Holding an international driving license is an essential requirement for individuals who intend to travel abroad and operate a vehicle. If you are a Bangladeshi citizen and wish to drive a car or a motorcycle while visiting a foreign country, you need to acquire an international driving license. The license verifies that you are authorized to drive in your home country and meet the requirements of driving. In Bangladesh, an international driving license is relatively simple and can be completed through the Automobile Association of Bangladesh (AAB). Let's find out the procedure for obtaining an international automobile driving license from Bangladesh, including the necessary documents and fees. Steps to Get an International Driving License from Bangladesh This International driving license is recognized in most countries around the world and allows you to drive legally in foreign territories. However, some countries may limit the period of driving. For example, if you are staying in that country for more than 6 months or one year, you may need to get a new license for that country. Follow the steps provided below to get your international license from Bangladesh. Eligibility To apply for an International Driving License, you must be a valid license holder of a car or a motorcycle in Bangladesh. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for the license. To get an international driver's license, you must first complete three stages of testing for a national driving license. Once you have obtained the national license, you will be eligible to apply for the international one. Read More: Process for obtaining driving license to be completed from home Fill out an International Driving License Form BRTA does not issue International Driving Permits. The Automobile Association of Bangladesh (AAB) issues International Driving Permits. So, you need to fill out the form provided by the automobile association. However, you can get the form through the BRTA website. Link of Online Application Form: http://www.brta.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/brta.portal.gov.bd/forms/7d3a9c38_982a_434f_a661_782e56068d11/International_Permit.pdf http://www.aabangladesh.net/international_driving_licence_from.pdf Read More: How to get BRTA Bangladesh Motor Driving License: Necessary documents and costs

Every day, the residents of Dhaka city experience the challenge of reaching their destination on time. Commuting to the workplace passing through constant traffic, and congested roads, with limited public transportation options, has become a regular headache for the city residents. This is where having a personal motorbike can make a big difference. Not only does it provide a faster and more convenient way to get around, but also can be more affordable than other modes of transportation. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the top motorbikes under 2 lac taka for daily use and office commuting.  Popular Motorcycles Under BDT 2 lacs for daily use, workplace commute Following are the best motorcycles under 2 lac taka for office commuting and daily uses. These bikes are stylish, efficient, and, most importantly, budget-friendly, making them a great choice for those looking to upgrade their transportation options in Dhaka. Hero Thriller 160R Launched in 2020, the Hero Thriller 160R is a popular motorbike in Bangladesh that offers a combination of style, performance, and affordability. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and modern features, this bike is a great choice for daily commuting and office use. Some of its notable specifications include a 160cc air-cooled BS-VI Compliant engine, 0-60 km/h speed in 4.7 seconds, and a fuel efficiency of around 45 km/l. Read More: Top 10 ABS Motorbikes in Bangladesh The Thriller 160R also comes with features like a fully Inverted LCD Console, LED lighting, and a comfortable seat. Priced at around 2-2.15 lac taka, the Hero Thriller 160R provides a cost-effective solution for those looking for a reliable and stylish motorbike for daily use. With its smooth ride, low maintenance cost, and excellent performance, the Thriller 160R is a top choice for commuters in Bangladesh. Suzuki GSX 125 The Suzuki GSX 125 is a stylish and powerful motorbike. With its aerodynamic design, the GSX 125 offers an aggressive and sporty look, making it a great choice for riders who want to get some attention on the road. This bike is equipped with a 125cc engine that delivers smooth and reliable performance and is paired with a five-speed constant mesh transmission for effortless gear shifts. The GSX 125 also comes with a range of modern features, including a 12V, 35W-12V headlight, a digital instrument console, and a comfortable seat. Priced at 141,950 taka, the Suzuki GSX 125 provides excellent value for money and is a popular choice for riders looking for a dependable and stylish motorbike for daily use. Read More: How to Choose a Motorbike Helmet in Bangladesh under TK 10000 Suzuki HAYATE EP After launching in 2012, the Suzuki HAYATE EP has become a versatile and reliable motorbike that is perfect for daily use and office commuting. With many upgrades, this bike is equipped with a 110cc engine that delivers smooth and efficient performance and is paired with a four-speed transmission for effortless gear shifts. The HAYATE EP also features a comfortable seat with a range of storage options, making it a great choice for riders who need to carry cargo. Priced at 107,950 taka, the Suzuki HAYATE EP offers excellent value for money and is a popular choice for riders looking for a cost-effective solution for daily commuting. Honda CB Hornet 160R CBS The Honda CB Hornet 160R CBS is a stylish and powerful motorbike with its aggressive design and powerful 160cc engine. The CB Hornet 160R CBS is equipped with a range of modern features, including a telescopic front, five-speed transmission, LED headlamp, and more. Read More: Best 100cc Motorbikes in Bangladesh Additionally, Hornet 160R is equipped with Honda's Combined Brake System (CBS), which provides superior braking performance and increases rider safety. Priced at around 2 lac taka, the Honda CB Hornet 160R CBS offers excellent value for money and is a popular choice for riders who want a stylish and powerful motorbike for daily use. Hero Ignitor The Hero Ignitor offers a perfect blend of style and performance. With its IBS Integrated Braking System and revolutionary i3S idle start-stop technology, it delivers enhanced safety and fuel efficiency. The bike runs on a BS-IV-compliant 125cc engine producing 11.1 BHP @ 7500 RPM and 11 Nm of torque @ 6500 RPM. The stylish features include a 3D Branding Emblem, refreshed stripes, split rear grip, hugger fender, and rim tapes. You can get it for Tk. 1,31,490. Read More: The Most Popular Motorbike Models in Bangladesh

After the hit of the Covid-19 pandemic, the trend of travelling is returning to a regular pace. People are setting out to explore the world again. And, the most important part of travelling is preparing for it. What to carry, besides the passport, credit cards, clothes, and Smartphone? This article will help you prepare for safer travel with the most essential gadgets. Useful Travel Gadgets for Safer and Comfortable Outing Travel Bag It is difficult and burdensome to carry a hefty rucksack through the congested streets of your travel destination. For instance, when you visit the roads of Rome or climb up and down the Mayan ruins, the weight of your travel bag does matter!  So, pick the right luggage or backpack considering the length of your travel and the weight of most essential gadgets you may need. A nylon drawstring backpack that compresses or rolls up is sufficient to carry your camera, computers, notebooks, and everything else you need for a day vacation or city walk without extra stress.  While you do some shopping during the day travel, not everywhere shopper provides the customers a bag for the purchased goods. In that case, the travel backpack can be a savior. Read More: Bajaj Pulsar N160 rolled out in Bangladesh: Review, Price, Specifications Mini Coffee Maker When travelling, individuals often get fatigued and clumsy due to the effects of jet lag. In this situation, nothing can be more helpful than a coffee maker. You can ground your own coffee beans and create the beverage whenever and wherever you need, if you have a small portable coffee machine.  While choosing a coffeemaker for your trip, keep an eye out for qualities such as portability and simplicity of use. This handy tool must be packed with the rest of your travel gear when you go somewhere, whether in the chilly Himalayas or the scorching Middle East.  An External Battery If you could only bring one piece of travel gear with you, make it an external battery. You won't regret it. If you are away from a power outlet for an extended period, you should always have at least one extra battery to charge your phone and any other electrical devices.  Because of how rapidly your smartphone's battery dies, you cannot keep in touch with your loved ones or your friends in an emergency. An option that is friendlier to the environment would be a solar-powered portable charger. Read More: Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Europe Antibacterial Wipes and Sanitizers When you travel, you should always remember to carry antibacterial wipes or hand sanitiser with you, regardless of whether or not you have a healthy fear of germs. These wet wipes are of the utmost significance. These products are usually individually wrapped, allowing you to easily tuck someone into your purse or pocket. These are ideal for cleaning soiled surfaces on flights (tray tables, armrests, and seat belt buckles), as well as in hotel rooms (TV remotes), and they come in useful situations in which there is nowhere to wash one's hands. Camera and Tripod Besides your smart phone you can carry a camera while travelling. The camera is the handiest gadget, when you are out there enjoying a good time surrounded by nature, you don't want to waste a single second of it by missing out on anything. 

Hong Kong will give away air tickets and vouchers to woo tourists back to the international financial hub, racing to catch up with other popular travel destinations in a fierce regional competition. During the pandemic, the city largely aligned itself with mainland China’s “zero-COVID” strategy and has relaxed its entry rules months slower than rivals such as Singapore, Japan and Taiwan. Even after it reopened its border with mainland China in January, tourism recovery was sluggish. On Thursday, Chief Executive John Lee launched a tourism campaign “Hello Hong Kong,” saying the city will offer 500,000 free air tickets to welcome tourists from around the world in what he called “probably the world's biggest welcome ever”. “Hong Kong is now seamlessly connected to the mainland of China and the whole international world and there will be no isolation, no quarantine," he said at a ceremony. “This is the perfect timing for tourists, business travelers, and investors from near and far to come and say, ‘Hello, Hong Kong.’” Under the campaign, most of the plane tickets — worth 2 billion Hong Kong dollars ($255 million) — will come from three Hong Kong-based airlines through various promotional activities, including lucky draws, “buy one, get one free” promotions and games. The project will begin in March and last about six months, said Fred Lam, CEO of the Airport Authority. “We hope those who secure the air tickets can bring two or three more relatives and friends to the city. Although we are just giving away 500,000 air tickets, we believe this can help bring Hong Kong over 1.5 million visitors,” Lam said. The airlines will distribute the tickets in phases, with the Southeast Asian markets set to benefit in the first stage, he said. An additional 80,000 air tickets will be given away to Hong Kong residents in the summer, Lam said. Those living in the Greater Bay Area will also benefit from the policy that offers over 700,000 tickets in total. The Greater Bay Area is a Chinese government initiative to link Hong Kong with neighboring mainland cities, including the technology and finance hub of Shenzhen and the manufacturing powerhouses of Dongguan and Foshan. Visitors can also enjoy special offers and vouchers among other incentives in the city, Lee said. Hong Kong received 56 million visitors in 2019 — over seven times its population — before the pandemic began. But its strict COVID-19 restrictions have been keeping visitors away over the past three years, devastating the tourism sector and its economy. The city’s GDP last year fell 3.5 % from 2021, according to the government’s provisional data. In the past few months, it finally dropped its mandatory hotel quarantine rule and PCR tests for incoming travelers, resulting in a slight increase in arrival figures. Still, its 2022 visitor numbers were just 1% of the 2019 level. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the program was launched on Thursday, not Wednesday.  

Among bike enthusiasts in Bangladesh, Pulsar is a legendary name synonymous with sports bikes. It changed the way people viewed sport biking and has since become a symbol of reverence. Pulsar has been the embodiment of POWER for bike enthusiasts for over two decades. Now, they have taken it to the next level, allowing riders to experience CONTROL and PRECISION like never before. Considering safety and performance, Bajaj has unveiled the Pulsar N160, the first 160cc motorcycle in Bangladesh with a dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) in Bangladesh. Bajaj launched this on January 21, 2023. Let’s see Bajaj Pulsar N160’s review, price, and specification. Key Features of Bajaj Pulsar N160  Bajaj Auto has launched the all-new Bajaj Pulsar N160, which is set to be the entry point into the premium sports segment, yet still a top-notch commuter in the 160 cc category. Read More: Motorcycle Categories: Different Types of Motorbikes Explained In contrast to the Pulsar NS160 that was released five years ago, the Pulsar N160 does not have anything in common with it, as it comes with a new engine, frame, gearbox, and an edgy design that it shares with the Bajaj Pulsar N250. With the Pulsar N160, Bajaj Auto is looking to challenge its rivals. Design and Feature The Pulsar N160 has a familiar design, almost identical to the larger Pulsar N250. Its face is composed of LED DRLs, projector headlamps, and a small quarter fairing around the fuel tank. The seat is wide, comfortable, and low enough to accommodate riders of various heights and sizes. The speedometer console, which is both analog and digital, may appear outdated, but it still offers all the necessary read-outs, such as a gear position indicator and distance to empty. Additionally, the top of the fuel tank has a USB charging port. Read More: 8 Safe Motorcycle Riding Tips for Women The black chrome 3D Pulsar logo, with its frost effect in the LED tail light and a floating panel on the front mudguard, showcases Bajaj’s meticulous attention to detail. Topping it off, this variant is available in an exclusive colorway, making it an even more appealing option. However, the N160 comes in four color variants, only the Brooklyn black released in Bangladesh. Engine and Performance The new 165 cc (precisely 164.82 cc) engine produces a deep sound when it is started, and it has a single-cylinder, two-valve air, and oil-cooled design. It delivers 16 ps power output at 8,750 rpm and 14.65 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine is unrivaled in terms of smoothness in the Pulsar series. The 5-speed transmission is smooth and responsive and complements the engine’s refinement. It offers plenty of torque at low and mid-range speeds and a wide range of torque for stronger acceleration. Read More: Motorcycle Accident Prevention: Tips to Reduce the Risk of a Crash The Pulsar N160 boasts impressive acceleration in city speeds, easily reaching 70-75 kmph with ease. The engine’s refinement and smooth gearbox make for a satisfying ride. The upright and comfortable riding position, along with the slightly rear-set footpads, further add to the motorcycle’s appeal. Read More: Safety Gears for Motorcycle Riders: Necessity and Types Additionally, its relatively light weight of 154 kg makes for agile performance and effortless maneuvering through traffic. The motorcycle also features ample low and mid-range power, smooth and precise gear shifting, and a sporty exhaust note that complements the engine’s free-revving nature.

It is the season of love. It doesn’t have to be any specific time or season to celebrate love, especially for honeymooners. Over the years, western Europe and its coasts have become go-to spots for newlywed love birds. From Santorini’s coast to Amalfi’s peaks, Europe is probably the perfect destination to make your honeymoon absolutely magical. With that said, here’s our list of 10 of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe.  10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe  You will need to create an itinerary that best suits your travel plan. In this article, we will mainly focus on the places and their offerings. Santorini, Greece  Starting the list with the blue lagoon and the lush white houses of Santorini. For over 3 decades, Santorini has been one of the top choices for destination weddings and honeymooners. Read More: Beach Bucket List: 9 Magnificent Sea Shores in South Asia And why not? The place has everything from the crisscrossed houses on the side of the mountain to the horizon touching the Aegean sea. 

With the price of the US dollar skyrocketing, Bangladeshi travellers are directly affected by fluctuating exchange rates. Should you then drop your travel plans until the price of the US dollar becomes stable? Is there any way to deal with this dollar crisis and still travel? Let’s look at some alternative ways to travel abroad without purchasing US dollars. WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES TO BUYING US DOLLARS Traveling abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be expensive. One of the biggest expenses of international travel is the cost of converting Bangladeshi taka into the currency of the country you are planning to visit. Travellers usually carry US dollars when visiting any foreign country. The recent price hike of US dollars has made the exchange rate high regardless of the base currency. Therefore, it would be wise and cost-effective for travellers to consider the alternative ways. Read More: Bangladeshi passport’s ranking improves in 2023, still behind Iran and Sri Lanka as per Henley Index WAYS TO TRAVEL ABROAD WITHOUT BUYING US DOLLARS ·        USE CREDIT CARD Bangladesh Bank advises taking dollars through an international card (dollar-endorsed VISA/Mastercard) in case of traveling abroad. It has given this advice due to rising exchange rates and supply shortages in banks and open markets. The difference between the cash dollar price in the open market and the bank is currently over Tk 10. It is cheaper to endorse dollars on your credit card. In the current situation, it may save you around Tk 5 to 10 per US dollar. However, currently, the exchange rate for cash and card endorsement is the same, which is Tk 106 (as of January 12). According to a news in August 2022, when it cost up to Tk 109.50 to buy one US dollar in the open market, the price of buying dollars through a bank or card went up to Tk 95. Read More: Beach Bucket List: 9 Magnificent Sea Shores in South Asia “This is why we are recommending travellers to request their banks to ask for travelcards instead of asking for cash, so that they pay less,” Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Sirajul Islam told media at that time. ·        BUY THE LOCAL CURRENCY OF YOUR TRAVEL DESTINATION Buying the local currency of the country where you are traveling can reduce your exchange cost. The exchange rates of different currencies against the US dollar have also gone up. So, you can check if buying your destination country’s currency reduces the cost or not. For example, if you are travelling to India, buying rupees from Bangladesh may give you more currency than converting to the US dollar. You ·        USE DIGITAL WALLET Many countries now accept digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet. If you plan to travel to a country that accepts these types of payments, you can avoid the need to convert your currency altogether. You can load currency using a third-party service. Read More: 10 Best Professions for Travelers ·        TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FOREIGN ATMS When you are in a foreign country, it can be more cost-effective to withdraw cash from an ATM than to convert currency at a bank or currency exchange shops. If you have a dollar-endorsed card from Bangladesh, you can withdraw money in the country you are traveling to using the local ATMs. However, check with your bank to ensure that your card will work in the country you are planning to visit and see if there are fees for using foreign ATMs.

The 2023 edition of the Henley Passport Index – the most widely-accepted rating of global travel documents – places Bangladesh’s passport at 101st position, up three places from last year. The latest edition of the Passport Index features a total of 109 spots with some countries’ passports sharing the same ranking. Bangladesh shares the 101st position with Kosovo. In 2022, Bangladesh ranked 104th. Interestingly enough, passports of heavily sanctioned Iran, economically devastated Lebanon and Sri Lanka, and conflict-ridden Sudan have fared better compared to that of Bangladesh – at 99th and 100th (shared) positions respectively. Read more: Bangladesh Passport Renewal Process: How to renew MRP, Handwritten Passport According to the 2023 Henley Passport Index, a Bangladeshi passport entitles visa-free travel to 41 destinations. In South Asia, Bangladeshi passport is in a better position compared to those of Nepal (at 103), Pakistan (106) and Afghanistan (109). At 61, Maldives’ passport is in the best position in the region. Indian passport ranks at 85 and Bhutan’s at 90. The top 5 ranking passports according to the Henley Index are: Japan at 1, allowing citizens visa-free access to 193 destinations; Singapore and South Korea at 2; Germany and Spain sharing the 3rd spot; Finland, Italy, Luxembourg at 4; and Austria, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden at 5. Read more: Travelling 100 countries with the 9th weakest passport in the world The bottom 5 ranking passports as per the index are: Afghanistan at 109, Iraq at 108, Syria at 107, Pakistan at 106 and Yemen at 105. The Henley Passport Index, the only one of its kind based on unique data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), has historical data going back 18 years. The database lists 227 travel destinations and 199 passports. The index is updated every quarter, and is regarded as the go-to resource for global citizens and sovereign states for determining where a passport ranks on the scale of global mobility. Read More: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents Karim Waheed is the Digital Editor at UNB.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand will reinstate the requirement that all international passengers show proof of full (two doses) vaccination before boarding flights to Thailand. Saksayam Chidchob, Transport Minister of Thailand, stated yesterday that the Civil Aviation Authority had now formally notified concerned parties about the change in arrival rules for international travelers over the age of 18 that will take effect tomorrow, reports Bangkok Post. “They will last at least until the end of the month,” he said. Also Read: Bangladesh-Vietnam direct flights may begin this year-end Everyone entering the nation needs to provide documentation of a complete immunization record or a letter of proof that they have recovered from Covid-19 infection in the last six months. Travelers who are unvaccinated must provide documentation explaining why they cannot receive a vaccination. Airlines are required to check these documents before boarding passengers and are responsible for returning those who do not have the proper documentation to their point of origin. The guidelines go into effect at the same time that China's border reopens following nearly three years of closures and restrictions.

Beaches have always been the best place for enjoying vacations, leisure periods, and relaxation. It is a perfect getaway to distract the mind from worldly stresses and tensions through the heavenly combination of golden sands, gentle breeze, incessant waves, and a horizon that meets the sea at sight’s end. While every beach offers its own experience, there’s nothing quite like the ones found on the southern end of Asia. Why? Because the tropical climate of this region, combined with the temperate weather all year round, makes it the most splendid beach-going experience. Here you’ll find everything and some more. Let's take a look at the 9 top beach beaches in south Asia to plan your next getaway.  9 Most Exotic Beaches in South Asia  For this list, we will be covering the entire southern half of Asia, starting from the coral reefs of the Maldives to the steppes of Thailand and beyond. Let's get started.  Reethi beach, Fonimagoodhoo, Maldives  Kicking things off from the western coast of the island nation of Maldives. Fonimagodhoo, more commonly known as Reethi beach to the locals, is part of the Baa Atoll area of Maldives. It's one of the hundreds of small island that makes up the country of Maldives.  Read More: 10 Best Professions for Travelers