How to Call Bangladesh
Complete guide to dialing Bangladesh (country code +880)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Bangladesh? You've come to the right place. Learning how to call Bangladesh doesn't have to be complicated, whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Bangladesh from anywhere in the world. We'll cover the exact dialing instructions, break down the country and city codes, highlight common mistakes that could cost you money or prevent your call from connecting, and share essential phone etiquette tips to help you communicate respectfully. Plus, we'll provide a list of useful emergency and service numbers you might need while calling Bangladesh. Let's get started with making your international connection smooth and hassle-free.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Bangladesh from abroad, follow this format: Exit Code + 880 + Area Code (without leading 0) + Local Number
The country code for Bangladesh is +880 or 880. When dialing internationally, always remove the leading "0" from Bangladesh phone numbers.
Step-by-Step Instructions by Country
From USA:
Dial 011 (US exit code) + 880 + area code + local number
From UK:
Dial 00 (UK exit code) + 880 + area code + local number
From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, but some differ (check your country's international access code) + 880 + area code + local number
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1: Calling a Dhaka Landline
Local number: 02-9876543
- From USA: 011-880-2-9876543
- From UK: 00-880-2-9876543
- Note: Drop the "0" from "02" when dialing internationally
Example 2: Calling a Chittagong Landline
Local number: 031-654321
- From USA: 011-880-31-654321
- From UK: 00-880-31-654321
Example 3: Calling a Bangladesh Mobile Number
Local number: 01712-345678
- From USA: 011-880-1712-345678
- From UK: 00-880-1712-345678
- Mobile numbers start with "01" - remove the "0" to get "1712"
Important Tips
- Always remove the leading zero from Bangladesh numbers when dialing internationally
- Bangladesh mobile numbers typically start with 013, 014, 015, 016, 017, 018, or 019
- Dhaka's area code is "2" (originally "02")
- If using a mobile phone, you can replace the exit code with + (press and hold 0)
- Example: +880-1712-345678
Check with your phone provider for international calling rates before dialing.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Bangladesh, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Bangladesh phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 01712-345678, dial +880 1712-345678, not +880 01712-345678.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many people use incorrect exit codes for their country. While 011 works from the US/Canada, other countries differ (00 for UK, 0011 for Australia). Using + instead automatically applies the correct exit code.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
The country code +880 must come first, followed by the area code without its leading zero. Don't mix them up or reverse the order.
4. Including unnecessary spaces or symbols
While spaces help readability, some phone systems reject them. The format +880XXXXXXXXXX works universally, though +880 XXXX-XXXXXX is easier to read.
5. Not accounting for time differences
Bangladesh is GMT+6 with no daylight saving time. Calling during their nighttime hours (before 8 AM or after 10 PM local time) is inconsiderate and may go unanswered.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Bangladesh, understanding local customs helps build positive relationships. Bangladeshis generally appreciate polite and warm communication styles that reflect their hospitable culture.
Greetings and Formality
Begin calls with "Assalamu Alaikum" (peace be upon you), the traditional Islamic greeting widely used regardless of formality. For business calls, address people using their professional titles or "Sir/Madam" until invited to be more casual. Personal calls allow for warmer, more relaxed conversations.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during prayer times, particularly Friday afternoon prayers (Jummah). The best times are mid-morning or late afternoon. Evening calls to personal contacts are acceptable, but avoid calling after 9 PM unless urgent.
Business vs Personal Norms
Business calls should be more formal and structured, getting to the point after brief pleasantries. Personal calls typically involve longer social exchanges, with inquiries about family and health before addressing the main purpose.
Voice Messages and Communication Style
Voice messages are common and acceptable. Keep them clear and concise. Bangladeshis often speak slightly louder than Western standards—this indicates enthusiasm, not aggression.
Cultural Considerations
Building rapport is essential; don't rush conversations. If calling elders or senior professionals, show extra respect through your tone and word choice. Mobile phones are ubiquitous, so people generally expect to be reachable, though patience with occasional connectivity issues is appreciated.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 999 (National Emergency Service)
Fire Service: 999 or 102
Ambulance: 999 or 199
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB): 999
Bangladesh introduced 999 as its universal emergency number in 2017, consolidating police, fire, and ambulance services into one accessible hotline. This number is free to call from all mobile and landline phones across the country and operates 24/7. The service provides multilingual support, including Bengali and English-speaking operators.
Traditional numbers like 102 (Fire Service) and 199 (Ambulance) remain functional but are gradually being phased out in favor of 999. In Dhaka and major cities, response times are generally faster than in rural areas. It's advisable to have your exact location ready when calling, as GPS integration is still developing in some regions.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 100: Directory Assistance for local phone numbers
- 1503: Mobile number inquiry service
International Services
- 102: International Operator for assisted overseas calls
- 1010: International call booking service
Tourist & Travel
- 16300: Tourist Police Helpline (24/7 multilingual support)
- 10921: Bangladesh Tourism Board information line
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +880-2-9562153
Utility & Public Services
- 16110: Consumer rights protection
- 333: Government service information (National Call Center)
- 10920: Anti-Corruption Commission hotline
Banking & Financial
- 16236: Bangladesh Bank (central bank) helpline
These numbers provide essential non-emergency assistance for residents and visitors navigating daily life in Bangladesh.
Tips for Calling Bangladesh
When calling Bangladesh, factor in their time zone of UTC+6, which is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. If you're calling from New York (UTC-5), Bangladesh is 11 hours ahead; from London, it's 6 hours ahead.
For optimal connection rates, call during Bangladesh's business hours: 9 AM to 6 PM, Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday form the weekend. Avoid calling during Friday prayers (12-3 PM) when many businesses close.
Schedule business calls in advance, as this shows professionalism and ensures availability. Morning calls (9-11 AM Bangladesh time) often work best before meetings fill calendars.
Be mindful of major holidays including Independence Day (March 26), Bengali New Year (April 14), Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Victory Day (December 16), when offices close.
For clear communication, speak slowly and confirm important details via follow-up email. Internet-based calls generally offer better quality than traditional lines. Consider off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) for lower international rates, though business contacts won't be available. Always confirm the recipient's preferred contact time when establishing business relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Bangladesh is +880. When calling Bangladesh from abroad, you must dial this code after your international access code (like 011 from the US or 00 from most countries) and before the local phone number.
When calling Bangladesh from your cell phone, dial + (press and hold 0), then 880 (country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and then the local number. For example: +880-2-XXXXXXXX for Dhaka.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Bangladesh internationally. For instance, Dhaka's area code is 02 domestically, but you'd dial +880-2-XXXXXXXX from abroad, removing the initial zero.
The cheapest way to call Bangladesh is using internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or ZippCall over WiFi. Alternatively, international calling cards or VoIP services like Google Voice offer affordable rates for calling Bangladesh from landlines.
Important emergency numbers in Bangladesh include: 999 (National Emergency Service), 100 (Fire Service), 101 (Police), and 102 (Ambulance). These numbers can be dialed free from any phone when calling Bangladesh or within the country.
Bangladesh operates on Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), which is UTC+6 with no daylight saving time. Consider this 6-hour offset when calling Bangladesh to ensure you're contacting people during reasonable hours, typically 9 AM to 9 PM local time.
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