Bangladesh’s central bank has introduced a major policy change that will make it significantly easier for outbound travelers to purchase international air tickets. Under the new guidelines, citizens can now buy tickets for any foreign destination directly from home using any international card, without needing to visit travel agencies or banks.
The Bangladesh Bank issued the circular on Wednesday, lifting earlier restrictions on foreign currency transactions made through international credit cards.
Foreign Currency Cap Removed for Air Tickets: Previously, international card users in Bangladesh could not make any single foreign currency purchase exceeding USD 300, a limit that made it difficult to buy airline tickets or other high-value services online. With the new instruction, the USD 300 cap has been withdrawn specifically for air ticket purchases, allowing travelers to buy tickets of any price as long as they remain within their annual foreign currency quota.
Bangladesh Bank stated that the move aims to ensure convenient, competitive, and transparent ticket purchasing for international travelers. The central bank expects the reform to reduce dependency on intermediaries and eliminate the additional costs often associated with agency-based bookings.
Funds Can Be Refilled After Ticket Purchase: According to the circular, the amount spent on international card purchases for air tickets can be refilled back into the card. However, the refill process must only be completed once the bank verifies that the original ticket transaction was fully settled through the formal banking system.
Banks have been instructed to maintain separate records of each refill linked to ticket purchases to ensure compliance and transaction traceability.
Rules for Foreign Airlines Operating in Bangladesh: The central bank also clarified reporting requirements for foreign airlines selling tickets in Bangladesh. Income generated from ticket sales by foreign carriers must be deposited into their foreign currency accounts maintained with authorized dealer banks in Bangladesh.
In contrast, sales proceeds of locally owned airlines must be deposited in Bangladeshi taka, ensuring proper currency conversion and compliance with domestic financial regulations.
Industry Experts: A Step toward Fair Pricing and Transparency: Aviation and travel industry insiders welcome the move, saying it will make ticket purchasing more accessible and competitive.
They argue that: Travelers will be able to compare prices easily and secure cheaper online airfare. Market distortions between local and foreign ticket prices will decline.
The influence of intermediaries and middlemen in foreign ticket sales will be reduced.
The transparency of foreign exchange transactions will improve. Experts add that the new system will also benefit airlines, which will now follow a streamlined and traceable process for managing foreign currency revenues.
A Big Relief for Frequent Flyers: With international travel steadily increasing, the new Bangladesh Bank policy is expected to make the process of buying tickets-especially for students, migrant workers, and business travelers-far more convenient. The central bank says the decision is part of its broader effort to encourage digital payments, enhance compliance with foreign exchange rules, and promote ease of doing transactions in the aviation sector.
