Pallabi Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Essentials

Staying connected is straightforward with local options and translation tools.

Mobile & Internet

Local SIM cards are available at Dhaka airport (DAC) and stores. Passport, visa copy, and photo are needed.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Mobile data from a local SIM is generally reliable.
Bangladesh Post Office handles mail; DHL, FedEx, UPS are available for international courier services.

Language Navigation

Bengali is the official language. English is understood in tourist settings and by educated individuals.

Translation Tools

Google Translate's offline feature Bengali language packs is highly useful.
Its camera translation feature can assist with signs and menus.

Business Hours & Schedules

Organize your activities around typical operating hours and public holidays.

Operating Times

Shops generally operate from 10 AM to 8 PM, but hours vary. Weekly holidays are often Friday or Saturday.
Government offices are operating Sunday through Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Banks transact Sunday through Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM. ATMs are available 24/7.

Holiday Impact

Bangladesh observes weekly and religious holidays that influence services.

Closures & Disruptions

Fridays are the weekly holiday; many businesses, offices, and banks are closed or have reduced hours.
Major Muslim holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) lead to multi-day closures and important travel by locals.
Other public holidays like Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) also see widespread closures.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interactions & Dress

Greetings often begin with "Assalamu Alaikum." Men shake hands with men; avoid initiating physical contact with women.
Modest dress for both men and women is important; cover shoulders and knees in public and holy places.
Always get consent before taking photos of people, especially women and children.
Remove shoes before entering private homes and most religious sites.

Dining & Sensitivities

Eat with your right hand; the left hand is considered impure.
Avoid public displays of anger or frustration, and steer clear of open criticism regarding religion or politics.
Do not use your left hand to give or receive items, or to point.
Bangladesh is a conservative society; women travelers should dress modestly. Homosexuality is not openly accepted; discretion is paramount.

Practical Tip

For comfortable travel, especially with mobility considerations, hiring private transport with a driver can offer significant ease.

Airport & Arrival Information

Navigating Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) and local services.

Arrival at DAC

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is the main gateway. SIM card counters are available upon arrival to get connected right away.

Airport Lounges

For a more comfortable wait, airport lounge access is available. Consider services like Priority Pass for worldwide lounge options.

Flight Compensation

In case of flight delays or cancellations, services like Compensair assist with receiving due compensation.

Local Transport from Airport

Taxis and ride-sharing services are available for travel from the airport to your destination.

Options for Commuting

Pre-booked airport taxis offer convenience.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Pathao are widely used.
The Metro Rail is a new, efficient option for reaching various parts of the city.

Staying Safe & Healthy

General precautions apply for personal safety and health in an unfamiliar environment.

Recommendations

Maintain good hygiene, especially hand washing.
Drink bottled or filtered water exclusively.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Phrases for Airport & Travel

Asking for Directions

"Eita kothay?" (Where can i find this?)
"Dan dikhe" (Right side)
"Bam dikhe" (Left side)

General Travel Needs

"Koto taka?" (How much money?)
"Ektu kom korun" (Reduce a little - for bargaining)
"Ami hantchi" (I am walking)

Time Consideration

Dhaka's traffic is unpredictable. Allocate extra travel time, especially for airport transfers, to avoid delays.

Navigating Dhaka & Beyond

Public Transport Options

Dhaka offers a range of public transport modes, each with its own characteristics.

City Movement

Metro Rail: A new, efficient, and air-conditioned option connecting areas like Pallabi to the city center.
Local Buses: Extensive network but can get packed and challenging without local language skills.
CNG Auto-Rickshaws: Three-wheeled vehicles; agree on fare before starting.

Ride-Sharing & Private Hire

Comfortable Commuting

Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Pathao (cars and motorcycle taxis) are popular and offer transparent pricing.
Pathao Motorcycle Taxis: A fast way to navigate traffic for single travelers.
Private Car with Driver: Arrange through hotels or tour operators for day trips and reliable transport.

Local Shopping & Markets

Experience the authentic pulse of local life through Dhaka's markets.

Market Exploration

Mirpur 1, 11, or 12 Markets: Explore bustling local markets for fresh produce, textiles, and daily goods.
These markets offer a glimpse into the authentic rhythm of neighborhood life, including Pallabi.
Bargaining is common and expected; do so politely and with a smile.

Beyond Dhaka Travel

Connecting to other sections of Bangladesh is feasible via various transport options.

Regional Connections

Domestic flights offer the fastest way to hubs like Sylhet, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, and Jessore.
Bangladesh Railway connects many cities, a scenic but slower alternative.
Long-distance buses offer budget-friendly connections to most regions.

Emergency Contacts

Police & Medical

Police: Ring 999
Ambulance: Dial 999
Fire Service: Dial 999

Embassy & Consulates

Contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance.
Keep their local number saved on your phone.
Keep copies of important documents separate from originals.

Essential Phrases for Help

Seeking Assistance

"Sahajjo lagbe" (I need help)
"Ektu sahajjo korben?" (Could you help a little?)
"Daktar kothay?" (Where is the doctor?)

Important Information

"Amar phone harie geche" (My phone is lost)
"Amar bag harie geche" (My bag is lost)
"Hashpatal kothay?" (Where is the hospital?)

Local Knowledge

For detailed information on local services, markets in Pallabi and Mirpur, or specific transport routes, do not hesitate to ask hotel staff or trusted locals.

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