In a first for Bangladesh, Grameenphone (GP), the country’s leading telecom operator, has introduced international roaming packs that can be purchased using mobile balance in local currency, Taka—eliminating the need for foreign exchange.
The initiative follows a landmark decision by Bangladesh Bank, allowing international roaming packs to be activated using local balance instead of foreign currency, according to GP statement.
This move is expected to greatly benefit the growing number of Bangladeshi travelers by making overseas communication simpler, more affordable, and hassle-free.
Subscribers can activate roaming packages directly from the MyGP app prior to their travel, selecting from a range of country-specific offers, including daily data plans, weekly bundles, and a 10-day travel pack for Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Incoming SMS will remain free while roaming. To activate a pack, customers must provide a declaration confirming they hold a valid passport, visa, and travel ticket (if applicable). They must also agree that their total roaming spend in Taka will not exceed Tk 6,000 per trip or Tk 30,000 per calendar year across all mobile numbers and operators.
“This marks a historic milestone for both the telecom industry and our valued customers,” said Solaiman Alam, Chief Product Officer of Grameenphone. “We thank Bangladesh Bank for its support in enabling this forward-looking initiative, and BTRC for facilitating the process. Now, travelers can enjoy affordable global connectivity while staying connected with loved ones on their existing numbers.”
With over 15 million Bangladeshis traveling abroad annually, the new service is expected to particularly benefit Umrah pilgrims and tourists, who often face difficulties obtaining foreign SIMs.