Bangladesh is a beautiful country filled with friendly people, stunning landscapes, and rich history. But like with any international trip, it’s important to take a few precautions to stay healthy and safe while you’re there. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what you need to know about health and safety for your trip to Bangladesh.
Recommended Vaccinations
Before heading to Bangladesh, it is important to check with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations. Below are some common vaccinations for travelers to Bangladesh:
Hepatitis A and B
Both Hepatitis A and B are recommended for most travelers. Hepatitis A can be contracted from contaminated food or water, and Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is another risk, particularly if you’re staying in rural areas or consuming food from street vendors. The typhoid vaccine is highly recommended.
Tetanus
It’s a good idea to make sure your tetanus shot is up to date, especially if you plan to be outdoors a lot or visit rural regions. Tetanus can be contracted through cuts or injuries.
Malaria
Malaria is present in some parts of Bangladesh, especially in rural and forested areas. Consult with your doctor about antimalarial medication. Use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to minimize the risk of being bitten.
Rabies
While rabies isn’t a high risk for most travelers, vaccinations are recommended if you’re staying long-term or plan to spend time in remote areas where medical treatment may be harder to find.
Cholera
If you will be traveling to rural parts of Bangladesh or areas with poor sanitation, consider getting vaccinated for cholera.
Routine Vaccines
Don’t forget to ensure you’re up to date on routine vaccines such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, and influenza.
Staying Healthy: Water, Food, and Hygiene Tips
Food and waterborne illnesses are common concerns for travelers in Bangladesh. But with a few precautions, you can avoid most issues:
Drink Bottled or Purified Water
In Bangladesh, tap water isn’t safe to drink. Always opt for bottled water with a sealed cap or use a water purifier. Be cautious with ice too, as it’s likely made from tap water.
Be Careful with Street Food
Street food is delicious but can pose a risk if not prepared or handled hygienically. Eat food that’s cooked in front of you and served hot. Avoid anything that’s been sitting out for a while or looks questionable.
Wash Your Hands Often
Carry hand sanitizer and clean your hands often, especially before eating. Use soap and water when available.
Avoid Uncooked Fruits and Vegetables
Unless you can peel the skin yourself, avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables. These can be washed with unsafe water or handled in unsanitary conditions.
Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, you might want to learn key phrases in Bengali or print out a list explaining your needs in Bengali. This can be helpful when eating in small local spots or at street stalls.
Mosquito Protection
Mosquitoes can be a problem in Bangladesh, especially in rural and coastal areas. Mosquitoes spread diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Always wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks, especially if you’re outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Use a DEET-based insect repellent on exposed skin. Reapply as necessary, particularly in humid environments.
If you’re staying in accommodations without air conditioning, use a mosquito net at night. Make sure there are no holes in the net before bedtime, and tuck it under your mattress.
Safety Tips for Urban Areas
The cities in Bangladesh can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of people, traffic, and noise. But with a few basic rules, you can stay safe and enjoy everything that urban Bangladesh has to offer:
Watch Out for Pickpockets
Big cities like Dhaka and Chittagong have their share of petty crime. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. Consider investing in a money belt or hidden pouch to store your passport, money, and credit cards.
Use Trusted Transportation
When getting around, it’s safer to use registered taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber. If you’re planning to use rickshaws or local buses, negotiate fares in advance.
Avoid Night Walking
Try to minimize walking around late at night, especially in areas you are not familiar with. If you need to get around after dark, use a trusted taxi service or arrange transportation ahead of time.
Stay Alert in Crowded Places
Markets, train stations, and other crowded places can be prime areas for theft. Be alert and keep your belongings secure.
Safety in Rural Areas
Rural Bangladesh offers some incredible experiences, but it’s key to be prepared. Many areas are remote, and health services are limited. Here’s how to stay safe:
Prepare for Limited Services
In some rural areas, you’ll find limited medical services and fewer English speakers. Carry a small first-aid kit with any medications you might need and learn some basic Bengali phrases that may help in an emergency.
Respect Local Customs
In rural areas, Bangladesh can be quite conservative. Dress modestly out of respect for local customs. For women, carrying a scarf to cover the head when visiting religious sites is appreciated.
Watch Wildlife
If you’re exploring forests or rural areas, take care around wildlife. Stay on established trails, and don’t try to interact with animals. Leashed dogs can be seen in markets, but stray dogs in rural areas might carry diseases like rabies.
Emergency Contact Information
In case of an emergency, it’s a good idea to have local contact numbers readily available. Key contacts in Bangladesh include:
- Police: 999
- Fire Department: 999
- Ambulance: 199
- Your embassy or consulate’s contact number
Staying Safe During Natural Disasters
Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters like floods and cyclones. Preparation is key.
Check Weather Reports
When traveling during Bangladesh’s monsoon season or cyclone-prone months, keep updated with local weather reports and heed any warnings.
Know Evacuation Plans
If you’re staying in coastal areas during cyclone seasons, ask your hotel or host about local evacuation plans. Know where the nearest cyclone shelters or safe areas are.
Health Insurance and Medical Care
If you have health insurance, check if it covers you while you’re in Bangladesh. If not, invest in travel insurance that includes healthcare, emergency evacuation, and coverage for any activities like hiking or adventure sports:
Bring Essential Medications
If you’re on prescription medication, bring enough to last the entirety of your trip. Medications might not be readily available in more remote areas, and finding your specific brand could be difficult.
Healthcare Facilities
In major cities like Dhaka, you’ll find clinics and hospitals. However, quality can vary, and you’ll want to stick to private hospitals for major issues. Most doctors speak English in these hospitals, so language shouldn’t be a problem. In rural areas, care may be much more limited.
Final Thoughts
Bangladesh is an incredible destination, and with this guide, you can travel safely and confidently throughout the country. Preparation is key, and by following these tips, you can enjoy everything Bangladesh has to offer while staying healthy and safe.
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