Money, tipping, and prices in Cox's Bazar

Currency and exchange

Bangladesh uses the taka (BDT). As of 2024, $1 equals roughly 110 taka, though rates fluctuate. Bring USD cash and exchange at the airport or at money changers on Jahajghata Road in Cox's Bazar—they offer better rates than hotels. Major banks (Sonali, Islami, Dutch-Bangla) have branches near Kolatoli with ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are 20,000-25,000 taka per transaction; fees run 200-300 taka plus your bank charges.

ATMs run dry on weekends and national holidays. Withdraw early in the week and carry more cash than you think you need. Hotels and resorts accept cards but add a 3-5% surcharge. Markets, street food, and CNGs are cash-only. Keep small bills (20, 50, 100 taka notes) for vendors—no one has change for a 500-taka note at a tea stall. Damaged or torn bills will be rejected; inspect your cash before accepting it.

What things cost

Street food meals (paratha, samosa, cha) run 50-100 taka. Sit-down restaurant lunches cost 200-400 taka. Resort dinners with seafood: 600-1,200 taka. A bottle of water is 20 taka at a shop, 50 taka at the beach, 100 taka in a hotel minibar. CNG rides within town: 50-100 taka. Full-day CNG hire: 1,500-2,000 taka. Motorbike rental: 500-600 taka/day. Budget hotel: 1,000-1,500 taka/night. Mid-range hotel: 2,500-3,500 taka. Resort: 8,000-12,000 taka.

Entry fees for parks and temples are minimal—50-200 taka. Boat tours to islands: 1,000-2,000 taka per person depending on destination and group size. Souvenirs at Burmese Market: woven bags 300-500 taka, thanaka paste 150 taka, fake coral jewelry 200-400 taka. Always bargain; opening prices are 2-3 times the expected final rate.

Bargaining and tipping

Bargaining is expected at markets, with CNG drivers, and for any service without a printed price. Start at half the quoted price and settle around 60-70%. Walk away if the vendor will not budge—they will often call you back with a better offer. Fixed-price shops and restaurants do not bargain; trying will only annoy the staff.

Tipping is not customary in local restaurants—round up the bill or leave 20-50 taka if service was exceptional. Resort restaurants expect 10% but check if service charge is already included on the bill. CNG drivers do not expect tips; rounding up 10-20 taka is polite but not required. Hotel porters appreciate 50-100 taka for carrying bags. Tour guides: 200-500 taka depending on the length and quality of the tour. Temple donations are voluntary; 50-100 taka is respectful.

Avoiding scams

Count your change carefully—short-changing is common, especially with foreigners. Avoid anyone offering to exchange money on the street; the bills are often counterfeit or the math is rigged. Tour touts at the bus stand and jetty will quote inflated prices for everything; walk away and arrange transport directly. Hotels sometimes quote one price by phone and a higher one at check-in; confirm rates in writing. CNG drivers may claim the meter is broken and demand double the fare—agree on a price before getting in or find another driver.