eSIM Setup for Bangladesh: Step-by-Step Installation (2026)
- 1 network tested
- 5 providers compared
- Updated June 2026
Daniel Mercer
Lead eSIM Analyst
Previously at Analysys Mason covering APAC mobile markets (2016-2021)
How we testPublished July 2026 · Updated June 2026
Compatibility
Device compatibility for Bangladesh
iPhone
Supported models: iPhone XR, XS, 11 through 16 Pro Max, and SE (3rd generation). Requires iOS 16 or later. iPhones hold up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Check carrier lock: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.
Android
Supported: Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (S22-S25, Z Flip/Fold series), Google Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12T Pro and later. Requires Android 10 or later. eSIM profile limits vary: Samsung holds 5-8 profiles, Pixel supports 8+.
Is your phone unlocked?
Full device compatibility list · Check carrier unlock status
Providers
Recommended providers for Bangladesh
Nomad (Recommended)
Nomad is the recommended provider for Bangladesh with a 4.1/5 rating. Best Budget pick. Plans available: 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB plus unlimited daily options. Installation via QR code delivered by email.
Install: 4.2/5 · QR Flow: 4/5
Docs: 3.9/5 · Reliability: 4.2/5
Alternative providers
| Provider | Per GB | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad#1 Pick | from $3.00/GB | 4.1/5 | Best Budget |
| Airalo | from $4.50/GB | 4.5/5 | Best Overall |
| Saily | from $3.99/GB | 4.4/5 | Best Privacy |
| HelloRoam | from around $3.50 per gigabyte | 4.4/5 | Coverage + Value |
| Holafly | from $2.99/day | 4.3/5 | Best Unlimited |
Which provider to choose
- Budget travel: Nomad offers the lowest per-GB rate
- Broadest coverage: Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account
- Unlimited data: Holafly removes the data counter entirely
- Privacy: Saily bundles NordVPN under the same account
Installation
Setting up your Bangladesh eSIM profile
iOS installation (iPhone)
- Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Select "Use QR Code"
- Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
- Label the plan (e.g., "Bangladesh Travel")
- Set as cellular data line (not your default for calls)
- Do NOT enable data roaming yet
- Confirm the plan appears under Settings > Cellular
iOS 18: the "Add eSIM" option appears under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. iOS 17 and earlier: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
Android installation (Google Pixel)
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM
- Select "Download a SIM instead" then scan
- Scan the QR code from your Nomad confirmation email
- Name the profile (e.g., "Bangladesh Data")
- Set as mobile data SIM
- Do NOT enable data roaming yet
- Verify the plan in SIM manager
Manual installation (if QR fails)
If the QR code does not scan, use manual entry:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Select "Enter Details Manually"
- Enter the SM-DP+ address from your provider email
- Enter the activation code
- Complete the setup as with the QR method
Use manual entry when: camera cannot read the QR code, the email was forwarded without the image, or you are installing on a second device.
Configuration
Bangladesh carrier settings
Automatic APN configuration
Most eSIM profiles auto-configure APN settings for Grameenphone's network. After installation, verify the APN is set correctly:
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > (travel eSIM) > Access Point Names
A correctly configured APN shows the carrier name and data type. If the APN field is blank, your phone will attempt to auto-fill on first connection.
Manual APN entry
If auto-configuration fails (rare, typically older Android devices), enter APN settings manually. Check your provider's confirmation email for the exact values. Common fields:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN Name | From provider email |
| APN | Provider-specific value |
| Authentication | None (most providers) |
| APN Protocol | IPv4/IPv6 |
Provider-specific APN values override Grameenphone's carrier defaults. Always use the values from your provider, not generic carrier APNs.
Verification
Testing data on Grameenphone's network
Signal and network verification
Check your status bar: the carrier name should show Grameenphoneor a roaming indicator. Signal bars confirm connection strength. Go to Settings > Cellular to verify data usage is counting on the travel eSIM line.
- "Grameenphone" or roaming icon: Connected and working
- "Searching...": Still connecting, wait 2-3 minutes
- "No Service": Data roaming is off or wrong SIM line selected
Speed test
Run fast.com or Speedtest.net to verify your connection speed. Expected speeds on Grameenphone: approximately 15 Mbps download. Speeds vary by location: airports and city centers are fastest, rural areas slower.
Verifying data roaming is active
Go to Settings > Cellular > (travel eSIM) > Data Roaming: ON. Test by opening any website in your browser. If it loads, roaming is active. If not, toggle data roaming off and back on, then restart your phone.
Dual-SIM verification
Confirm your home SIM still receives calls and texts. Confirm the travel eSIM handles all data traffic. Test: send yourself a text message to your home number. Then load a webpage. Both should work simultaneously. If data routes through the home SIM instead, switch your cellular data line to the travel eSIM.
Airport Guide
Arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) with your eSIM
Before boarding
Your Bangladesh eSIM installs in under two minutes. Do it the evening before departure over home WiFi. The profile stays dormant until you toggle it on after landing. Waiting until Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) creates two risks: captive portal WiFi blocking the download, and jet-lag mistakes during the Settings flow. Handle it while you are alert and connected.
During the flight
The flight is your final prep window. Go to Settings, confirm the Bangladesh eSIM is listed and set as the data line, and verify your home SIM's data roaming is off. After landing, one toggle connects you to Grameenphone's 4G network. If you have not installed a VPN yet, do it now over in-flight WiFi — Bangladesh restricts VoIP services, and downloading a VPN app after landing may not work.
After landing
When the plane reaches the gate, disable airplane mode. The Bangladesh eSIM connects to Grameenphone within 60-120 seconds. Open Safari or Chrome and load any page — if it renders, your data is active. SIM counters in the arrivals hall charge a tourist premium ($3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days) with a queue. Your eSIM is already active.
Leaving the airport
Head straight to ground transport. Your maps app already has signal on Grameenphone's network. Book a ride from the terminal or follow transit directions without asking for WiFi passwords at an information desk. Bangladesh's emergency number is 999 — it works without data, but having your eSIM active means you can also share GPS coordinates with emergency services.
Device Setup
Device-specific instructions for Bangladesh
Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6+)
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.
- Select "Scan QR Code" and frame the QR code from your provider's email. The download completes in 5-15 seconds.
- Tap "Add" when the carrier profile loads. Label it "Bangladesh Data" under SIM Manager for clarity.
- Set the Bangladesh eSIM as your mobile data SIM: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Mobile Data > select Bangladesh eSIM.
- Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > On (for the travel SIM only).
- After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC), enable the eSIM. Grameenphone's 4G network registers within 60-90 seconds. If data does not connect within 3 minutes, enter the APN manually: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names > Add. Name: Grameenphone, APN: "everywhere". Save and select it as active.
- Verify: open Chrome and load any page. Data flowing confirms your Bangladesh eSIM is active.
Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Grameenphone" or "Banglalink" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Samsung, check Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — the travel SIM shows "Grameenphone" as the connected network. The connection type shows as "4G".
Note: If "No Service" persists after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators, switch from Automatic to Manual, wait for the scan to complete, then select Grameenphone. If the carrier does not appear, restart the device: hold Power + Volume Down until the restart menu appears.
iPhone (iOS 17+)
- Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
- Point the camera at the QR code from your provider's email. The profile downloads in 5-15 seconds on stable WiFi.
- Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted. Label the plan "Bangladesh Data" to distinguish it from your home line.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the Bangladesh eSIM as your active data line.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the Bangladesh line only: Settings > Cellular > [Bangladesh Data] > Data Roaming > On.
- After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC), toggle the eSIM on. Grameenphone registers your profile in 60-90 seconds. If data does not connect after 3 minutes, add the APN manually: go to Cellular Data Network and enter APN: "everywhere". Leave username and password blank.
- Verify: open Safari and load any webpage. If the page renders, your Bangladesh data is active at 15 Mbps average.
Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Grameenphone" or "Banglalink" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On iPhone, check Settings > Cellular — the Bangladesh line shows "Grameenphone" under Network. The "4G" indicator confirms your connection type.
Note: If the carrier field shows "No Service" after 2 minutes, go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. If Grameenphone does not appear in the list, restart your iPhone (hold Side + Volume Down for 3 seconds, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).
Google Pixel (Android 14+)
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download SIM.
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider's email. The profile downloads in under 15 seconds.
- Confirm the download and label the SIM "Bangladesh Data" for identification.
- Set as mobile data SIM: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Bangladesh Data > Use for mobile data.
- Enable roaming: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Bangladesh Data > Roaming > On.
- After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC), enable the profile. Grameenphone connects within 60-90 seconds. If data fails to connect, add the APN: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > [Bangladesh eSIM] > Access Point Names > New APN. Name: Grameenphone, APN: "everywhere". Save and set as default.
- Open Chrome and load any page to verify data connectivity on Grameenphone's 4G network.
Carrier confirmation: Your status bar should display "Grameenphone" or "Banglalink" with 4G signal within 60-90 seconds. On Pixel, check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs — the travel SIM displays "Grameenphone" as the active network.
Note: If the signal does not register within 2 minutes, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Bangladesh Data > Advanced > Choose network, switch to Manual, let the scan run, and select Grameenphone. If it fails, reset network settings under Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile, WiFi & Bluetooth.
Carrier Config
Carrier troubleshooting for Bangladesh
Grameenphone
APN: "everywhere" — enter under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (Samsung). Leave username, password, and proxy fields blank. Save and restart data.
Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Grameenphone" from the list. The phone locks onto Grameenphone's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.
Expected speed: 14-15 Mbps in urban areas, 5-8 Mbps in rural coverage
Common issue: If Grameenphone connects but web pages time out, the phone may have defaulted to your home SIM for data. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and confirm the Bangladesh eSIM is selected. The home SIM handles calls only.
Resolution: Contact your eSIM provider's support with the SM-DP+ activation address from your confirmation email. Some Grameenphone profile issues require a new QR code. Airalo responds via in-app chat in under 5 minutes; Holafly offers WhatsApp support at +34 644 44 37 97.
Banglalink
Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Banglalink" from the list. The phone locks onto Banglalink's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.
Expected speed: 9-13 Mbps in cities, 3-6 Mbps outside metro areas
Common issue: Banglalink's network occasionally delays eSIM profile registration during peak hours at major airports. If your phone shows "Searching..." for more than 2 minutes, turn off Automatic network selection, wait 10 seconds, then select Banglalink manually from the operator list.
Resolution: Restart your phone after adjusting network settings. Banglalink typically completes registration within 60-90 seconds of a fresh boot. If the issue persists, remove and re-add the eSIM profile using the manual activation code from your provider's confirmation email.
Robi
Network selection: Open Settings > Cellular > Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators (Samsung). Turn off Automatic. Wait 10-30 seconds for the carrier list to populate. Select "Robi" from the list. The phone locks onto Robi's 4G band and data resumes within 30 seconds.
Expected speed: 9-13 Mbps in cities, 3-6 Mbps outside metro areas
Common issue: Some eSIM plans routed through Robi require data roaming to be enabled on the travel SIM line specifically. Leaving it off is the most common reason travelers report zero signal after landing in Bangladesh. Check under Settings > Cellular > [Travel eSIM] > Data Roaming.
Resolution: Toggle airplane mode on for 15 seconds, then off. This forces a fresh network scan without a full restart. Robi should appear in your carrier field within 60 seconds. If it does not, use manual network selection to find and choose Robi directly.
Dual SIM
Configure your home SIM and Bangladesh eSIM together
Data line setup
Assign the Bangladesh eSIM as your data-only line under Settings. Grameenphone handles all internet traffic — maps, messaging apps, email, and browser. Your home SIM stays active in the background but carries zero data. This configuration prevents accidental roaming charges from your home carrier while keeping your primary number reachable.
Calls and SMS
Leave your home SIM active for voice and SMS only. Incoming calls reach you at your regular number. Outgoing calls default to the home SIM unless you select the travel line before dialing. Two-factor codes from your bank, email, and social accounts arrive via SMS on the home SIM — no interruption. Bangladesh blocks VoIP apps. Use a VPN over the eSIM data line for WhatsApp calls.
Emergency dialing
In an emergency, dial 999. The call routes through the strongest available network in Bangladesh, even if your eSIM data has run out. With active data, you can also access location sharing, translate medical terms in real time, and pull up your travel insurance policy number.
Battery impact
Dual SIM uses 10-15% more power than single SIM. Both radios stay connected to their respective networks. For long days away from a charger, consider disabling the home SIM and keeping only the Bangladesh eSIM on Grameenphone's network. SMS verification codes can wait until you are plugged in at the hotel. Bangladesh uses Type A/C/D/G/K power outlets.
Hotspot
Personal hotspot on Grameenphone's network in Bangladesh
Turn on personal hotspot to share your Bangladesh eSIM data with a laptop or second device. On iPhone: Settings > Personal Hotspot > Allow Others to Join. On Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot. Grameenphone's 4G network delivers 9-12 Mbps typical through hotspot to connected devices. Standard web browsing on a tethered laptop uses about 60-80 MB per hour. Email with attachments adds roughly 30-50 MB per hour.
Provider restrictions
Tethering restrictions depend on the provider and plan tier, not on Bangladesh's network. Fixed-data plans (1GB-20GB) from Airalo and Saily include hotspot. Unlimited plans from Holafly may restrict it. Check "Hotspot/Tethering" in the plan feature list before checkout. A grayed-out toggle in Settings means the plan blocks it server-side.
Data impact
Connected devices use data aggressively. A MacBook with open browser tabs consumes 100-300 MB/hour in background refreshes alone. Before connecting to your Bangladesh hotspot, close unnecessary tabs, pause Dropbox and iCloud sync, and disable macOS/Windows automatic updates. These steps can save 1-2 GB per day of hotspot use.
VPN
Prepare for Bangladesh's VoIP blocks: VPN guide
Voice and video calls over the internet are restricted in Bangladesh. Grameenphone enforces this at the network level. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom audio, Skype, and Telegram calls all require a VPN to function. Text messaging works without a VPN. Install NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark before departure and verify the connection works. A 30-minute video call over VPN uses about 350-450 MB — budget your Bangladesh data plan accordingly.
VPN use for personal privacy is generally legal
Affected apps: Services requiring VPN in Bangladesh: WhatsApp voice/video, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom audio, Google Meet, Viber calls, Telegram voice, Discord voice. Services working without VPN: iMessage, SMS, WhatsApp text chat, Telegram text, email, web browsing.
Registration
Skip Bangladesh's SIM registration with eSIM
Bangladesh requires Passport and biometric required for physical SIM cards. At Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC), registration means handing your passport to a carrier agent, waiting for the system to process your data, and hoping the activation completes before your ground transport leaves. An eSIM eliminates the registration requirement entirely. Buy it online, install at home, and connect to Grameenphone the moment you land.
WiFi Backup
Activate your Bangladesh eSIM without reliable WiFi
Public WiFi in Bangladesh is limited. For eSIM installation, use your home WiFi before departure. The QR code scan downloads a small profile (under 1 MB) from the carrier's server. This transfer needs a clean connection — captive portals and login walls at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) or hotels can interrupt it.
Activating without WiFi
Fallback if WiFi is unavailable: manual SM-DP+ entry. Your confirmation email from the eSIM provider includes a server address and activation code. iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Enter Activation Code. This method works over any internet connection. Save the email offline before departure so you have the codes even without connectivity.
Multi-Country
Adding Bangladesh to your multi-country eSIM setup
Multi-country travelers benefit from per-country eSIM profiles. A dedicated Bangladesh plan on Grameenphone runs faster than a regional eSIM because it connects to the local network directly instead of roaming. Install all profiles at home, label them by country, and switch at each border. iPhone stores 8 profiles; newer Samsung devices store 10 or more. Bangladesh plans start at $3.49 for 1GB.
Switching eSIM profiles between countries
To switch from a previous country's eSIM to Bangladesh: iPhone — Settings > Cellular, tap the old country's eSIM, toggle "Turn On This Line" off. Tap the Bangladesh eSIM, toggle it on, and confirm it is set as Cellular Data. Samsung — Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, disable the old SIM, enable the Bangladesh SIM, set it as Mobile Data. Grameenphone registers within 60-90 seconds.
Fixes
Fixing installation issues for Bangladesh
"eSIM Not Supported" error
Cause: Your phone is carrier-locked or the model does not support eSIM.
Fix: Contact your home carrier to unlock (24-72 hours). Verify your model supports eSIM at our compatibility list.
"Unable to Activate eSIM" error
Cause: eSIM profile slot is full, or the QR code was already redeemed.
Fix:Delete unused eSIM profiles in Settings > Cellular. iPhones hold 8 profiles (2 active). If the QR shows as used, contact your provider for a replacement code.
Connected but no data
Cause: Data roaming is off on the travel eSIM, or data is routing through the home SIM.
Fix:Settings > Cellular > select travel eSIM > Data Roaming ON. Also verify: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM as your data line. Restart your phone after making changes.
Slow speeds on Grameenphone
Expected: 15 Mbps. If speeds are noticeably lower: toggle airplane mode on and off. Move to a different area.
VPN configuration after setup
Provider-specific installation issues
- Airalo: QR code in email and in-app. Re-download available in the app under "My eSIMs"
- Nomad: QR delivered by email only. Check spam folder. No app required for installation
- Holafly: QR code in app and email. Unlimited plans activate on first connection
- Saily: QR in app. VPN configuration separate from eSIM setup
Quick Answers
Common setup questions for Bangladesh
FAQ
FAQ: setting up eSIM for Bangladesh
How do I install an eSIM for Bangladesh on iPhone?
Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Scan the code from your provider email. Label the plan "Bangladesh Travel" and set it as your cellular data line. The process takes about 5 minutes over WiFi.
How do I install an eSIM for Bangladesh on Android?
Open Settings > Network & Internet > Add eSIM. Select "Download a SIM instead" then scan. Scan the QR code from your provider email. Name the profile "Bangladesh Data" and set it as your mobile data SIM. Steps vary slightly between Google Pixel and other Android versions.
What APN settings do I need for Bangladesh?
Most eSIMs auto-configure APN for Grameenphone's network. If auto-config fails, check your provider's confirmation email for manual APN values. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network to verify or enter settings manually.
Can I install the eSIM before my trip to Bangladesh?
Yes. Install at home over WiFi any time before departure. Do not enable data roaming until you land in Bangladesh. Plans count from the first network connection, not from installation. Installing early is recommended.
How many eSIM profiles can my phone hold?
iPhone holds up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Android varies by manufacturer: Samsung supports 5-8, Google Pixel supports 8+. Delete unused profiles in Settings > Cellular to make room for new ones.
What if the QR code does not work for Bangladesh?
Use manual activation: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually. Find the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your provider email. This method works when the camera cannot read the QR code or when using a forwarded email.
How do I know my eSIM is connected to Grameenphone?
Check the status bar for "Grameenphone" or a roaming indicator. Run a speed test at fast.com. Expected speeds: approximately 15 Mbps. If you see "No Service," enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line.
How to set up eSIM on iPad for Bangladesh?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Bangladesh. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Grameenphone as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.49 for 1GB.
How to test eSIM before traveling to Bangladesh?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Bangladesh. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Grameenphone as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.49 for 1GB.
How to fix eSIM connection in Bangladesh?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Bangladesh. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Grameenphone as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.49 for 1GB.
How to add eSIM without QR code for Bangladesh?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Bangladesh. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Grameenphone as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.49 for 1GB.
How many eSIMs can I have for Bangladesh?
See the step-by-step instructions above for Bangladesh. Install the eSIM via QR code over WiFi, configure Grameenphone as your data line, and enable data roaming after landing. Plans from $3.49 for 1GB.
Related guides
Provider pricing and network analysis
Travel guide for BangladeshPre-departure, activation, data tips
General activation guideStep-by-step eSIM activation
Dual-SIM setupUse both SIMs simultaneously
Remove old eSIM profilesFree up eSIM slots on your phone
More South Asia destinationseSIM plans across the region
Bangladesh eSIM: ready in 5 minutes. 5 minutes, no counter.
Nomad: from $1.25/GB on Grameenphone. Install at home, activate on arrival.