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Reaching Bangladesh can be somewhat puzzling as much of the information available online regarding visas, safety, and culture is often contradictory. For those seeking a concise, clear guide to visiting Bangladesh, this is it.

Visas

If you are entering through one of the international airports, Bangladesh provides a visa on arrival for many citizens from Western nations, various Asian countries, and some from the Middle East. This is the simplest method to obtain a visa, and you can verify if your country is included on the list here. The fee, which must be paid in cash, is approximately $50. However, the process at the airport is extremely slow, taking about 30-45 minutes if you are at the front of the line.

I suggest you arrive as swiftly as possible (power walk!) to minimize your waiting time. Additionally, having a printed copy of your travel itinerary in and out of the country will save you some time; otherwise, you might spend time emailing it to the desk, waiting for it to be received, reviewed, and finally approved.

For everyone else, it is possible to apply for a visa to Bangladesh in advance.

Where To Stay

Bangladesh boasts a range of hotels catering to various budgets, so securing decent accommodation shouldn’t be overly challenging. There are not many tourists traveling to Bangladesh, allowing you to discover attractive rates on nice hotels that are often better than those in neighboring countries. In Dhaka, the Intercontinental represents a luxury choice, but there are numerous alternatives as well as home-stays in small villages and towns throughout Bangladesh.

Safety In Bangladesh

Despite the recent headlines regarding mass protests in Bangladesh, it might be difficult to envision that the country is relatively safe and welcoming for tourists. Aside from standard advice such as keeping an eye on your bags in crowded areas and being cautious about traffic as crossing the street can be quite chaotic, Bangladesh is a bustling yet friendly destination to explore. It may not appeal to everyone, and those who are more seasoned travelers may feel more comfortable, but it is not chaotic enough to detract from the travel experience.

It’s also important to note that the locals are warm and curious; indeed, Bangladesh may have the most camera-friendly people I have encountered. Many individuals wanted to take pictures or be featured in my videos, making me feel more like a guest than just a tourist. Bangladesh is progressing towards becoming a destination ripe for travelers, so if you’re looking for a bit of adventure and wish to discover the best day trips, now is the perfect time to visit.

**Traveling Light: Key Items for Your Bag**

Mastering the art of traveling light takes time, and with an effective plan, you can relish the ease of transitioning smoothly between locations. Here’s a manual for packing smartly for your upcoming adventure:

**1. Multi-Functional Clothing:**
– **Quick-Drying Materials:** Select attire that dries fast, enabling you to wash and re-wear them multiple times. Brands such as prAna and Columbia provide great choices.
– **Mix and Match:** Opt for tops and bottoms that can be combined in various ways. This minimizes the quantity of garments you have to take.
– **Layering:** For chillier regions, include merino wool layers that offer warmth without extra weight. Icebreaker and Smartwool are top recommendations.

**2. Footwear:**
– **Dual-Function Shoes:** Limit yourself to a pair of shoes. Choose ones that are adaptable for both urban wandering and light hiking.
– **Comfort and Longevity:** Brands like Oboz and Lowa create shoes that blend comfort with durability.

**3. Key Gadgets:**
– **Smartphone:** Serves as a substitute for several gadgets like a flashlight, clock, and music player.
– **Camera:** A slim superzoom camera such as the Panasonic Lumix for preserving memories.
– **Cords and Earbuds:** Bring along both Bluetooth and wired earbuds for flexibility.

**4. Toiletries:**
– **Compact Kits:** Utilize a hanging toiletry bag with TSA-friendly containers. Sea to Summit provides handy dry items like laundry and shaving sheets.
– **Minimalist Strategy:** Keep in mind that you can buy basic toiletries at your destination if necessary.

**5. Travel Items:**
– **Water Purification Device:** A Steripen or similar tool to eliminate the need for bottled water and help decrease plastic waste.
– **Packing Cubes:** Implement these to arrange your bag, although rolling clothes can create even more space.

**6. Extras:**
– **Notebook and Pen:** For recording travel notes and thoughts.
– **Compact Tripod:** For steady photography and video capturing.

**7. Further Suggestions:**
– **Activity Planning:** If partaking in specific pursuits like rafting, pack suitably but aim for minimalism.
– **Promotions and Deals:** Shop during sales to acquire quality equipment at lower prices.

By adhering to these suggestions, you can experience a seamless travel journey, concentrating on the adventure rather than the baggage. Safe travels!

**Portugal: A Growing Hub for Expats and Digital Nomads**

Portugal, formerly a concealed treasure for expats, has surfaced as a premier spot for those desiring a European lifestyle without the steep costs associated with neighboring countries like the UK or France. Although not as inexpensive as it used to be, particularly in sought-after regions such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, Portugal continues to provide a competitive living cost compared to numerous Western European nations.

**The Charm of Portugal**

The attractiveness of Portugal stems from its pleasant climate, breathtaking coastlines, vibrant culture, and leisurely lifestyle. The nation boasts a high standard of living with abundant sunshine, making it a desirable choice for those wishing to flee chillier environments. Featuring its scenic towns, fine wines, and welcoming people, it’s easy to see why Portugal has become a preferred choice among expats and digital nomads.

**Visa Options**

For individuals aspiring to call Portugal home, the country presents various visa choices. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, launched in October 2022, permits remote workers to reside in Portugal for as long as five years while employed by companies based outside the nation. This visa is part of Portugal’s extensive immigration reforms designed to draw international professionals.

For those pursuing permanent residency, the procedure can be more intricate, particularly for non-EU nationals. Nevertheless, with the appropriate paperwork and potentially the help of a local lawyer, securing a residency visa is attainable.

**Living Expenses**

Despite the increase in prices in recent years, especially in Lisbon, Portugal still stands as a budget-friendly locale. Rental rates fluctuate, with Lisbon and Porto being pricier than rural regions. A one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon may cost between €735 and €925, while a three-bedroom unit might range from €1,162 to €1,580. In Porto, the rates are slightly more affordable.

Utilities and transportation fees are sensible, with a monthly public transit ticket priced around €40 in larger cities. The healthcare system in Portugal is highly esteemed, with the World Health Organization placing it 12th globally. Residents can access economical healthcare services, making it a compelling choice for expats.

**Culture and Lifestyle**

Portugal presents a dynamic lifestyle centered around savoring life rather than hoarding riches. The nation is well-known for its superb wines, scrumptious cuisine, and a relaxed life approach. Expats can partake in an array of outdoor pursuits, from surfing to hiking, thanks to Portugal’s varied terrain.

**Obstacles and Considerations**

While Portugal boasts numerous advantages, there are factors to take into account. The language barrier may pose difficulties, and the visa application procedure can be intricate. Moreover, although living costs are lower than in many Western European nations, they are not as low as in certain Eastern European locations.

**Final Thoughts**

Portugal’s emergence as a favored destination for expats and digital nomads is truly merited. With its inviting climate, rich cultural heritage, and reasonable cost of living, it provides an appealing alternative to pricier European nations. Whether you aim to retire, work remotely, or simply relish a more relaxed lifestyle, Portugal has plenty to offer.

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Backpacking throughout Southeast Asia remains one of the most economical methods to prolong travel duration, just like it was in the 1990s. The region’s array of great value locations facilitates easier movement from one site to another. Nowadays, transportation alternatives have remarkably increased, with new routes and services constantly developing.

In the 1990s, the concept of a high-speed train in Laos or numerous domestic airlines in Thailand seemed improbable. Now, these have become realities. The access to information has also enhanced, with platforms like 12Go streamlining travel planning by offering comprehensive options for trains, buses, ferries, and flights.

Train journeys in Southeast Asia have experienced significant improvements. Laos now features a high-speed train, rendering travel more pleasant and efficient than before. The journey from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, for example, lasts only two hours. Although high-speed links between nations are still scarce, extensive train networks exist within countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Budget airlines have transformed travel in Southeast Asia, making flights as cheap as bus fares on certain routes. Thailand alone hosts several domestic airlines, while regional carriers such as AirAsia and Scoot provide numerous international connections. However, travelers must be cautious of extra luggage charges.

Ferries are crucial for island nations like the Philippines and Indonesia, offering essential links between islands. Some ferries also operate between countries, such as the connection between Malaysia and Indonesia. For those who prefer not to fly, cargo ships accommodating passengers present alternative routes.

Buses serve as a cornerstone for backpackers, delivering extensive service even in remote regions. While some buses might be cramped and uncomfortable, others offer pleasant air-conditioned travel between major cities. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Bolt provide additional choices for shorter trips.

In summary, Southeast Asia continues to be a haven for backpackers, presenting a variety of affordable travel methods. Whether by train, plane, bus, or ferry, travelers can delve into the region’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes without overspending. For budgeting guidance, resources like “The World’s Cheapest Destinations” book can offer valuable information.

In the sea of daily e-mails I receive that are promoting a product or service, this particular one caught my attention because it was something I had been anticipating. Finally, for the first time since 2023, individuals in the USA can obtain a Wise debit card.

I felt thrilled because while Wise.com (previously Transferwise) users in Europe or Asia had the ability to get a card for ATM withdrawals, those in the United States were excluded from this option. While our counterparts around the globe were able to access their multi-currency accounts at stores and ATMs, we could only withdraw funds from our Wise accounts by transferring them to another bank account first, incurring a fee for that transfer. There was simply no straightforward way to access our own money.

However, the more I delved into the terms and conditions of this card, the more let down I became. I appreciate the company and have recommended their services numerous times. But I found myself questioning whether to even acquire this Wise debit card as a contingency for emergencies—that’s how concerning it is.

Here’s an outline of how this card will deplete your funds just to access your own money. Tally up the fees and you’re likely to spend more than you would with your regular bank ATM card internationally, even with its charges.

A Steep 2% Fee on Nearly Every Transaction

You might even have to pay just to obtain this card, which I’ll discuss shortly, but then this Wise debit card will continuously drain your funds after acquisition. Here’s a straightforward summary from their official website:

“The Wise Multi-Currency Card alleviates the stress of using ATMs overseas. You only incur a super-low fee on withdrawals after the first $100.”

Who withdraws less than $100 from an ATM?! I believe the only instance I’ve done that in the last two decades was when I used a machine in Argentina that limited withdrawals to $80 at a time. Otherwise, anyone who is financially savvy withdraws enough cash for an extended period, or they opt for the maximum allowed.

So the only scenario where you’ll encounter the “free” withdrawal is if you use the card at a grocery store, pharmacy, or café for a small purchase. But why bother with this card at all when you have a standard bank debit card that incurs no foreign transaction fees and has no limitations?

And if you’re engaging in the points and miles strategy, wouldn’t you prefer a credit card that provides rewards and pay it off? Or use a debit card that offers cash back? This card would be the least beneficial one in your wallet.

Upon examining the fine print, my jaw dropped. What they refer to as a “super-low fee” is actually 2% on every transaction. To put it simply, for every $100 you withdraw from your account, you’re giving Wise.com $2 as a transaction fee. On a typical $500 withdrawal, you would incur a $10 fee to them in addition to whatever the local bank charges.

This would render the Wise card the priciest in my collection, second only to (occasionally) Paypal’s. My Fidelity card charges $0 and reimburses local fees. My Novo.com business account charges $0 and refunds local costs up to $7 monthly. (My preferred Mexican ATM charges $1.50, so I rarely exceed that.)

My wife’s Capital One 360 card incurs no fees on their end, requiring only the local bank fee. My regular Regions bank card charges a flat $5 fee—half of what Wise takes on a $500 transaction—plus local charges.

Therefore, even if I acquired this Wise ATM card, it would rank #4 on my backup list, or #5 once I’m back in the states and can request a Schwab debit card with no fees. This implies a truly unfortunate string of events would have to occur before it ever sees the light of day from my home safe or a concealed spot while traveling “just in case.”

Expect Another Fee on Top of the Existing Fee

But there’s more bad news! You’ll incur additional charges if you make more than two ATM withdrawals in a month. You’ll face a penalty with a $1.50 fee in addition to the 2% fee they’re already assessing, any currency conversion fees involved, and the local bank fees. Here’s the chart from their website:

So they provide you this oh-so-useful suggestion: “Planning to withdraw money for vacation? It’s more economical to make one large withdrawal rather than several smaller ones. This will help you avoid the fixed $1.50 fee each time.” Wow, thanks.

Wise Might Charge You $$ Just to Send It

Have you ever been charged by a bank just to receive one of their debit cards? Probably not, but with Wise, you’re already at a loss before the