Prepaid
Top Pick: NomadPrepaid SIM Card & eSIM for Bangladesh (2026 Guide)
A prepaid travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that installs on your phone via QR code. It provides mobile data in Bangladesh without a physical SIM card, passport scan, or airport counter visit. Plans start from $1.25/GB.
- 6 Plans
- 1 Networks
- 4G LTE
- Updated June 2026
Key Facts
- Cheapest eSIM
- $1.25/GB
- Network
- Banglalink
- Speed
- 4G LTE
- Plans available
- 6
- Main airport
- Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC)
- Airport SIM cost
- $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days
- ID required
- Yes — passport
As of June 2026, Bangladesh has 6 prepaid eSIM plans across 1 networks at 4G LTE speeds.
The cheapest rate is $1.25/GB via Nomad on Banglalink.
Airport SIM counters at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) charge $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days for a comparable plan.
As of June 2026, a prepaid eSIM for Bangladesh costs from $3.49 for 1GB with 4G LTE speeds on Banglalink networks.
A prepaid eSIM for Bangladesh starts at $3.49 for 1GB, bought online before your flight and active the second you clear customs. The line at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC)'s SIM counter can run 20 minutes or longer on a busy arrival. Your taxi is ready while other passengers are still waiting at the kiosk.
Some Bangladesh prepaid eSIM plans carry unused data forward if you top up before expiry. That means a short trip with a larger plan is not necessarily wasted — leftover GB stay on your account. Banglalink power the 4G LTE connection across the country. Average download speeds in Bangladesh reach 15 Mbps.
Bangladesh requires SIM registration: Passport and biometric required. A travel eSIM purchased before you depart skips the in-country registration step. Internet shutdowns during 2024 protests Local currency in Bangladesh is the BDT (৳). Airport SIM counters often price plans in local currency — a prepaid eSIM is priced in USD with no conversion at point of purchase.
Compared
Prepaid eSIM picks for Bangladesh
All providers route through local carriers in Bangladesh. Sorted by overall rating.
We earn a commission on some links. It never changes our rankings or the price you pay.
| Provider | Rating | From / GB |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4 / 5 | from $3.00/GB | |
 AiraloBest Overall | 4.8 / 5 | from $4.50/GB |
| 4.5 / 5 | from $3.99/GB | |
 HolaflyBest Unlimited | 4.6 / 5 | from $2.99/day |
Prices verified June 2026. Updated monthly from provider websites.
Our pick for Bangladesh: Nomad
For Bangladesh in 2026, Nomad scores 4.4/5 with plans from $3.00/GB on Banglalink's 4G LTE network. Best per-GB pricing for budget travelers.
Comparison based on 4 providers tested in June 2026. Prices verified against official provider websites. See our methodology.
The Scenario
Why you want data before landing in Bangladesh
You step off the plane at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) feeling dizzy. You need to reach local emergency services at 999 and share your location with a travel companion. The SIM counter is on the other side of the terminal — a 10-minute walk you cannot make right now. A prepaid eSIM installed before departure gives you data the moment you land. Call 999, share your GPS pin, and get help without walking to a counter first. PrepaidTraveleSIM at $3.49 for 1GB on Grameenphone — the cost of skipping that walk is negligible.
Four Ways to Buy
Business travel data options for Bangladesh
Compare airport counters, city shops, online delivery, and instant eSIM activation.
Airport SIM counter
10-30 min waitWait times at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) run 15-25 minutes on a normal arrival day. Counters close by midnight — flights that land late leave you without data until morning.
City phone shop
ID requiredIn-store SIM purchase in Bangladesh requires registration: Passport and biometric required. Allow 20-40 minutes for the process. A prepaid eSIM skips this step entirely.
Online pre-order
Plan aheadPhysical SIM delivery to your Bangladesh hotel takes 5-10 business days. Order at least a week before departure. Shipping is free from most providers. No arrivals-hall queue.
Instant eSIM (our pick)
5 min setupNomad runs on Bangladesh's same networks as physical SIMs. Install it over WiFi before you board — your home number stays active on the other SIM slot. Land with data ready.
Pricing
Prepaid data pricing for Bangladesh trips
Bangladesh prepaid eSIM cost per day: 1GB at $3.49 — roughly $3.49/day; 5GB at $9.49 — roughly $1.90/day; 20GB at $24.99 — roughly $1.25/day. Compare that against the airport counter at $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days upfront with no per-day breakdown.
The best per-GB rate is $1.25/GB on the 20GB plan at $24.99. Unlimited daily data starts at $3.35 for 1 day — $3.35/day (2GB at full speed per day).
| Data | Price (USD) | Price per GB |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| 3GB | $6.99 | $2.33 |
| 5GB | $9.49 | $1.90 |
| 10GB | $15.99 | $1.60 |
| 20GBBest value | $24.99 | $1.25 |
| Unlimited / day | $3.49/day | — |
Cost Breakdown
Cost per day for data in Bangladesh
A month in Bangladesh burns through small plans fast. The 20GB plan at $24.99 covers three to four weeks on a student budget. Airport SIMs at $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days run out in days — buying twice costs more than the 20GB eSIM from the start. Gap year travelers and long-stay students save by buying the right size upfront.
| Trip | eSIM Plan | Airport SIM |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $3.49 (1GB) | $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days |
| 7 days | $9.49 (5GB) | $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days |
| 14 days | $24.99 (20GB) | $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days |
Roaming vs eSIM
Bangladesh roaming charges vs eSIM pricing
Why a prepaid eSIM beats carrier roaming in Bangladesh
Four travelers on carrier roaming at $10/day each: $40/day, $280/week, $560 for two weeks. That total often exceeds the flight cost for one person. Four prepaid eSIMs from Nomad at $3.49 for 1GB each cost $13.96 total for the same trip length on Banglalink. Each person manages their own plan. No shared data limits, no single bill absorbing four people's usage.
Coverage
Bangladesh network speeds and carrier access
WiFi in Bangladesh is limited outside major hotels. Your prepaid eSIM on Banglalink's 4G LTE network handles the load that WiFi cannot. Airport SIM counters sell plans on this same infrastructure at a higher price.
The best-value prepaid eSIM plan from Nomad is 20GB at $24.99 ($1.25/GB) — no airport visit, no queue, no passport copy required.
Available Networks
- RatingBanglalink4G
Local Context
Practical data notes for Bangladesh visitors
Mobile infrastructure in Bangladesh varies between urban centers and rural areas. Coverage in capital cities and tourist corridors is generally strong; remote regions can be patchy on any SIM:
SIM counters are available at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC). A prepaid eSIM activated before your flight skips this queue entirely. Buying a SIM in Bangladesh: Passport and biometric required. A travel eSIM purchased before you depart bypasses these in-country requirements. Internet shutdowns during 2024 protests
Quick Reference
Bangladesh arrival basics at a glance
- Emergency
- 999
- Power Socket
- Type A/C/D/G/K
- Time Zone
- BST (UTC+6)
- Currency
- BDT (৳)
- eSIM Speed
- 4G LTE
WiFi
WiFi infrastructure in Bangladesh
Downtown areas in Bangladesh have the highest concentration of WiFi hotspots — cafes, hotels, shopping centers, and sometimes municipal networks. Outside city centers, coverage drops quickly. Overall WiFi availability is limited.
A prepaid eSIM on Grameenphone covers the gaps. 4G LTE signal reaches areas where WiFi does not, keeping maps and messaging active on rural roads and between towns.
Data Tips
Data needs for Bangladesh by traveler type
Most travelers to Bangladesh need 3-5 GB for a one-week trip. This covers maps, messaging, social media browsing, and occasional photo sharing. The smallest plan available starts at $3.49 for 1GB.
- 0.7 GBEmail and chatCovers email, Slack, and basic browsing in Bangladesh — no video. 0.7 GB is enough for a day of light remote work on Grameenphone when you have hotel WiFi for calls. Prices are in USD — no BDT conversion at purchase.
- 1.5 GBLight callsTwo or three 30-minute video calls plus full-day email and messaging in Bangladesh. Works for a short business trip where meetings happen mostly over hotel WiFi on Grameenphone. Bangladesh runs on BST (UTC+6) — jet-lagged travelers tend to use more data in the first 48 hours while adjusting.
- 4 GBDaily meetingsBangladesh WiFi is unreliable — 4 GB keeps you covered for back-to-back video calls, VPN tunnels, and file uploads on Grameenphone all day.
- 8+ GBFull remote workLaptop tethering, all-day video calls, large file uploads, and VPN overhead in Bangladesh on Grameenphone. The right tier if your hotel WiFi is not reliable enough for client calls.
Need internet without voice? See our data-only plan guide.
Device Check
Which devices work with Bangladesh eSIM plans
Before buying a prepaid eSIM for Bangladesh, verify your phone is carrier-unlocked. On iPhone, check Settings → General → About for "No SIM restrictions." On Android, open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager. Compatible devices: iPhone XS (2018) and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) and newer (including Galaxy A54+), and Google Pixel 3 (2018) and newer. Grameenphone and Banglalink both support eSIM connections in Bangladesh. Budget and older mid-range phones typically do not support eSIM, regardless of carrier.
Pre-Flight Checklist
How to set up your Bangladesh eSIM at home
Do this at home — not in the airport arrivals hall.
- 01
Verify phone unlock
Call your carrier or check Settings → General → About. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a Bangladesh travel eSIM — a locked device will reject the foreign profile. Allow 24-72 hours if you need to request an unlock.
- 02
Confirm eSIM support
iPhone XR (2018) or newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+, and Pixel 3+ all support eSIM. Check your model specs if you are unsure — older and budget phones may be physical-SIM only.
- 03
Buy before you depart
Plans start at $3.49 for 1GB. Airport SIM counters at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) charge 2-5x more for the same Grameenphone coverage. Buying in advance takes under two minutes and the QR code arrives by email.
- 04
Install the eSIM at home
Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR code from your confirmation email. Installation requires a stable WiFi connection — do it on your home network, not at the boarding gate.
- 05
Set data line, keep your number
Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. Switch cellular data to the Bangladesh eSIM under Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data. Enable data roaming on the travel line only — you connect to Grameenphone automatically when you land.
Step by Step
The activation comparison for Bangladesh
Buying a SIM at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC): land, find the counter (not always signposted), join the queue, show your passport (Passport and biometric required), pick a plan from a card in a foreign language, pay (cash only at some counters), wait for activation, walk away — roughly 45 minutes. Buying a prepaid eSIM: order online before departure (2 minutes), scan the QR code at home (1 minute), enable it on landing (30 seconds). Total: under 5 minutes. The 15-30 minutes queue at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) is not included.
Airport SIM — 7 steps (~45 min)
- Land and collect bags
- Locate the SIM counter (not always signposted)
- Join the queue
- Show passport for registration
- Choose a plan from a rate card
- Pay (cash only at some counters)
- Wait for SIM activation
Prepaid eSIM — 3 steps (~5 min)
- Buy online before departure (2 min)
- Scan QR code over home WiFi (1 min)
- Enable on landing — connects automatically
Which Provider
The right eSIM provider for Bangladesh
Short weekend trip to Bangladesh and price is the priority? Nomad has the lowest per-GB rate. Multi-country itinerary that includes Bangladesh? Airalo covers 200+ countries on one account — switch destinations without buying a new plan.
Streaming video on a long trip or tethering a laptop? Holafly unlimited daily data means no counter to watch. Connecting through hostel or airport WiFi along the way? Saily adds NordVPN on the same account — your traffic stays encrypted on public networks.
Regional Plans
Bangladesh and neighboring countries on one eSIM
eSIM prices vary by country in South Asia. Bangladesh plans start at $3.49 for 1GB. Neighboring destinations may cost more or less per GB depending on local carrier rates.
A regional bundle averages the cost across countries. If one destination on your route is expensive, the bundle dilutes that cost. Compare individual country totals against the regional bundle price before you buy.
Compare providers side by side: Airalo vs Holafly · Airalo vs Nomad · Holafly vs Saily · Saily vs Nomad · All providers
The Honest Call
Comparing eSIM and local SIM in Bangladesh
Choose an eSIM if you...
- Want to skip passport registration entirely
- Are arriving late or on a tight schedule
- Have an iPhone XR or newer
- Only need data, not a local phone number
- Want to set everything up before you fly
Choose a local SIM if you...
- Need a local phone number for bookings
- Are staying months and want a local plan
- Have an older phone without eSIM support
- Prefer a physical card you can hand to staff
- Want in-person help at a counter
Compare alternatives: pocket WiFi vs eSIM | prepaid vs postpaid
Avoid These
Top mistakes with Bangladesh prepaid data
Not checking whether your phone is carrier-locked.
A locked phone rejects every foreign eSIM profile. Confirm unlock status in Settings → General → About before you buy. Unlocking requests take 24-72 hours — do it at least two days before departure.
Activating the eSIM during a layover.
Many plans count days from first network connection, not from installation. Keep the eSIM toggled off until you land in Bangladesh. Enabling it at a connecting airport burns a full day of your plan.
Leaving home-carrier data roaming on.
With two SIMs active, your home carrier's roaming can silently rack up charges. Turn data roaming off on the home SIM before you leave and route all data through the travel eSIM.
Not downloading the provider app before your flight.
Top-ups, support, and data tracking all happen in the app. Download and log in while you still have your home WiFi — airport WiFi login pages can block app stores.
Privacy
Online privacy while traveling in Bangladesh
VPN access in Bangladesh is restricted. Some VPN protocols work, others are throttled or blocked. The situation changes periodically — what worked last month may not work today.
Install your VPN app and test it before you travel. Saily, from the team behind NordVPN, bundles VPN protection with its eSIM plans — a practical option for travelers who want data and privacy under one account.
Use VPN over cellular rather than public WiFi for better reliability. Your prepaid eSIM on 4G LTE provides the stable connection a VPN needs to maintain its tunnel.
Learn more: eSIM security and privacy guide
Troubleshooting
Bangladesh internet connection issues and fixes
QR code won't scan
Two common causes: a carrier-locked phone that rejects foreign profiles, or a full eSIM storage. iPhones store up to 8 profiles but can only run 2 at once. Use the manual activation code in your order email — it contains the same profile data as the QR image.
Plan started counting down too early
Installation does not start the clock — but a network connection does. Switch the Bangladesh eSIM off after scanning the QR code and leave it off until you land. Enable it once you are on the ground and past customs.
Cannot connect to corporate VPN
Corporate VPNs often use strict protocols that conflict with mobile carrier settings. On Grameenphone in Bangladesh, try switching from IKEv2 to OpenVPN or WireGuard. Contact your IT team for alternate server addresses if the primary fails. Test VPN connectivity over home WiFi before departure to confirm your credentials work — troubleshooting in a foreign time zone adds friction.
Phone uses WiFi instead of eSIM data
Your phone may auto-connect to a weak WiFi network and ignore the eSIM data connection. Turn off WiFi when you need reliable mobile data in Bangladesh. On iPhone, use Settings → WiFi → toggle off. On Android, swipe down and disable WiFi. Grameenphone's 4G LTE signal is often faster than cafe or hotel WiFi.
The Bottom Line
Bangladesh prepaid eSIM: our final take
Having data when you land in Bangladesh means access to emergency services at 999 and real-time maps from your first step outside Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC). Nomad connects to Grameenphone's 4G LTE network at $1.25/GB — set up at home, active on arrival. Without data, even dialing emergency services from a foreign phone can be confusing. A prepaid eSIM removes that risk entirely. Note: VPN access is restricted in Bangladesh — install your VPN app before arrival.
Starting at $1.25/GB, a prepaid plan for Bangladesh is one of the easiest upgrades for any trip. See the full destinations list or explore more South Asia destinations, or read how to activate your eSIM before you fly.
How we test and score: editorial policy · corrections log
FAQ
Bangladesh prepaid data questions
Can I buy a SIM card at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) airport?
Yes — Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) has SIM counters from local carriers. Airport SIMs from local carriers cost around $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days. The counter is in the arrivals hall after customs. A prepaid eSIM is a better option: purchase before departure, scan the QR code on the plane, and connect the moment you land for $3.49 (1GB). No waiting in queues or dealing with staff language barriers.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Bangladesh?
Yes — Passport and biometric required Foreign passports sometimes cause delays or outright rejection at local counters. A prepaid eSIM eliminates the ID requirement entirely: buy online before your flight, scan the QR code at home, and your phone connects to Grameenphone's 4G LTE network the moment you land in Bangladesh. No counter visit, no registration form, no waiting.
Is an airport SIM or eSIM cheaper for Bangladesh?
A prepaid eSIM saves money on every front. Airport SIMs at Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) run $3-5 for 3-10GB / 28 days, and that price often includes less data than a comparable eSIM plan. A prepaid eSIM starts at $3.49 for 1GB — the 20GB plan at $24.99 drops to $1.25/GB. Factor in the 15-25 minutes saved by not standing in an airport queue, and the eSIM wins on both cost and time for Bangladesh.
Can I install my Bangladesh eSIM before I travel?
Yes. Install the eSIM up to 30 days before your trip. For extra safety, install a second eSIM from a different provider as a backup — iPhones store up to 8 profiles, so there is no limit issue. Scan both QR codes at home over WiFi, leave them inactive, and enable your primary Bangladesh plan after landing. If one provider has poor coverage at your destination, switch to the backup in seconds. Plans start at $3.49.
Which phones support eSIM for Bangladesh?
All iPhone models from the XS (2018) onward support eSIM. Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) and newer, Google Pixel 3 (2018) and newer, and most flagship Android phones from 2020 onward also work with prepaid eSIM plans for Bangladesh. Carrier-unlock status matters more than the model year — a locked Galaxy S23 cannot install a travel eSIM. Check: Settings > General > About on iPhone, or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager on Android.
Can I use my prepaid eSIM as a hotspot in Bangladesh?
Yes, with provider-specific limits. Airalo allows hotspot on most Bangladesh data plans without a daily cap. Holafly's unlimited plans include hotspot but cap it at 1GB per day — enough for light laptop use but not video calls. Other providers vary. The safest approach: read the plan details on the provider's page before buying, not after. If the listing does not mention hotspot, assume it is limited — on Bangladesh's 15 Mbps average download speed, even a capped plan covers basic browsing and messaging.
What happens when my prepaid eSIM data runs out in Bangladesh?
Your Bangladesh data plan stops when you hit the limit. No overage charges, no automatic renewals, no hidden fees. The eSIM profile stays on your phone — you run on zero data until you top up. Open the provider app on WiFi (hotel, cafe, or airport), buy a new plan, and data resumes within a few minutes. The eSIM does not need to be reinstalled. You can also preload a second plan from a different provider as a backup before leaving home.
Can I keep my home phone number while using a Bangladesh eSIM?
Yes. Set your prepaid Bangladesh eSIM as the cellular data line and leave your home SIM active for calls and texts. Both run simultaneously on a dual-SIM phone. Incoming calls on your home number still ring through — your home carrier's standard rates apply to those calls, so check your plan if you expect to receive many. For most travelers, this setup means free data in Bangladesh and reachable home contacts without a second device.
How far in advance should I buy my Bangladesh prepaid eSIM?
For solo travelers, one to two days before departure. For group trips, buy earlier — coordinating eSIM installs for a family or travel group takes longer than doing it alone. Each person receives their own QR code and installs independently. Handle all purchases 3-5 days before the trip so everyone has time to scan and confirm. Plan validity starts from first use in Bangladesh, not the purchase date. Plans start at $3.49.
Does eSIM work without WiFi after installation in Bangladesh?
Yes. The eSIM runs on Grameenphone's cellular network in Bangladesh — WiFi is not required after the one-time QR code install. Cellular connections actually use less battery than WiFi scanning, because your phone is not constantly searching for networks. Keep WiFi turned off while using the eSIM to extend battery life during long sightseeing days in Bangladesh. Toggle WiFi on only at your hotel if you prefer a faster connection for large downloads or video calls.
Can I have two eSIMs on my phone at the same time for Bangladesh?
Yes. The most common setup for Bangladesh travel: keep your home eSIM (or physical SIM) for calls and texts, and add a travel eSIM for data. Both run at the same time. Route cellular data through the travel eSIM and leave your home line active for incoming calls and SMS verification codes. iPhones store up to 8 eSIM profiles; Samsung Galaxy S21+ supports dual eSIM. No conflict, no SIM swap, no lost calls during your trip.
How do I check if my phone is unlocked for eSIM in Bangladesh?
The fastest test: borrow a SIM card from someone on a different carrier and insert it into your phone. If the phone connects to their network, yours is unlocked. No SIM available? Check Settings > General > About on iPhone — look for "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock. On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for the "Add eSIM" option. A locked phone cannot install any travel eSIM, including Bangladesh plans.
Get Bangladesh data before you board
Skip the Hazrat Shahjalal (DAC) SIM queue. Data runs the moment you land.