Stay Connected in Chittagong
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Chittagong, Bangladesh's commercial hub, has decent mobile connectivity with 4G coverage in urban areas and major business districts. The port city's infrastructure has improved significantly, though you'll find stronger signals in the city center compared to outlying areas. Three major carriers dominate the market: Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink. While connectivity is reliable for essential communication and moderate data use, don't expect blazing speeds everywhere. The good news? Getting connected is straightforward whether you choose an eSIM or local SIM. International roaming works but can be expensive. For most travelers, having a backup connection method is wise, especially if you're conducting business or need reliable internet access throughout your stay.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Chittagong.
Network Coverage & Speed
Bangladesh's mobile network has three primary operators serving Chittagong. Grameenphone offers the most extensive coverage and is generally considered the most reliable, especially in urban areas and along major transport routes. Robi provides competitive service with good 4G coverage in the city center and business districts. Banglalink typically offers the most competitive pricing but with slightly less consistent coverage in suburban areas. 4G speeds in central Chittagong typically range from 10-30 Mbps during off-peak hours, dropping during busy periods. Coverage is solid throughout the main city areas, Agrabad commercial district, and near the port, but can be spotty in some residential neighborhoods and definitely weaker as you head toward rural areas. 3G fallback is generally available where 4G drops out. Network congestion can be noticeable during peak evening hours.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is increasingly practical for Chittagong, offering immediate connectivity without hunting for SIM card shops or dealing with registration paperwork. You'll pay a premium - typically 2-3x more than local rates - but you're buying convenience and peace of mind. Providers like Airalo offer Bangladesh plans that work well in Chittagong's urban areas. The main advantage is instant activation before you even land, which is invaluable for business travelers or first-time visitors. Coverage piggybacks on local networks, so you get the Easttimor signal quality. The downside? Higher cost per GB and less flexibility for longer stays. For trips under two weeks, especially if you need immediate connectivity for navigation, rideshare apps, or business communications, the premium is often worth it.
Local SIM Card
Local SIMs offer the best value but require more legwork. You can buy them at the airport, though selection is limited and prices inflated. Better options are official carrier stores or authorized retailers throughout the city - look for Grameenphone, Robi, or Banglalink signage. You'll need your passport and possibly a local address (your hotel works). Activation can take 30 minutes to several hours due to registration requirements. Grameenphone prepaid plans start around 200-300 BDT ($2-3) for decent data packages. Top-ups are available everywhere via mobile banking, scratch cards, or retailer locations. The main hassles: language barriers during purchase, registration delays, and the time spent finding and visiting stores. For stays over a month, the cost savings definitely justify the effort.
Comparison
Local SIM wins on pure cost - roughly 70% cheaper than eSIM for equivalent data. eSIM wins on convenience and immediate availability. International roaming is the most expensive but works instantly. For short business trips, eSIM makes sense despite higher cost. Budget travelers staying weeks or months should invest the time in getting a local SIM. The middle ground? eSIM for immediate needs upon arrival, then switch to local SIM if staying longer than two weeks.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with eSIM from Airalo. You'll have connectivity the moment you land, can use maps and rideshare apps immediately, and avoid the stress of navigating SIM card shops in an unfamiliar city. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind. Budget travelers: If you're on an extremely tight budget and staying more than a week, local SIM saves money long-term. But for most budget travelers, the convenience and safety of immediate connectivity makes eSIM worth the premium. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM makes financial sense. The initial hassle pays off through significantly lower ongoing costs and better plan flexibility. Business travelers: eSIM is essential. You need immediate, reliable connectivity for communications, navigation, and productivity apps. The time value alone justifies the premium pricing. Consider Airalo for hassle-free setup before departure.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Chittagong.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers