{"code":"DAC","location":"South Asia, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport","faq":[{"question":"What are the typical check-in and check-out times?","answer":"Most hotels in Dhaka set check-in around 14:00 (2:00 PM) and check-out around 12:00 (noon). Request early check-in or late check-out in advance; fees may apply."},{"question":"Is breakfast included in the room rate?","answer":"Breakfast inclusion depends on the rate you book. Many hotels include breakfast for certain rates; others offer it as an add-on. Confirm on the booking page or with the hotel."},{"question":"Are there airport shuttle services available from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)?","answer":"Many hotels near the airport and in central Dhaka offer paid or complimentary airport transfers. Some include meet-and-greet at arrivals or luggage assistance; others provide only curbside pickup. Taxis, hotel-arranged cars, and ride-hail services (Uber, Pathao) are widely used alternatives. Confirm availability, cost, and pickup procedure with the hotel before arrival."},{"question":"How long does it take to reach central Dhaka from the airport?","answer":"Travel times vary significantly with traffic. Off-peak, it can be 20-40 minutes to Gulshan, Banani, or Uttara from the airport; during peak hours, travel can exceed 1 hour. Always allow extra time for airport transfers."},{"question":"What is the hotel cancellation policy?","answer":"Cancellation policies differ by property and rate type (flexible vs non-refundable). Review the specific cancellation terms on your booking confirmation or contact the hotel directly."},{"question":"Is Wi-Fi free and reliable?","answer":"Most mid-range and all major hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas, though speeds can vary. High-speed or dedicated business connections may incur a charge; check with the hotel if you need guaranteed bandwidth."},{"question":"What payment methods are accepted?","answer":"Major hotels usually accept international credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Cash in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is widely used; bKash and other mobile wallets are common locally but less accepted at international chains. Confirm payment options with the hotel."},{"question":"Do hotels accept foreign ID and what ID is required at check-in?","answer":"Foreign guests are required to present passports for registration; hotels typically take a photocopy. Local guests usually present national ID. Bring the passport used for booking."},{"question":"Are rooms and facilities accessible for guests with disabilities?","answer":"Larger and international hotels often offer accessible rooms, ramp access, step-free paths, and visual alarm systems, but availability varies. Request accessible rooms and confirm specific accessibility features such as ramp or visual alerts before arrival."},{"question":"Is bottled water provided and is tap water safe to drink?","answer":"Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking. Most hotels provide bottled water in rooms (complimentary or chargeable). Ask the hotel for bottled water arrangements."},{"question":"Are hotels safe for solo travelers and women traveling alone?","answer":"Hotels near the airport and reputable city hotels maintain security with CCTV, reception staff, and in-room safes. Exercise standard precautions: use hotel taxis or authorized ride-hailing, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep valuables in the room safe."},{"question":"Is alcohol served at hotels and are there any restrictions?","answer":"Alcohol is available at many international and higher-end hotels (bars, restaurants), but availability may be limited in smaller or local hotels. Consumption is usually restricted to licensed premises; carry ID."},{"question":"Are halal food and prayer facilities available?","answer":"Bangladesh is majority Muslim and many hotels serve halal food or can accommodate prayer needs. Larger hotels may provide prayer rugs, qibla direction in rooms, or a designated prayer room; ask when booking."},{"question":"What is the tipping/customary service charge practice?","answer":"Tipping is not mandatory but is customary. Small tips for porters or housekeeping (approx. 50-200 BDT, or $0.50-$2.00 USD) are appreciated. A 5-10% tip is common for exceptional service. Many hotels add a service charge and government tax to bills; check the invoice."},{"question":"Are pets allowed?","answer":"Most hotels do not allow pets, though some international or boutique properties may. Service animals are typically permitted with prior notice and documentation. Confirm the hotel's pet policy before booking."},{"question":"Can I get extra beds/cribs or connecting rooms for families?","answer":"Many hotels offer extra beds or cots (often for a fee) and some have connecting rooms or family suites. Request these when booking to ensure availability."},{"question":"What business facilities are available for business travelers?","answer":"Major hotels usually provide business centers, meeting rooms, printing or secretarial services, and meeting-ready AV equipment. Ask about Wi-Fi speed and meeting room setup in advance."},{"question":"What should I know about electricity and power cuts?","answer":"Bangladesh uses a 230V/50Hz power supply. Power outages can occur, but most hotels have backup generators and UPS systems for critical services. Bring a universal adapter; hotels may provide adapters on request."},{"question":"Are smoking rooms available?","answer":"Smoking policies vary; many hotels are non-smoking indoors and offer designated smoking areas. Check the property policy to avoid penalties for smoking in rooms."},{"question":"What local customs or dress expectations should guests be aware of?","answer":"Dhaka is culturally conservative compared with many Western cities. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or local neighborhoods. Business attire is typical for meetings; casual wear is acceptable in most hotel public areas."}],"tips":["Book hotel shuttle services or use airport prepaid taxi counters to avoid unpredictable traffic delays of 45-90 minutes to central areas like Gulshan or Motijheel, especially during peak hours. For late-night arrivals, confirm advance booking since shuttle frequency may vary.","Verify your hotel provides reliable amenities including a backup power generator, consistent hot water, and stable Wi-Fi, as electrical brownouts are possible. Most international hotels in Dhaka have generators and steady connectivity; ask front desk staff to clarify backup procedures if you plan evening work or online meetings.","Request a full breakdown including 15% VAT and all service charges. Confirm in advance if breakfast is free, as policies differ among major hotel chains.","Hotels require your passport and visa at check-in for legal registration. After registration, store your original passport in the room safe and carry a photocopy for identification when exploring Dhaka.","Use bottled water for drinking and check that any provided ice comes from treated sources. Even guests at 4-star hotels may report sensitivity to new foods; enjoy hotel dining or consult the concierge before trying street food.","Protect yourself from mosquitoes and the risk of dengue by using repellents, keeping windows closed, or requesting air-conditioned rooms with well-sealed windows. For extra protection during monsoon season (June-October), ask for air-conditioned, upper-floor rooms with screens; mosquito repellent is usually available at hotel front desks.","Confirm accepted payment methods, as luxury hotels typically accept major credit cards but smaller places may be cash-only. For smaller purchases or tips, withdraw Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) at airport ATMs (typical limit: 10,000-20,000 BDT per transaction); check your daily card limits and notify your bank before travel.","Dress modestly in public by covering shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites or during Ramadan, in respect for Bangladesh's predominantly Muslim culture. In hotel gyms and pools, western attire is accepted, but keep shoulders and knees covered in public hotel spaces and throughout religious periods.","Hotel restaurants often include a 5-10% service charge; tip porters 50-150 BDT, and housekeeping 100-300 BDT if service exceeds expectations. This equals approx. $0.45-$1.35 USD for porters and approx. $0.90-$2.70 USD for housekeeping, subject to current exchange rates.","Greet staff with 'Assalamu Alaikum' for a warm local welcome. Most hotel concierges speak English and can provide taxi quotes or confirm ride details in writing.","Purchase a local SIM card from airport kiosks for Grameenphone, Robi, or Banglalink; activation usually takes 5-15 minutes and requires your passport and visa. Ensure your phone is unlocked and confirm your selected data plan covers your hotel area for navigation and apps.","Upon check-in, test the air conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Report any problems within the first hour so staff can provide solutions or a room change if needed.","Allow for extra travel time around Dhaka due to heavy traffic; city transfers can take 45-90 minutes. During weekdays, avoid 7:30-10:00 and 16:00-20:00 for city transfers and request vehicles with seatbelts, as some older taxis lack them.","Use the airport's prepaid taxi desk or established ride-hailing apps like Uber or Pathao to avoid unmetered fares or touts. These apps allow you to request vehicles with air conditioning and track your ride in real time.","Try breakfast items like paratha or local sweets alongside continental options. Ask hotel staff about daily Bengali specialties for a safe introduction to local cuisine.","Choose hotels with 24/7 staffed receptions, security checkpoints, and CCTV in public areas if traveling alone. For added assurance, request rooms near elevators on well-lit floors and secure valuables in the room safe.","Ask in advance for reliable high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated working desk to support your business schedule. Many top hotels offer in-room breakfast (order by 22:00 for early service) and same-day laundry.","Dhaka outlets use 220-240V (types C, D, G); bring a universal adapter and a portable power bank, as brownouts can occur. Most international hotels provide adapters on request.","Monitor news for strike (hartal) advisories, especially before airport or cross-town trips. Major hotels update guests on transit changes and help rebook if city routes are disrupted by political events."]}