Planning a trip? The travel agency you choose can make or break your experience.
Choose right → smooth, stress-free travel
Choose wrong → hidden charges, visa rejections, no support when problems happen
This guide helps you identify a trustworthy travel agency in Dhaka that will actually deliver what they promise.
Why Does Your Choice of Travel Agency Matter?
A good travel agency:
- ✅ Gets you the best flight prices
- ✅ Successfully processes your visa
- ✅ Plans tours you’ll actually enjoy
- ✅ Supports you when things go wrong
A bad travel agency:
- ❌ Hidden charges appear after booking
- ❌ Visa gets rejected due to poor documentation
- ❌ No one answers when you need help
- ❌ You’re stuck solving problems alone
7 Essential Factors to Consider
1. IATA Certification — The #1 Trust Signal
What is IATA?
International Air Transport Association — the global airline industry body.
Why it matters:
- IATA-certified agencies have direct airline system access
- No middlemen = better prices
- Professional standards are verified
- Your ticket is legitimate
How to verify:
Ask for their IATA number. Legitimate agencies display it proudly.
Example: goFLY is IATA certified — #42337956
⚠️ Warning: Agencies without IATA buy tickets from other agencies and resell. This adds markup and complications if problems occur.
2. Google Reviews — Real Customer Experiences
What to look for:
- Number of reviews (more = harder to fake)
- Overall rating (4.5+ is good)
- Recent reviews (not just old ones)
- Specific details in reviews (not generic praise)
Red flags:
- Very few reviews
- Only 5-star reviews with no detail
- No recent reviews
- Complaints about refunds or support
How to check:
Search “[Agency Name] Google Reviews” or find them on Google Maps.
👉 See goFLY’s 431+ Google Reviews (4.8★)
3. Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Charges
Questions to ask:
- “Is this the final price or will there be additional charges?”
- “What’s your cancellation/refund policy?”
- “Do you charge for holding a flight?”
Good agency: Gives you complete price upfront. Quote is final.
Bad agency: Low initial quote, then “processing fees,” “service charges,” and “taxes” appear later.
Real example: Some agencies charge ৳10,000 just to hold a flight. Legitimate agencies (like goFLY) do it free.
4. Visa Success Rate — Especially Important for International Travel
What to ask:
- “What’s your visa approval rate?”
- “Can you assess my case honestly?”
- “What happens if my visa is rejected?”
Good agency:
- High success rate (90%+)
- Honest assessment of your chances
- Proper document preparation
- Interview guidance for embassy appointments
Bad agency:
- Takes every case for money
- Promises “guaranteed visa” (impossible)
- No preparation or guidance
- Disappears after rejection
👉 Related: Visa Processing Agency in Bangladesh
5. Years of Experience — Track Record Matters
Why experience matters:
- More connections with airlines and hotels
- Better problem-solving skills
- Established reputation to protect
- Less likely to disappear with your money
What to look for:
- 5+ years in business is good
- 8+ years is excellent
- Check if same ownership/management
6. Customer Support — When You Actually Need Help
Test before booking:
- Call their number — do they answer?
- WhatsApp them — how fast do they reply?
- Ask a detailed question — do they know their stuff?
What good support looks like:
- Multiple contact methods (phone, WhatsApp, email)
- Fast response (under 30 minutes)
- Knowledgeable staff
- Available during emergencies
Real test: Ask about transit visa requirements for a complex route. Competent agencies will know immediately.
7. Physical Office — Proof of Legitimacy
Why it matters:
- You can visit and meet them
- Harder for scammers to maintain
- Shows investment in the business
- Easy to reach if problems occur
What to verify:
- Real office address (not just a mail box)
- Office photos or Google Street View
- Ability to visit and meet staff
Red Flags to Avoid
| 🚩 Red Flag | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| “Guaranteed visa” | No agency can guarantee — embassy decides |
| No IATA certificate | May be reseller with markup |
| Very few Google reviews | Can’t verify quality |
| Won’t give written quote | Hidden charges coming |
| Charges to hold flights | Should be free |
| No physical office | Harder to trust |
| Doesn’t answer calls | No support when needed |
Quick Comparison Checklist
Use this when evaluating any travel agency:
| Factor | Check ✅ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IATA certified | ⬜ | Ask for number |
| Google rating 4.5+ | ⬜ | Check reviews |
| 100+ reviews | ⬜ | More is better |
| 5+ years experience | ⬜ | Track record |
| Physical office | ⬜ | Visit if possible |
| Transparent pricing | ⬜ | Get written quote |
| Fast response | ⬜ | Test WhatsApp |
| No hold charges | ⬜ | Ask directly |
| Visa success rate | ⬜ | Ask for stats |
Example: How goFLY Meets These Criteria
| Criteria | goFLY |
|---|---|
| IATA Certified | ✅ #42337956 |
| Google Rating | ✅ 4.8★ (431+ reviews) |
| Years in Business | ✅ 8+ years (since 2017) |
| Customers Served | ✅ 10,000+ |
| Physical Office | ✅ Shukrabad, Dhaka |
| Transparent Pricing | ✅ No hidden charges |
| Visa Success Rate | ✅ 90%+ |
| Response Time | ✅ Within 30 minutes |
| Hold Charges | ✅ Free |
👉 Learn More About goFLY
👉 See Detailed Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the cheapest agency always the best choice?
A: No. Extremely low prices often mean hidden charges later or poor service. Look for value, not just lowest price.
Q: How do I verify if an agency is IATA certified?
A: Ask them directly for their IATA number. Legitimate agencies are proud to share it.
Q: What if an agency promises “guaranteed visa”?
A: Walk away. No agency can guarantee visa approval — the embassy makes that decision. Agencies claiming otherwise are either lying or doing something illegal.
Q: Should I book online or visit the office?
A: Both work. Online is convenient for repeat customers. First-time customers may feel more comfortable visiting the office.
Q: How important are Google reviews?
A: Very important. 400+ reviews are hard to fake. Look for specific details and recent reviews.
Ready to Book with a Trusted Agency?
If you’re looking for a travel agency that meets all these criteria:
📞 Call: +8809639203090
💬 WhatsApp: 01713-289178
📧 Email: support@goflybd.com
📍 Visit: 1 Shukrabad Road Motiur Nibash, Beside New Model Degree College Opposite of Metro Shopping Mall Dhaka, 1207
👉 Trusted Travel Expert in Bangladesh
👉 Best Tour Operator in Bangladesh
👉 Contact Us
Last Updated: November 2025
