If you’re traveling to Bangladesh or planning a long-term stay, getting a prepaid SIM card is a must for staying connected affordably. From city streets in Dhaka to the scenic hills of Sylhet, Bangladesh offers solid mobile network coverage with competitive prepaid plans. This guide explores the best prepaid SIM cards in Bangladesh, what to expect, where to buy them, how to register, and more.
Basics
Bangladesh has a thriving telecom market with four major mobile operators offering prepaid SIM cards:
- Grameenphone (GP) – The largest network
- Robi Axiata – Popular for data deals
- Banglalink – Youth-focused with budget-friendly plans
- Teletalk – State-owned, best rural coverage
These networks provide affordable call, SMS, and data packages, including special plans for tourists. SIM cards are widely available at airports, retail outlets, and official stores.
Official Websites
These sites offer full plan details, coverage maps, and app downloads.
Frequencies Used in Bangladesh
To ensure your phone is compatible, it should support:
- 2G: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1)
- 5G: Only Teletalk has begun limited 5G rollout as of 2025
Make sure your device is unlocked and supports Band 3 for the best LTE experience.
Coverage & Speed
Grameenphone
- Widest 4G coverage in cities and villages
- Fastest average download speeds (30–40 Mbps)
Robi
- Excellent urban coverage and strong 4G data speeds
- Performs well in Chittagong and Dhaka
Banglalink
- Great for urban users, slightly weaker rural signal
- Competitive speeds for streaming and browsing
Teletalk
- Best rural network reach but slower speeds
- Only provider with government subsidies and student discounts
At a Glance Comparison
| Provider | Coverage | Data Speed | Tourist SIM | App Support | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grameenphone | Excellent | Fastest | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Robi | Great | Fast | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Banglalink | Good in cities | Fast | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Teletalk | Strong rural | Average | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (limited) |
Biometric User Registration
All SIM cards in Bangladesh must be registered via Biometric Verification System (BVS). This involves:
- Showing your passport
- Providing a photo and fingerprint
- Verifying your identity at the point of sale
Unregistered SIMs will not be activated.
What to Expect
- Instant Activation after biometric registration
- English-speaking staff at airport kiosks
- Free SIM offers at times (with initial recharge)
- Bonus data on first recharge or app registration
Device Registration
Foreign devices may need to be registered with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for extended use (more than 30 days). You can do this online at neir.btrc.gov.bd.
Mobile Apps for Prepaid SIM Management
Each provider offers an app for account management:
- MyGP – Grameenphone
- Robi App – Robi Axiata
- Banglalink App – Banglalink
- MyTeletalk – Teletalk
Through these apps, you can recharge, check data, buy bundles, and manage your SIM.
SIM Card Price
- Standard SIM price: ৳100–৳200 ($1–$2)
- Tourist SIMs may be free with bundles or sold with prepaid plans
- Available at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka) and across the country
Prepaid Plans
Grameenphone
- 1 GB for ৳38 (valid 3 days)
- 4 GB for ৳148 (valid 7 days)
- Unlimited YouTube data offers available
Robi
- 3 GB for ৳108 (valid 3 days)
- 10 GB for ৳309 (valid 10 days)
- Combo packs with calls + data
Banglalink
- 2 GB for ৳99 (valid 3 days)
- 5 GB for ৳198 (valid 5 days)
- Budget-friendly social media packages
Teletalk
- 1 GB for ৳24 (valid 1 day)
- 5 GB for ৳97 (valid 7 days)
- Education plans for students
Tourist SIM Cards
Tourists can buy dedicated SIM cards at the airport:
- Grameenphone Tourist SIM: ৳200, includes 5 GB + 50 minutes
- Robi Travel SIM: Includes data + calls to local and selected international numbers
- Teletalk Tourist SIM: Most affordable, ideal for rural areas
These usually include a mix of data, local calls, and sometimes international minutes, valid for 7–30 days.
Data Add-Ons
Data top-ups are easy through:
- Scratch cards
- Mobile apps
- Online banking or mobile wallets like bKash and Nagad
Add-ons range from 100 MB to 30 GB, starting from ৳15.
Activation Process
- Buy a SIM from the official store or kiosk
- Provide your passport and biometrics
- Insert SIM and restart your phone
- Receive welcome SMS and configure APN settings if needed
- Recharge and activate a package
Activation typically takes just 2–10 minutes.
Conclusion
Bangladesh offers reliable and cheap prepaid SIM cards with wide coverage and fast data. For the best experience:
- Grameenphone is ideal for high-speed data and nationwide coverage
- Robi suits balanced users with great packages
- Banglalink is perfect for city travelers on a budget
- Teletalk works best in remote areas and for long stays
With biometric registration, tourist plans, and easy data add-ons, staying connected in Bangladesh has never been easier. Download your provider’s app and enjoy seamless communication as you explore this vibrant country.