Chittagong Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Chittagong.
Healthcare System
Chittagong has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, with private hospitals and clinics generally offering better quality care and shorter wait times. The public healthcare system is often overcrowded and under-resourced, though emergency care is available.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals include Chittagong Metropolitan Hospital, Chevron Clinical Laboratory, Imperial Hospital, and Max Hospital. These facilities accept international patients and can coordinate with insurance companies. Public hospitals like Chittagong Medical College Hospital provide emergency care but with limited resources.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city and many medications are available over-the-counter without prescription. However, counterfeit medications can be a concern, so purchase from reputable pharmacies in well-established areas. Bring prescription medications from home with proper documentation.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, as quality medical care can be expensive and evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry contact information for your embassy and travel insurance provider at all times
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's notes
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and other recommended vaccines
- Private hospitals often require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment
- Keep copies of medical records and prescriptions in English
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended belongings occur in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims.
Chaotic traffic, poorly maintained roads, lack of traffic law enforcement, and reckless driving make road accidents one of the highest risks for travelers. Pedestrians face particular danger.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and other foodborne illnesses are common due to different sanitation standards and food preparation practices.
Political strikes (hartals) and demonstrations can occur with little notice, disrupting transportation and businesses. While most are peaceful, some can turn violent with clashes between protesters and police.
Heavy rainfall during monsoon season can cause flooding, landslides (particularly in hill areas), and infrastructure damage. Waterlogging is common in low-lying areas.
Tourists may be overcharged for goods, services, and transportation. Some vendors and rickshaw drivers quote inflated prices to foreigners.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers claim meters are broken or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares. Some refuse to use meters and demand inflated prices after the journey.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services, then take them to shops where they receive commission or demand excessive payment for minimal service.
Scammers befriend tourists and convince them to buy gems, carpets, or other goods to 'export for profit,' claiming they'll help ship them. Items are worthless or never arrive.
Always check bills carefully before paying, question unfamiliar charges, ask for itemized receipts, and know the typical prices for common items
Unauthorized money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or provide counterfeit bills.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for help, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals belongings.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic Bengali phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency contacts and hotel address in Bengali
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps rather than street hailing
- Avoid overloaded public buses and ferries
- Never ride on the roof of buses or trains
- Wear helmets if riding motorcycles or scooters (though not recommended)
- Avoid travel during hartals when transportation is disrupted
- Use ferries only in good weather conditions
- Keep windows closed and doors locked in vehicles
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face, especially before washing hands
- Use mosquito repellent to prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases
- Sleep under mosquito nets if available
- Avoid contact with stray animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Bring oral rehydration salts for treating dehydration
- Seek medical attention promptly for persistent diarrhea or fever
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during business hours
- Carry small denominations for daily purchases
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Keep credit cards in RFID-blocking wallets
- Have emergency cash hidden separately from main wallet
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep a record of credit card numbers and emergency contact numbers
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees in public
- Remove shoes before entering homes and religious sites
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Respect prayer times and religious observances
- Learn about local customs regarding Ramadan if visiting during this time
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels in well-established areas with good reviews
- Verify hotel bookings directly with the property
- Check that rooms have working locks and use door chains
- Know emergency exit locations
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors without verification
- Keep valuables in room safes
- Inform hotel staff of your daily plans
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Chittagong safely but should be prepared for conservative cultural norms and occasional unwanted attention. Solo women travelers may experience staring, comments, or attempts to take photos, though physical harassment is less common. Taking precautions and respecting local customs will help ensure a safer experience.
- Dress conservatively: wear loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders, chest, and knees; consider wearing a dupatta (scarf)
- Avoid traveling alone after dark; use reputable transportation services
- Book accommodations in well-established areas with good security
- Ignore unwanted attention and avoid engaging with harassers
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted advances
- Use women-only areas on public transportation when available
- Travel with a companion when possible, especially to isolated areas
- Be firm but polite when declining offers or invitations
- Keep phone charged and share location with trusted contacts
- Join group tours for visiting attractions outside the city
- Seek help from other women or families if feeling uncomfortable
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Bangladesh under Section 377 of the Penal Code, with potential penalties including life imprisonment, though prosecutions are rare. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection regardless of gender
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly in public
- Be aware that same-sex couples may face difficulties booking shared accommodations
- Research accommodations carefully and consider international hotel chains
- Avoid LGBTQ+-specific apps and websites on unsecured networks
- Register with your embassy and know their support resources
- Have emergency contacts readily available
- Consider travel insurance that doesn't discriminate based on sexual orientation
- Be prepared for questions about marital status and family
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel resources for updated information
- Consider traveling as 'friends' rather than as a couple to avoid complications
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for visiting Chittagong due to limited medical infrastructure, potential need for medical evacuation, unpredictable weather events, and possible trip disruptions from political hartals. Quality medical care can be expensive, and evacuation to Dhaka or abroad may cost tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance provides critical financial protection and access to assistance services.
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