Is Cox's Bazar Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

As a traveler, you must maintain a basic level of caution when traveling to Cox's Bazar, especially at night. While the area is generally safe, due to a significant presence of tourists and locals, it is still recommended not to walk unaccompanied during the night. Because it's a busy tourist spot, pickpocketing and other minor crimes can occur, particularly in crowded areas. It's preferable to travel in a group and stick to well-lit, populated areas to ensure safety.

Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh primarily uses auto-rickshaws, known as CNG, and regular rickshaws for public transportation. These are abundant, easily reachable, and fairly easy to navigate. However, it is advisable to haggle as drivers tend to charge more to foreigners. Pickpocketing is a concern on crowded transports, so keep your valuables close and hidden. Also, consider the traffic congestion in the city that may impact travel time. While the inherent risks are minimal, it is always essential for every traveler, regardless of gender, to be proactive about personal safety.

Cox's Bazar, as with many other destinations in Bangladesh, demands a sense of vigilance but the level of street harassment isn't particularly acute. The local people are generally courteous and helpful. However, it's good to be aware of your surroundings and ensure you dress conservatively to respect the local culture. Taking regular safety precautions should suffice in making your travel experience smooth.

Overall, Cox's Bazar presents a moderate risk of petty crimes. This includes pickpocketing, bag snatching and scams, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hubs. It is advisable to be attentive to your belongings, avoid flashing out valuables and keep essential documents in a safe place. These precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to such offenses.

Drinking tap water directly in Cox's Bazar may not be absolutely safe, especially for foreign travelers. The water quality can vary, and it may contain bacteria or parasites that could cause stomach issues, even though locals may be used to it. It is advisable to rely on bottled water, purified water or use a water purification tablet for safe consumption.

The United States Government advises: Do not travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian government advises avoiding non-essential travel to Bangladesh due to violent political demonstrations, clashes, and nationwide general strikes. The security situation can deteriorate without warning. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian government advises reconsidering your need to travel to Bangladesh overall due to civil unrest and the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.