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Pallabi Travel Checklist

Pallabi Travel Checklist

Pallabi Dhaka Division, Bangladesh Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Start planning well in advance, notably for foreign travel, to manage all details.

Chronological Planning

A structured timeline to provide you with help organize your travel preparations effectively.

1

Months Before

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport holds at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay.

Visa Application

Research visa requirements for your nationality and begin the application process.

Itinerary Research

Start planning your itinerary for Dhaka and any other regions you wish to explore.

2

Month Before

Flights & Accommodation

Book international and domestic flights, and confirm major accommodation bookings.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Consider World Nomads for coverage.

Vaccinations & Health

Complete all required vaccinations and consult a travel doctor.

3

Week Before

Reconfirm Bookings

Validate all flight, accommodation, and excursion bookings.

Packing Essentials

Begin packing essential items, including travel organization products from Eagle Creek.

Document Copies

Print physical and save digital copies of all important documents.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these bookings early for better prices and availability, particularly during busy travel periods.

Reservations

  • International Flights: Book these early to secure better prices plus chosen schedules.
  • Domestic Flights: Reserve flights for internal travel well in advance, as they fill quickly.
  • Popular Hotels: Ensure accommodation is booked, especially during peak season or festivals.
  • Specific Tours: Pre-book any specialized guided tours or multi-day excursions.

Pre-Trip Research

Informative Insights

  • Local Customs and Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with dress codes and social norms (Section 11.3).
  • Basic Bengali Phrases: Learning a few phrases facilitates warmer interactions (Section 11.1).
  • Current Travel Advisories: Check government advisories for safety or health updates.
  • Cultural Context: Research Bangladesh's history to deepen your appreciation.

Home Preparation

Before departing, address these tasks to ensure peace of mind about your home.

Household Logistics

  • Arrange for pet care during your absence.
  • Hold mail or arrange for a trusted person to collect it.
  • Inform neighbors of your travel plans.
  • Turn off unnecessary water supply to prevent leaks.

Security Measures

  • Secure your home by locking all windows and doors.
  • Use timers for lights to create an illusion of occupancy.
  • Ensure vehicles are securely parked or stored.
  • Test your home security system before leaving.

Emergency Contacts

  • Inform a trusted friend or family member of your itinerary.
  • Provide them with your contact details abroad.
  • Leave a spare with a trusted individual for emergencies.
  • Communicate your expected return date clearly.

Pre-Trip Note

Consult your travel doctor at least 2-3 months before departure to complete all necessary vaccinations.

Arrival Checklist

These steps ease your entry into Bangladesh and your initial hours in Dhaka.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs:

    Clear procedures at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC).

  • 2
    Local SIM Card:

    Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for instant internet access.

  • 3
    Currency & Water:

    Exchange currency or withdraw BDT from an ATM, and purchase bottled water immediately.

Orientation Strategies

  • Transport:

    Confirm pre-arranged transport or use ride-sharing apps (Uber/Pathao) to your accommodation.

  • Location Awareness:

    Locate your accommodation on a map to understand your immediate surroundings.

  • Local Assistance:

    Seek assistance from airport staff or your hotel for any immediate needs.

Arrival Logistics

Currency Exchange

Ensure you have enough local currency (BDT) for initial expenses.

This covers immediate transport, a meal, and bottled water.

Airport Transportation

Confirm driver and vehicle details if you pre-booked an airport transfer.

When using ride-sharing, verify the vehicle matches the app's details and be prepared for Dhaka's traffic (Section 4.1).

Initial Purchases

Immediate needs include commercially bottled water upon arrival.

Also, consider snacks to sustain you through your first few hours.

Location Tip

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is your admission point; familiarize yourself with its layout for smoother navigation.

Departure Preparation

Plan for a smooth departure from Bangladesh, avoiding last-minute stress.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase souvenirs from local markets (e.g., in Pallabi/Mirpur) or craft shops.
  • Check customs regulations regarding the export of certain antiques or restricted items.
  • Arrange international shipping via courier services (DHL, FedEx) for larger items.
  • VAT refunds for tourists are generally not applicable in Bangladesh; do not anticipate claiming them.

Departure Timing

  • Allow ample time (minimum 3 hours) for airport transfer due to unpredictable Dhaka traffic.
  • It is wise to arrive early at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) rather than rush.
  • Double-check all your documents, passport, and boarding passes before heading to the airport.
  • Spend any remaining local currency or plan to exchange it before you leave.

Return Trip Prep

A few final considerations for a seamless journey home from Dhaka.

Final Checks

  • Flight Details:Reconfirm with your airline.
  • Airport Transfer:Arrange in advance for peace of mind.
  • Packing Liquids:Adhere to airline regulations for carry-on.
  • Lost & Found:Check for forgotten items at accommodation.

Post-Trip Considerations

  • Organize your photos and videos from your trip.
  • Write down memorable experiences and insights gained.
  • Share your positive experiences with friends and family.
  • Consider leaving reviews for accommodations and services.

Final Reminder

Double-check your flight status and gate information before heading to your terminal.

Ensure all your belongings are accounted for before leaving your accommodation.