Taka for Travel Talk: Bangladesh Bank Eases Mobile Roaming Bill Payments

The Bangladesh Bank has made it easier for outbound travelers to use mobile roaming services by allowing payments in local currency (taka). On Thursday, April 24, the central bank issued a circular permitting mobile operators to collect roaming service charges in taka, a move aimed at simplifying digital transactions and enhancing user convenience.

As per the new directive, travelers will now be able to make calls, receive calls, send SMS, and use mobile internet abroad using their existing local SIM cards—paying for all services in taka rather than foreign currencies. This eliminates the previous requirement of international card-based payments in foreign currency.

Mobile operators have welcomed the decision, calling it a customer-friendly initiative. “It is a relief for customers. This will ease digital transactions,” they noted. Market analysts believe the move is likely to boost the number of roaming service users and increase revenue for telecom operators.

According to the circular, a mobile user can now pay up to BDT 6,000 per trip and a maximum of BDT 30,000 annually for roaming services in local currency.

Until now, customers had to rely on international credit or debit cards to make roaming payments in foreign currencies, which posed a barrier for many. With this reform, such limitations will be significantly reduced.

However, mobile operators must adhere to specific conditions outlined by Bangladesh Bank. Customers must possess valid visas and international travel tickets to avail of the service. Additionally, roaming services must be activated at least seven days prior to travel.

Furthermore, even if a customer uses multiple mobile numbers or SIM cards from different operators, they must remain within the stipulated financial limit set by the central bank.

The circular also states that local mobile operators will be allowed to pay bills to foreign network partners, provided they comply with the instructions issued by the respective banks.

This regulatory change is expected to improve the accessibility and affordability of roaming services for Bangladeshi travelers worldwide.