Destinations / Bangladesh
Driving in Bangladesh as a visitor
Usually yes. Bangladesh expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bangladesh expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BDT. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Heavy, mixed urban traffic — drive defensively. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Horn use is constant. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Bangladesh
At the pump
Stations sell petrol, high-octane (octane), diesel and CNG; pumps are attendant-served. Roughly USD 1.00-1.05 per litre for petrol; many rural stations are cash-only, so carry taka.
After a crash
Dial the national emergency line 999 for police and ambulance; do not move vehicles after a serious crash and wait for police, as a police report is needed for any insurance claim. Crowds can gather quickly, so in a serious incident drivers are advised to drive to the nearest police station rather than confront a mob.
Sources: tyremap.com · bd.usembassy.gov · globalpetrolprices.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bangladesh?
Usually yes. Bangladesh expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Bangladesh accept?
Bangladesh recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Bangladesh ask for one?
Self-drive desks ask for an IDP and passport; chauffeured hire is the norm.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.