On This Page
Dhaka Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Bangladesh)
Dhaka has 8 documented tourist scams across 5 categories in our database. Scam activity is rated moderate. The most commonly reported risks are Airport Taxi Overcharge, Money Changer Shortchange, Rickshaw Fare Inflation in Old Dhaka.
Dhaka is one of the world's most densely populated cities and Bangladesh's capital, receiving foreign visitors primarily through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Tourism is largely business-oriented or tied to heritage sites like the Lalbagh Fort and Old Dhaka's Sadarghat river terminal. The combination of extreme traffic density, a large informal economy, and limited tourist infrastructure in the Purana Paltan and Old Dhaka areas creates an environment where price manipulation and transport-related fraud are routine for foreigners.
Tour & Activities scams are the most documented risk in Dhaka — 3 of 8 reported incidents fall in this category. See all 3 →
Compare with nearby destinations
Last updated: April 7, 2026
Airport Taxi Overcharge
CNG auto-rickshaws and private cars outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport routinely quote foreigners fares of 1,500-3,000 BDT for journeys to Gulshan or Dhanmondi that should cost 400-800 BDT. Drivers claim meters are not operational or that traffic conditions require a special rate.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrivals exits, taxi rank on the main road outside
How to avoid: Use Pathao or Shohoz ride-hailing apps for transparent fares. The airport also has a prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals with fixed rates. Confirm the fare in BDT before entering any vehicle.
2
High Risk
6
Medium Risk
0
Low Risk
Dhaka · Bangladesh · South Asia
Open map →Where These Scams Are Most Active in Dhaka
Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents.
Airport Taxi Overcharge
Taxi & TransportHazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrivals exits, taxi rank on the main road outside
Money Changer Shortchange
Money & ATM ScamsMotijheel commercial area, New Market vicinity, Gulshan 1 and 2 informal changers
Rickshaw Fare Inflation in Old Dhaka
Taxi & TransportSadarghat river terminal area, Lalbagh Fort entrance road, Chawkbazar, Shakhari Bazaar
Unofficial Guide at Lalbagh Fort
Tour & ActivitiesLalbagh Fort main entrance, Lalbagh Road approach
Sadarghat Boat Tour Price Manipulation
Tour & ActivitiesSadarghat river terminal boat hire area, Buriganga River dock
Hotel Booking Misrepresentation
Accommodation ScamsPurana Paltan guesthouses, Motijheel budget hotel strip, Dilkusha commercial area accommodation
These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
Quick Safety Tips for Dhaka
Key precautions based on the most frequently reported scams here.
- Use Pathao or Shohoz ride-hailing apps for transparent fares. The airport also has a prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals with fixed rates. Confirm the fare in BDT before entering any vehicle.
- Use Dutch-Bangla Bank or BRAC Bank ATMs for BDT withdrawals. If using a money changer, count every note individually face-up before leaving the counter. Do not allow the counter to be touched after you have counted.
- Observe what locals pay for comparable journeys before negotiating. Agree on a firm price in BDT before boarding. Have small notes ready so you can pay the agreed amount without change being required.
- Pay entry fees only at the official Archaeological Department ticket counter. Decline guide offers outside the gate and hire only through the on-site official guide service if desired.
- Agree on a complete itinerary and total price in writing (or clearly stated in front of witnesses) before boarding. Do not pay until the boat has returned to the dock.
How it works
CNG auto-rickshaws and private cars outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport routinely quote foreigners fares of 1,500-3,000 BDT for journeys to Gulshan or Dhanmondi that should cost 400-800 BDT. Drivers claim meters are not operational or that traffic conditions require a special rate.
How it works
Informal money changers near Motijheel commercial district and around New Market shortchange tourists using the standard fast-count technique, substituting lower denomination notes mid-bundle or folding notes to obscure the count. Bangladesh's 1,000 BDT note resembles some lower denominations under poor lighting.
How it works
Cycle rickshaw drivers in Old Dhaka around Sadarghat and Lalbagh Fort quote foreigners five to ten times the local fare for short journeys. A 10-minute ride priced at 20-30 BDT for locals is often quoted at 200-500 BDT for tourists. Some drivers demand more at the destination than agreed at the start.
How it works
Self-appointed guides outside the Lalbagh Fort entrance collect "fees" framed as mandatory for foreign visitors and provide tours of questionable accuracy. Bangladesh's official entry fee for foreigners is separate and paid at the ticket window — no guide fee is mandatory.
How it works
Boat operators at Sadarghat river terminal offer tours of the Buriganga River that start at 200-300 BDT but escalate with add-ons — longer routes, additional stops, "special views" — that were not discussed before departure. Some operators demand payment before returning to the dock.
How it works
Budget guesthouses in the Purana Paltan and Motijheel areas advertise amenities — air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi — that are either non-functional or absent on arrival. Photos on booking platforms show the best room in the property while standard rooms are significantly worse.
How it works
Tourist-facing restaurants in Gulshan 2 and Banani add service charges, VAT, and table charges to bills in ways not disclosed on menus, inflating the total by 25-40% above displayed prices. Some restaurants also add dishes to bills that were not ordered.
How it works
Given Bangladesh's textile industry profile, touts in Gulshan and near Dhaka Export Processing Zone offer "factory tours" or "wholesale fabric buying" that lead to showrooms where heavily marked-up fabrics are sold as factory-direct prices. No actual factory visit occurs.
Dhaka Safety — Frequently Asked Questions
What scams target tourists in Dhaka?
Are taxis safe in Dhaka?
Is Dhaka safe at night for tourists?
Which areas of Dhaka should tourists be most careful in?
How can I avoid being scammed in Dhaka?
Browse by scam type
Filter scams in Dhaka by category, or read our worldwide guides for each scam type — taxi scams, street scams, restaurant scams, and more.
Safety guides for Dhaka
If you're visiting more than one destination
Similar scam patterns are active across the South Asia region. Before visiting Amritsar, Kochi, and Udaipur, review each city's guide — tactics vary and local setups differ even for the same scam type.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Dhaka are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →