For Bangladeshi travelers, traditionally, activating international roaming often involved using an international credit, debit, or prepaid card, which needed to be endorsed for foreign currency transactions.
In a recent move announced via FE Circular No. 16 (dated April 24, 2025), the Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank has introduced a more convenient way to handle roaming activation fees. Now, mobile operators in Bangladesh can accept payments directly in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) from customers for activating roaming services before their trip.
This means travelers no longer specifically need an internationally endorsed card just for this purpose. They can simply pay their mobile operator locally in Taka.
Bangladesh Bank has set clear limits for this Taka payment facility:
- Per Trip Limit: Travelers can pay up to ৳6,000 in Taka per international trip for roaming activation.
- Annual Limit: There’s an overall cap of ৳30,000 per person in a calendar year.
Requirements for Travelers Using the Taka Payment Option:
- Valid Documents: Travelers need a valid travel ticket and visa (if the destination country requires one).
- Timing: Travelers need to contact their mobile operator to activate the roaming service at least one week before their scheduled departure date.
This is a significant step towards making international travel preparations smoother for Bangladeshis.
The circular also details the procedures for mobile operators and Authorized Dealer banks to manage the necessary documentation and subsequent outward remittances to foreign network partners.