Pallabi Dhaka Division, Bangladesh Travel Guide
Consult a travel doctor or health clinic well in advance of your trip, ideally 4-6 weeks before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on the condition that you arrive from or transit through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. For all other travelers, it is not a requirement.
Recommended vaccinations include: Typhoid (food- and water-borne), Hepatitis A (food- and water-borne), Tetanus-Diphtheria (routine vaccinations), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR - confirm two doses), Polio (important given recent outbreaks in some regions), Hepatitis B (longer stays or high-risk activities), and Rabies (outdoor activities, animal contact, or prolonged stays in rural areas). While Dhaka itself has a lower risk for rabies, animal encounters can occur.
Dhaka has a number of modern private hospitals (e.g., Evercare Hospital, Square Hospital, United Hospital) that maintain international standards of care. These facilities often staff English-speaking personnel. Public hospitals also serve the city, even though they are regularly overcrowded and may not meet international expectations. Pharmacies are widely accessible throughout the city, including Pallabi, for common medications.
For emergency services, ring 999 for Police, Fire, and Ambulance. This serves as the general emergency number for Bangladesh. Keep this quantity, along with your country's embassy/consulate details, readily available.
Vigilance in crowded areas
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas like markets, bus/train stations, and public events. Keep valuables out of sight and use a Money belt or secure bag.
Dhaka's dense traffic, reckless driving, and often poor pedestrian infrastructure pose a concern. Use designated crossings and look both ways.
Seasonal considerations
An annual occurrence from June to October. This causes significant disruption to move and daily life. Be aware of local weather forecasts.
Cyclones mainly affect coastal regions, but severe weather can reach Dhaka. Bangladesh lies in a seismically active zone; basic earthquake safety procedures are a good idea.
Comprehensive Coverage advised
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly advisable. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and baggage loss/delay.
Confirm your insurance policy covers planned activities and look for any specific exclusions related to destinations or activities.
This is a common health issue for visitors. Drink only commercially Bottled water, filtered water, or boiled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless confirmed to be from purified water. Do not consume raw or undercooked food, fruits with the skin on, or uncooked salads. Maintain rigorous hand hygiene, especially before eating. Carry Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Loperamide) and rehydration salts.
A mosquito-borne illness prevalent during and after the monsoon season (June-November). Use Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. Wear Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially at dawn and dusk. Stay in accommodations with air conditioning or mosquito nets.
The two are food and water-borne, so vaccination is strongly advised.
Ensure your Tetanus-Diphtheria, MMR, and Polio vaccinations are current.
Consider for longer stays, outdoor activities, or if working with animals.
Dhaka carries a low risk. Consult your doctor for prophylaxis if visiting high-risk rural areas.
Certificate needed if arriving from or transiting through a risk country.
Keep your important documents secure and accessible. Carry both physical and digital copies.
Your valid passport, ensuring it meets the minimum 6-month validity requirement. Also, bring printed copies of your e-visa approval letter or any documentation proving your Visa on Arrival eligibility. A photocopy of your passport's main page and visa, stored separately from the originals, is a wise precaution.
Both digital and physical copies of your travel insurance policy details are essential. This includes policy numbers, emergency contact information, and coverage specifics. Also, bring your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if required for your entry) and personal vaccination records. A doctor's letter for any medications you are prescribed you carry explains their purpose, preventing issues at customs.
Bangladesh experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons. Each season has different travel experiences and considerations for visitors.
