Uber: Still the most reliable for cars and “CNGs” (auto-rickshaws) in Dhaka and Chittagong. It removes the need for haggling, which most foreigners find stressful.
Pathao: The local king of ride-sharing. Essential for Bike Taxis to zip through Dhaka’s legendary traffic. It also has an excellent food delivery service built-in.
Rail Sheba: The official Bangladesh Railway app. Essential for checking schedules and attempting to buy train tickets (though foreigners often need a local phone number to register).
Jatri: A rising star for 2026. It’s a “multimodal” app that helps travelers book intercity buses, rent cars, and even check Dhaka Metro Rail timings.
2. Food & Essentials
Foodpanda: The most widespread food delivery app, operating in almost every major city (Dhaka, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna). Great for late-night cravings at your hotel.
Daraz: The “Amazon of Bangladesh.” If a traveler loses a charger or needs a specific piece of gear delivered to their hotel, this is the go-to app.
3. Finance & Payments
bKash / Nagad: These are the lifeblood of Bangladesh’s economy. While foreigners can’t always open an account easily without a Resident Visa, you should advise them to look for the “bKash” logo at shops.
Currency Converter (Offline): Since data can be spotty in the Sundarbans or Hill Tracts, an offline converter is vital for quick mental math at local bazaars.
4. Communication & Safety
WhatsApp: Every local guide, hotel manager, and tour operator uses WhatsApp. It is the unofficial primary communication tool in Bangladesh.
Hello Tourist (by Tourist Police): A specialized app for safety. It provides direct contact with the Bangladesh Tourist Police and allows users to find the nearest police station or report an issue.
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