Barisal, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#1879
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Barisal is a major city located in the south-central region of Bangladesh, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful river landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 325,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 20-30 Mbps, varying by provider and location |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BDT ≈ 0.012 USD, mostly cash transactions; major banks include BRAC Bank, Bank Asia |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink are popular providers with good coverage |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in major banks; International transactions can be limited |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to hotels like Hotel City Inn and fancy options like The Grand Barisal |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred though mobile payment apps like bKash are growing |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb with rates starting from $15/night |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local budget hotels and guesthouses range from $10 to $25 per night |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The riverfront area near the Barisal River offers scenic views and easy access to local attractions |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Gallamari and Barishal Sadar are popular for longer stays due to more amenities and connectivity |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cosmos Coworking Space, known for a quiet atmosphere and good internet |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 56 offers a relaxed atmosphere with free Wi-Fi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local entrepreneurial meetups can be found through Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings happen at various cafes; look for Facebook groups focused on expats in Barisal |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Pathao and Uber operate in Barisal, providing convenient ride options |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops for around $3 per day |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kuakata Beach, about 2.5 hours away, offers stunning views |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | US-Bangla Airlines is a primary regional carrier |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines provides international connectivity |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Dhaka Barisal highway facilitates travel to the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Barisal Railway Station connects to other major cities |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses and rickshaws are the primary means; fare starts around 10 BDT. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries connect Barisal to nearby cities and rural areas |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital is well-equipped for emergencies |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Dhaka Yoga offers classes for all skill levels |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Forever Gym is the popular spot for workouts |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide wash and folding services for around 100 BDT per kg |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda operates in Barisal for convenient food deliveries |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish curry, locally known as 'Shorshe Ilish', is a must-try |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pure vegetarian restaurants like Shobuj Haat are available |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulali Sweets is renowned for its Bengali sweets |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Sabzi Mandi offer fresh produce at great prices |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.com.bd serves as a popular online shopping option |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited; bKash can be used for local vendors. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The riverfront has several local bars and eateries for relaxation |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local craft beer options are limited; look for imports at higher-end hotels |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are rare; best to buy from hotels or duty-free shops |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stalls near the river serve fast food like 'Fuchka' (pani puri) |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Chinese takeout are available at various restaurants |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Barisal Buddhist Monastery and Durga Sagar are notable spots |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Barisal Museum showcases the city's heritage and historical artifacts |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient Durga Sagar temple stands as a historical landmark |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous temples and mosques are scattered throughout the city |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Poush Mela and Nabanna Utsab are cultural festivals celebrating local harvests |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore areas close to the river for local crafts and traditions |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural programs often take place at community centers |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Barisal’s local bazaars provide a vibrant shopping experience |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be experienced at community gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not prevalent but local art can be seen at cultural festivals |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local households occasionally offer cooking classes for traditional Bengali cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited, but local exhibitions may occur at educational institutions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical architecture can be found around the city's old quarters. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Barisal is known for its river-based lifestyle, contributing to its cultural and historical identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kuakata Sea Beach is a notable escape for nature lovers, about 60 km away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sundarbans National Park, famous for its mangroves, is a few hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Explore walking paths along the riverbanks or rural areas around Barisal. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Riverbanks provide picturesque views, especially at sunrise and sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Madhumati River area is a good spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the Kuakata Beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like Sundarban Courier provide reliable parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer repair services for basic devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes have sports facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language learning may be available at local educational institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Barisal Public Library is an option for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host cultural events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local cafes sometimes provide gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; gambling is prohibited in Bangladesh. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for companies |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividend disbursements |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system in Bangladesh |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for Bangladeshi resident taxpayers |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on rental value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Registrar's fee applies at a rate of 3% |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads yet; standard taxation applies |