Bangladesh Phone Number Format: Domestic and International

When traveling to or communicating with someone in Bangladesh, it’s essential to understand the country’s phone number format. Whether you’re making a local call or dialing internationally, this knowledge of the phone system ensures smooth communication and also helps to maintain enterprises’ communication needs. 

In this blog, we’ll explain the key components of Bangladesh phone number format, offer tips for travelers, discuss the calling format and phone system, and much more.

Understanding Bangladesh Phone Number Format

The phone number format in Bangladesh follows a standardized structure, which is essential for dialing correctly within the country and internationally. The phone number consists of three key parts:

Country Code: +880 is the Bangladesh phone country code, which is essential when dialing from outside the country as it identifies Bangladesh in international phone calls.

Area Code: It is a unique identifier that represents the specific geographic locations within the country. Area codes vary by city or region. Bangladesh Landline numbers are structured with the area code followed by 6-8 digits of subscribed line number.

For example, +880 2 XXXXXXX would be the format of a Dhaka landline number.

Prefix: Prefix consists of three digits which represent the mobile network carrier. Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Teletalk are the major network carriers in Bangladesh.

Line Number: It is the specific number assigned to the line, which in Bangladesh is typically 6-8 digits long which follows the area code for landlines and prefix for mobile phones.

Bangladesh Phone Number Format with Example

The phone number formats currently available in Bangladesh, along with their examples, are as follows:

1. Landline Number

Bangladeshi landline numbers consist of an area code (1-3 digits) identifying the region, followed by a 6-8 digit subscriber number. For example, Dhaka’s area code is 2, Chittagong’s is 31, and Khulna’s is 41.

To call a Bangladesh landline number, dial the area code with a leading zero, followed by the subscriber number (e.g., 02 XXXXXXXX for Dhaka). For international calls, dial your country’s exit code, then 880 (Bangladesh’s country code), the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number (e.g., 011 880 2 XXXXXXXX from the US).

2. Mobile Number

Bangladeshi mobile phone numbers consist of a Mobile Network Prefix (three digits) followed by an 8-digit Subscriber Number. Common prefixes include 013, 014, 015, 016, 017, 018, and 019, representing providers like Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Teletalk.

For domestic calls, dial 880 followed by the prefix and subscriber number (e.g., 880 1747 506838 for Grameenphone). If you dial Bangladesh Mobile Number from outside the nation, use your country’s exit code, followed by 880, the prefix, and the subscriber number (e.g., XX 880 1747 506838, where XX is the exit code).

3. Toll-Free Number

Bangladeshi toll-free numbers allow businesses to provide free customer support, featuring a toll-free prefix (800) followed by a 6-8 digit subscriber number. For domestic calls, dial 0800 followed by the subscriber number (e.g., 0800-XXXXXX).

You can also dial Bangladesh Toll-free numbers from outside the nation. For international calls, use your country’s exit code, followed by 880 (Bangladesh’s country code), the toll-free prefix without the leading zero (800), and the subscriber number (e.g., 011 880 800 XXXXXX from the US). An example of a Bangladeshi toll-free number is +8808007777777, used by Pran Foods in Dhaka.

4. Emergency Numbers

Emergency numbers refer to the telephone numbers for local ambulances, fire departments, police departments, and physicians who respond to emergency situations. Following are some of the emergency numbers of Bangladesh.

• Police: 999
• Fire: 991
• Ambulance: 199

Area Codes for Major Cities in Bangladesh

Here is the list of area codes of major cities in Bangladesh.

Calling Bangladesh from Abroad

If you’re looking to stay connected with family, friends, or businesses in Bangladesh, understanding the process of calling Bangladesh from abroad is crucial. Bangladesh has a well-developed phone system, which makes international communication straightforward, provided you know the necessary steps.

Steps for Dialing Internationally

Know the Country Code for Bangladesh

Start by dialing the international access code for your country. This is typically “00” or “+” depending on your region. Next, dial the country code for Bangladesh, which is 880.

Identify the Type of Number

In Bangladesh, phone numbers are divided into landlines and mobiles. For a landline, you’ll need to include the area code specific to the location you are calling. For example, Dhaka’s code is 2. For Bangladeshi mobile numbers, skip the area code and directly use the mobile prefix.

Compose the Full Number

The final number format will look like this:

• Landline: +880-2-XXXX-XXXX
• Mobile: +880-1XXXXXXXXX

What to Know When Traveling to Bangladesh?

When traveling to Bangladesh, staying connected is crucial for navigation, communication, and keeping in touch with loved ones. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand how to manage phone services and stay connected efficiently during your visit.

Using Your Foreign SIM Card in Bangladesh

1. International Roaming

• Most global carriers provide roaming services in Bangladesh. However, these services are typically expensive and may not cover data-intensive needs.
• To activate, check with your provider before traveling and confirm the charges for calls, texts, and data.

2. Compatibility of Your Phone

• Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports GSM networks, which are standard in Bangladesh.
• Verify that your device operates on frequencies compatible with Bangladesh’s mobile operators (e.g., 900 MHz and 1800 MHz for 2G/3G).

How to Use a Foreign SIM Card in Bangladesh?

To use a foreign SIM card in Bangladesh, ensure your phone is unlocked and supports GSM networks. Confirm that your SIM card has international roaming enabled and understand the associated charges. Upon arrival, your phone should automatically connect to a local network like Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, or Teletalk; if not, manually select one in your settings.

For prepaid cards, ensure sufficient credit and update APN settings if data doesn’t work. If roaming costs are high, consider purchasing a local SIM with your passport for cheaper rates and seamless connectivity. Always test your phone to ensure full functionality.

Steps to Keep Your International Number Active While in Bangladesh

If you wish to retain your international number while in Bangladesh, contact your service provider to activate international roaming. Some providers offer specific plans that allow you to maintain your original number and avoid excessive charges.

SIM Card Information and Activation Process

If you are planning to visit Bangladesh, you should know how to get SIM cards so that you can stay connected and attend to your business back home.

How to Purchase a SIM Card in Bangladesh?

Purchasing a Bangladeshi SIM card is one of the best ways to stay connected. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Why Get a Local SIM Card?

• Affordable rates for local calls, data, and international calls.
• Easy access to mobile internet services for navigation and communication.

2. Who are the Major Providers?

• Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Teletalk are the top telecom operators.
• Each offers competitive prepaid and postpaid plans suitable for travelers.

Steps for Activation and Registering a Local Number

Activation and registration of a local Bangladeshi SIM card is very easy. After arrival, one should just visit the official store of any mobile operator, such as Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, or Teletalk. One needs to carry a valid passport and visa, if applicable, since these are necessary for registration under Bangladesh’s biometric verification system.

Go to the store and select either a prepaid or postpaid plan, whichever best suits your needs. The agent will register your SIM card with a fingerprint scan and photocopy of your passport. Once activated, put it in your unlocked, GSM-compatible phone; it should be live within minutes.

If it doesn’t self-activate immediately, restart the phone or select a network from within your phone’s settings menu. Make a call and/or test with data usage. Recharge your SIM as needed, which can be done through physical scratch cards or online services. This process ensures a secure and seamless mobile experience in Bangladesh.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans

In Bangladesh, there are two major mobile services that a visitor can avail of pre-paid and postpaid plans. For tourists, the pre-paid ones are more popular because of flexibility, easy access, and affordability. You pay upfront for prepaid, recharge when it runs out, and no surprise bills.

The prepaid SIMs are easily available and require minimal documentation, such as a passport and visa. They have a variety of small data and voice packages suitable for small stays.

In contrast, postpaid plans target long-term residents or frequent visitors as they offer bigger bundles but need to be paid on a monthly basis, and in addition require a local address, lots of documentation, and sometimes even a deposit or a credit check.

While the postpaid may give better rates for high usage, their lengthy activation process outweighs the convenience factor for a short-term traveler. Prepaid plans give most visitors the best balance between simplicity and control.

Final Words

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide boosts the person’s understanding of Bangladesh’s phone number format and communication options, which are essential for seamless connectivity during your visit. With a well-structured numbering system and robust mobile networks, you can easily stay connected through local or international calls.

For travelers, prepaid plans offer unmatched flexibility, affordability, and ease of access, making them ideal for short-term stays. Alternatively, postpaid plans cater to long-term users with larger bundles but involve more documentation and commitment. Whether you choose to use a foreign SIM card or switch to a local one, Bangladesh provides a range of options to meet your communication needs efficiently. Staying informed ensures you can navigate the system effortlessly and focus on enjoying your trip when visiting from outside Bangladesh.

FAQs

1. What is the country code for Bangladesh?

The country code for Bangladesh is +880.

2. How can I call Bangladesh from the USA?

To call Bangladesh from the USA, dial 011 + 880 + area code + phone number.

3. Are there any mobile number prefixes I should know?

Yes, mobile numbers in Bangladesh typically start with 017, 018, 019, and 013, depending on the service provider.

4. How do I dial a landline in Bangladesh?

Dial the area code followed by the 7-digit phone number.

5. What is an 11-digit Grameenphone number?

An 11-digit Grameenphone number includes the prefix 017 followed by a 7-digit number.

6. How do you write Bangladesh numbers?

Bangladesh uses standard Arabic numerals (0-9) for phone numbers.

7. What is the 7-digit phone number format?

A typical phone number in Bangladesh has 7 digits following the area code.

8. What is the dialing pattern for Bangladesh?

The dialing pattern is +880 (country code) + area code + local number for international calls and area code + local number for domestic calls.