Bangladesh — Currency & Money

The taka (BDT) economy runs on cash. Cards work at upscale Dhaka and Chattogram hotels and restaurants and almost nowhere else; ATMs accepting foreign cards cluster in Gulshan/Banani and around bank branches — withdraw during daytime at machines attached to banks. The bKash mobile-money system is everywhere but effectively requires a local SIM and registration, so tourists stay on cash. Small-note tipping (baksheesh) is customary for drivers, porters and hotel staff, and haggling is standard outside fixed-price shops.