Last updated: 30 Mar 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Government offices are open between 9.00am to 5.00pm, Sunday to Thursday. Some private offices operate between Saturday to Thursday.
Banks are open between 9.00am–3.00pm Sunday to Thursday.
Shops are open from 10.00am–8.00pm throughout the week, with different holidays for different shopping centres.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
February 21 – Shaheed Day
March 26 – Independence Day
April 14 – Bengali Solar New Year
May 1 – Labour Day
August 15 – National Mourning Day
November 7 – National Revolution Day
December 16 – Victory Day
Climate
The best time to visit in Bangladesh is from November to February, as the temperatures are between 15°C to 25°C and rainfall is low. March to May is hot but comparatively dry. The most uncomfortable time of the year is the wet season, between June and September, where humidity is extremely high, coupled with temperatures of 32°C or higher.
For weather details in Bangladesh, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is the Taka (BDT).
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and by airlines in the main cities. Traveller's cheques and cash in US dollars or British pound sterling are the easiest to exchange.
Time zones and time differences
Bangladesh is three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Bangladesh has only one time zone.
To find out the current time in Dhaka, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Bangladesh’s country code is 880.
For calls to Bangladesh from Australia dial: 0011 + 880 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Bangladesh to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Bangladesh's power supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles; 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. Plugs are the two-prong, round variety. Major hotels also have the flat type, three-pin socket of British standard.