What to Pack for Chattogram. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Layering can be a wise approach. Consider fabrics and local customs.

Seasonal Apparel

Winter (Nov-Feb): Light to medium layers, long-sleeved shirts, lightweight sweaters, or a jacket for evenings. Cotton for daytime.
Summer/Monsoon (Mar-Oct): Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Loose-fitting clothes. Quick-drying attire during monsoon. Rain jacket or umbrella.
Layering: Winter profits from cotton base with light sweater/jacket. Summer/monsoon needs single, breathable layers.

Cultural Dress & Modesty

Bangladesh is a conservative, Muslim-majority country. Modest dress shows respect.

Respectful Attire

Women: Cover shoulders and knees. Choose loose-fitting clothing. A scarf helps for religious sites or sun protection.
Men: Long pants or knee-covering shorts. T-shirts are generally fine.
Religious Sites: Both men and women dress conservatively. Cover arms and legs. Women may cover heads for mosques. Remove shoes.

Footwear Recommendations

City Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are crucial for navigating city streets and attractions.

Easy movement

Monsoon Preparedness

Waterproof sandals or flip-flops are useful due to frequent rain and potential puddles.

Rainy conditions

Outdoor Excursions

For light hiking or trips outside the city, closed-toe shoes offer better protection and support.

Better protection

Essential Documents

Documents

Carry originals and separate backups.

Original passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Visa confirmation: Printout of e-Visa or physical visa. Copies stored separately.
Travel insurance: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
Vaccination records: Yellow Fever certificate (if needed), personal vaccination card. Medical info (conditions, allergies, prescriptions).

Reservations: Printouts and digital copies of flight, hotel, tour bookings.
Emergency contacts: Family/friends abroad, embassy/consulate, bank for lost cards.
IDs for discounts: ISIC, senior, or press IDs for potential savings.
International Driving Permit: Needed if you plan to drive (though not typically recommended).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Prepare your devices for local power and network.

Electricity Info

Power adapter: Bangladesh uses 220V, 50Hz. Plug types C and D are common (A, G, K also seen). Universal travel adapter recommended.
Mobile phone: GSM network. Unlocked phone for local SIM. Purchase SIM at airport or dealer (passport, visa copy, photo needed).
Data: Affordable data packages with good urban connectivity.

Gadgets & Apps

Enhance your travel with useful tools and applications.

Essential Tech

Photographic equipment: Standard gear. Protect from humidity and dust with a waterproof bag. Ask permission for photos of people.
Portable chargers: Useful for charging on the go, for extended journeys, or power outages.
Recommended apps: Google Maps (navigation), Pathao/Obhai (ride-sharing), Google Translate (Bengali offline pack), Foodpanda (food delivery).

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use Google Drive or Dropbox to back up your photos and copies of important documents.

Security Items

A small padlock for luggage. Wear a money belt for passport/cash. RFID-blocking wallet for electronic theft.

Device Protection

This protects your data in case your devices are lost or damaged.

Health & Wellness Items

Medical Essentials

Bring what you need for a healthy trip.

First Aid Kit

Standard first aid: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (paracetamol/acetaminophen), anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), oral rehydration salts, allergy medication.
Prescription medications: Sufficient supply for your trip. Carry doctor's prescription or letter (English translation).
Over-the-counter: Fever reducers, cold and flu remedies, pills for motion sickness, antacids.

Protection & Prevention

Guard against common travel health issues.

Climate-Specific Prep

Insect repellent: Bring repellent with DEET. Mosquitoes are common, especially during monsoon or evening outings.
Sun protection: Pack sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The sun can be powerful year-round.
Water purification: Consider bringing a water filter bottle or purification tablets. Bottled water is widely accessible in Chattogram city.

Specific Health Remedies

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness pills are helpful for long bus or boat journeys.
Especially useful if you plan to visit the hilly areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Consider herbal remedies or acupressure bands for comfort.

Personal Hygiene

Pack specific brands of toiletries you prefer. Local availability varies.
Hand sanitizer is a must for frequent use, especially before eating.
Wet wipes are convenient for quick clean-ups on the go.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Trekking

For light treks or excursions into nature.

Small backpack
Reusable water bottle
Closed-toe footwear
Lightweight binoculars (for birdwatching)

Beach & Water

Items for enjoying Patenga Beach.

Modest swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Hat & sunglasses

General Activity Gear

Enhance your overall experience.

Binoculars (for scenic views)
Camera (for memories)
Journal and pen (for notes)
Small daypack

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Items to Rent

Gear for snorkeling: Could be an option at seaside resorts (e.g., Cox's Bazar).
Bicycles: Some guesthouses might offer, typically for local use.
Specialty equipment: Inquire locally for specific items.
Car with driver: Recommended over self-drive for safety.

Items to Bring

Personal hiking gear: For comfort and reliability if you have specific preferences.
High-quality camera: For dedicated photography.
Special medications: If particular brands or types are hard to find.
Guidebooks/Maps: If you prefer physical copies.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Make your journeys smoother and belongings safe.

Travel Comfort

Neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs: For long bus or train rides.
Small flashlight/headlamp: For poorly lit areas or power outages.
Small padlock: For hostel lockers or securing luggage.
Money belt: To secure passport, cash, and plastic. RFID-blocking wallet for electronic theft.

Eco-Friendly & Local Items

Travel sustainably and prepare for local conditions.

Sustainable Travel

Reusable water bottle: For refills at hotels, reducing plastic waste.
Reusable shopping bag: Useful for market purchases.
Reusable utensils: Can cut down on single-use plastics.
Wet wipes: Convenient for quick clean-ups on the go.

Items Difficult to Find Locally

High-Quality Insect Repellent

Specific brands or strong repellents may be scarce.

Specific Sunscreens

High SPF or preferred brands might be limited.

Certain Western Medications

Bring your preferred over-the-counter remedies.

Specialty Clothing/Footwear

Bring any specific gear you rely on for activities.

Destination-Specific Considerations

What to Remember

Cultural sensitivity: A confident demeanor and modest dress can aid interactions.
Navigation: Learn basic Bengali phrases for guidance and bargaining.
Photography: Always ask for permission before photographing people.

Local Insights

Local phrases: Knowing greetings and frequent expressions makes interaction smoother.
Engage: Interact with locals for authentic experiences and cultural insight.
Openness: Be open to new experiences and cultural differences for a rewarding trip.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light to simplify movement. Choose versatile items for various situations. Consider rolling clothes to save space and using packing cubes for organization.

Leave a little space in your luggage for any souvenirs or local purchases you might acquire during your trip.

What to Pack for Chattogram