speeds; Gulshan and Banani are the most reliable areas. Download an offline city map; Dhaka's streets are dense.
Apps worth having in Dhaka
| App | Why it helps here |
|---|---|
| Pathao | Local ride-hailing and delivery super-app. Bikes, cars, and food. Essential for Dhaka's traffic. |
| Uber | Also operates in Dhaka. Both Pathao and Uber work on data. |
| Google Maps (offline Dhaka tile) | Download before exploring. The street network is dense and complex. |
| Works normally. No permanent blocking. Keep a VPN for temporary shutdowns. | |
| VPN app | Precaution against temporary nationwide internet shutdowns during political unrest. |
Practical data tips for Dhaka
- Grameenphone has the widest coverage (98% of the population); Robi is the strong second. Both are used by most travel eSIMs.
- Pathao and Uber are essential for Dhaka's notorious traffic. Pathao bikes are faster than cars in congestion.
- Bangladesh has no permanent content blocking, but keep a VPN: temporary nationwide shutdowns occurred during 2024 unrest.
- Gulshan and Banani have the most reliable connectivity in Dhaka, including early 5G.
- Network congestion during peak hours slows speeds across the city. Plan heavy downloads for off-peak.
- Old Dhaka (Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Sadarghat): 4G but signal dips in the dense lanes during congestion.
- The new Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line 6) has 4G on elevated and underground sections. A faster alternative to road for its corridor.
- Sonargaon (old Mughal capital, 30km day trip): 4G in town, spotty on the approach. Download the route map before going.
Dhaka eSIM FAQ
Are there internet restrictions in Bangladesh?
No permanent content blocking. WhatsApp, Google Maps, and social media work normally. However, Bangladesh has imposed temporary nationwide internet shutdowns during periods of political unrest, most notably during the events of 2024. Keep a VPN and offline maps as precautions.
Which operator is best for Dhaka?
Grameenphone has the widest coverage and reaches 98% of the population. Robi is the strong second. Both are used by most travel eSIMs and deliver reliable 4G across the city. Banglalink is a cheaper city-only option.
How do I get around Dhaka's traffic?
Pathao (a local super-app) and Uber are essential. Pathao motorbikes are often faster than cars in heavy congestion. Both work on data. The new Dhaka Metro Rail also helps for certain routes.
Does Dhaka have 5G?
5G is in early-stage development in selected central areas including parts of Gulshan and Banani. 4G remains the most widely available and reliable network across the city.
Is the Dhaka Metro covered by mobile signal?
Yes. The Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line 6) has 4G on both the elevated and underground sections. It is a faster alternative to road transport for routes along its corridor, avoiding the city's notorious traffic.
Planning your Bangladesh trip?
See the full Bangladesh eSIM guide: operators, coverage, real prices and the honest verdict.
Your Bangladesh eSIM connects to the networks of the 2 local operators: Banglalink, Grameenphone. Based on our agreements with the network provider, we normally activate the best available operator for your plan and your location.