For anyone sending money internationally, travelling abroad, or receiving foreign remittances in Bangladesh, understanding how BDT exchange rates work — and where the best rates are — can make a meaningful financial difference. This guide covers how the taka exchange rate is determined, the gap between official and informal market rates, and where to exchange legally.
How the BDT Exchange Rate Is Set
Bangladesh Bank (the central bank) sets a reference rate and manages the exchange rate through a managed float system. Authorised Dealer (AD) banks can buy and sell within a band around the Bangladesh Bank rate. The official rate fluctuated considerably in 2023–2024 during currency reforms; by 2026, the market has stabilised to a more transparent crawling peg mechanism.
Bank Rate vs Kerb Rate — Understanding the Gap
There are typically two rates available in Bangladesh: the official Authorised Dealer rate (offered by banks and licensed money changers) and the open/kerb market rate. The kerb market is technically illegal but widely used. The gap between them is usually 2–8% depending on the currency and prevailing controls. For remittances, Bangladesh Bank has specific incentive schemes (Pravaasi Bondhu Suvidha and others) that can make the official channel more attractive.
Example Exchange Rate Comparison — USD/BDT (Indicative, Mid-2026)
| Channel | Approx. BDT per USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh Bank reference rate | Check BB website for current rate | Updates daily |
| Authorised bank (selling rate) | BB rate + 0.5–1.0% | For buying USD to send abroad |
| Licensed money changer | BB rate + 0.3–0.7% | Sometimes better than bank |
| Remittance (Wage Earner Scheme) | BB rate + 2.5% incentive | For inward remittance only |
Where to Exchange Currency Legally
The safest and legal options for currency exchange in Bangladesh are: Authorised Dealer banks (all major scheduled banks), licensed money changers (with Bangladesh Bank licence, common at airports and in Gulshan/Motijheel/Chittagong commercial areas), and online transfer services for international remittances. Using unlicensed exchanges carries legal risk under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act.
Currency conversion: Amount in BDT = Foreign currency amount × BDT/foreign currency rate Amount in foreign currency = BDT amount / BDT/foreign currency rate Example: Convert USD 500 to BDT at rate of ৳110 per USD BDT = 500 × 110 = ৳55,000 Reverse: How many USD does ৳55,000 buy at ৳110? USD = 55,000 / 110 = USD 500
Tip
For large amounts (above USD 1,000), call at least three different AD banks and ask for their current buying or selling rate — rates can vary by 0.5–1 BDT per USD between banks on the same day. On a USD 5,000 conversion, that 1 BDT difference is ৳5,000.