Checking the US dollar to taka exchange rate today feels a bit like watching a high-stakes poker game where the rules keep shifting. If you’re a freelancer waiting on a Payoneer transfer, a student prepping for a visa interview, or a businessman trying to open an LC, that number on the screen isn't just a digit. It’s your purchasing power.
Honestly, the market is in a weirdly stable yet tense spot right now. As of January 14, 2026, the official mid-market rate is hovering right around 122.20 BDT per 1 USD. You’ll see some banks like Eastern Bank (EBL) quoting a selling rate closer to 122.70 BDT, while card-related payments might hit you at 123.00 BDT.
It’s a far cry from the days when the Taka was stuck at 85 or 90. We've seen a massive 42% depreciation over the last few years, but for the first time in a long while, the "dollar crisis" isn't the only thing people are talking about.
Why the Rate Isn’t Moving Much Lately
You might notice the rate hasn't budged more than a few paisas in the last week. This isn't an accident. Bangladesh Bank has been playing a very active role, but not in the way they used to.
Instead of burning through reserves to keep the Taka "strong," they’ve actually been buying dollars. In the first two weeks of January 2026 alone, the central bank scooped up about $617 million from commercial banks. Why? Because right now, there's actually a surplus of dollars in the formal market.
Expatriate workers are sending money home through legal channels at record rates. In just the first 12 days of January, remittances hit $1.46 billion. That is a staggering 68.9% jump compared to this time last year. When the supply of dollars goes up, the price should technically go down, but the government wants to keep the rate stable to protect exporters and keep those remittance earners happy. If the dollar drops to 110 tomorrow, the guy working in Dubai loses money on every transfer.
The Kerb Market vs. The Bank
Let’s get real about the "open market" or the kerb market. For a long time, there was a massive gap between the bank rate and what you’d get at a money changer in Motijheel or Gulshan. That gap has narrowed significantly.
Usually, you’re looking at a difference of maybe 1.5 to 2 Taka. If the bank is at 122.20, you might find the kerb market at 124.00.
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This narrowing is a huge deal. It’s the main reason Hundi (the illegal transfer network) is losing its grip. If you only get an extra Taka by risking an illegal transfer, most people just use a bank or an app. It’s safer. It’s faster. And it’s actually helping the national reserves, which have climbed back up to over $33 billion (Gross).
Understanding the Impact on Your Wallet
The us dollar to taka exchange rate today affects more than just travelers. Bangladesh is an import-heavy country. We buy our fuel, our fertilizer, and a lot of our raw materials for garments in dollars.
When the rate stays high—even if it's stable—inflation stays sticky. Non-food inflation is still sitting around 9.13%. You’ve probably noticed that even if the dollar doesn't "go up" today, the price of your bread or your commute doesn't go down.
- For Freelancers: 122+ is a dream. You’re earning in USD and spending in BDT. Your income has effectively increased without you doing extra work.
- For Importers: It’s still tough. While the "dollar crisis" has eased—meaning you can actually get dollars now—the high cost makes capital machinery and raw materials expensive. LC (Letter of Credit) openings are up about 4.5%, but settlements are slow because interest rates are through the roof.
- For Travelers: If you're heading to the US or Europe, expect to pay a premium. Between the exchange rate and the various bank fees/taxes on card payments, your $1,000 trip is costing you at least 125,000 Taka before you even leave Dhaka.
Is the Taka Finally Safe?
"Safe" is a strong word. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) thinks our GDP will grow by about 5.1% in FY2026. That’s a rebound. But there are still structural issues. We rely too much on garment exports (over 80% of our total exports). If global demand for fast fashion dips, the Taka feels the heat.
Also, we have a lot of foreign debt to pay back. Interest payments are projected to rise significantly by 2027. Every time the Taka depreciates by even 1 unit, our national debt grows by billions in local currency terms.
So, while the central bank is currently buying dollars to prevent the Taka from getting too strong, they are also keeping a massive war chest ready for when the tide turns.
Actionable Insights for Today
If you are dealing with foreign currency today, don't just look at the Google ticker. Google often shows "mid-market" rates that you can't actually get at a counter.
- Compare Bank Rates: Check the "BC Selling" rate if you are buying dollars and "TT Clean" if you are selling. Banks like EBL, City Bank, and HSBC will have slight variations.
- Watch the Remittance Apps: If you're sending money from abroad, apps like TapTap Send or Wise often give better rates than traditional bank transfers, sometimes within 0.5% of the mid-market rate.
- Don't Wait for a "Crash": If you need dollars for a legitimate reason (tuition, medical bills), don't hold out hoping the rate will drop back to 100. Most analysts agree that 120-125 is the "new normal" for the foreseeable future.
- Check the Card Rate: Remember that using your credit card abroad usually incurs a 1% to 3% conversion fee on top of the daily rate. Always factor in that extra 3-4 Taka per dollar.
The stability we're seeing right now is a "managed" stability. It's better than the chaos of 2024, but it requires constant vigilance from the central bank and a steady flow of remittances to keep the engine running.