South Asia/Bangladesh

Is Dhaka Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Dhaka is moderately safe for tourists. Our database records 8 documented scams, of which 2 are rated high severity. Most visitors complete their trip without incident, but specific risk areas and scam types are well-documented and worth reviewing before arrival.

See all 8 documented scams in Dhaka

Overall verdict

Moderately Safe

Safe with standard precautions

Scams documented

8

High severity

2

Medium severity

6

Top risk type

Tour & Activities

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Dhaka

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Airport Taxi Overcharge

high

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 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.

Where: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrivals exits, taxi rank on the main road outside

Money Changer Shortchange

high

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 to avoid: 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.

Where: Motijheel commercial area, New Market vicinity, Gulshan 1 and 2 informal changers

By traveler type

Is Dhaka safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Dhaka.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Dhaka before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Dhaka

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Dhaka. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Airport Taxi Overcharge

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrivals exits, taxi rank on the main road outside

high

Rickshaw Fare Inflation in Old Dhaka

Sadarghat river terminal area, Lalbagh Fort entrance road, Chawkbazar, Shakhari Bazaar

medium

Money Changer Shortchange

Motijheel commercial area, New Market vicinity, Gulshan 1 and 2 informal changers

high

Sadarghat Boat Tour Price Manipulation

Sadarghat river terminal boat hire area, Buriganga River dock

medium

Unofficial Guide at Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort main entrance, Lalbagh Road approach

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Dhaka?

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

3

38% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

25% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

13% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

13% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

13% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Dhaka

2 High — 25%
6 Medium — 75%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Dhaka

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Dhaka, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Tour & Activities scams are the most documented risk in Dhaka — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Dhaka's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Dhaka safe — answered

Is Dhaka safe for tourists in 2026?

Dhaka is moderately safe for tourists based on our database of 8 documented scams. 2 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are tour & activities, taxi & transport, restaurant scams. Millions of tourists visit Dhaka safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.

Is Dhaka safe for solo travelers?

Dhaka has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Dhaka before traveling alone.

What are the most dangerous areas in Dhaka for tourists?

Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Dhaka include: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrivals exits, taxi rank on the main road outside. Sadarghat river terminal area, Lalbagh Fort entrance road, Chawkbazar, Shakhari Bazaar. Motijheel commercial area, New Market vicinity, Gulshan 1 and 2 informal changers. These areas are associated with taxi & transport, money & atm scams, tour & activities incidents.

Is Dhaka safe at night?

Nighttime risk in Dhaka is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.

Is Dhaka safe for female travelers?

Dhaka is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.

What scams should I watch for in Dhaka?

The top documented scams in Dhaka are: Airport Taxi Overcharge, Rickshaw Fare Inflation in Old Dhaka, Money Changer Shortchange, Sadarghat Boat Tour Price Manipulation, Unofficial Guide at Lalbagh Fort. The full database covers 8 individual scams across 5 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.

Should I get travel insurance for Dhaka?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Dhaka. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.

Is Bangladesh safe to visit in 2026?

Bangladesh as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Dhaka specifically has 8 documented scams with a moderately safe safety rating. Check the full Bangladesh country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Dhaka is based on 8 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →