Bangladesh Bank Guidelines on Taka-Based Roaming Payments and Corresponding Outward Remittances

The Bangladesh Bank has introduced a policy to facilitate easier access to international roaming services for Bangladeshi travelers.

Mobile operators in Bangladesh are now allowed to accept roaming service payments in Taka from their customers, subject to a limit of BDT6,000 per trip and a maximum of BDT30,000 in a calendar year. These limits apply collectively, regardless of the number of mobile numbers or operators used. To activate roaming services, the customer must have a valid visa and travel ticket, and the activation must be done at least one week prior to departure.

For remitting payments abroad to foreign network operators, authorized dealers (“ADs”) are required to collect the relevant agreements, invoices, and documentary evidence of applicable tax payments. Additionally, they must obtain statements detailing customer earnings and related overseas payables, including customer identification information, and a declaration from the mobile operator confirming compliance with Bangladesh Bank’s Taka payment limits. After verifying the authenticity of the documents, ADs may process the remittance using funds from their foreign currency accounts first, and if necessary, the remaining amount from their Taka accounts. Such remittances must be carried out through a designated AD branch with proper information provided to the concerned department or area office of the Bangladesh Bank.