Chittagong, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#708
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chittagong is the second-largest city in Bangladesh and an important commercial and shipping hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 110 BDT; local currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, ⚡ Type D & G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Grameenphone and Banglalink. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards are accepted; Mobile banking options like bKash are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels such as Hotel Agrabad. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments and cards are increasingly accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with prices starting at BDT 1,500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Popular budget hostel is |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Panchlaish area is recommended for tourists with various amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Narayanganj is favored for its quiet and professional environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Chattogram offers reliable internet and a cooperative workspace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Mango is known for its conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by Chittagong Business Network. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Chittagong Expat Meetup exists for networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Pathao and Uber are popular for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available through local services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cox's Bazar is a famous beach about 4 hours from Chittagong. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | US-Bangla Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines offers international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected by N1 and N2 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chittagong Railway Station connects to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; buses and auto rickshaws are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains can take you to destinations like Cox's Bazar and Dhaka. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Chittagong Medical College Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bengal Yoga Studio offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First is a popular gym in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry World provides professional laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Panta Bhat, a traditional fermented rice dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Shobji Ghar offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | KFC Chittagong for their unique desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Chittagong Fish Market is a great spot for local shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.com.bd offers a wide variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Chowdhury Grocers provides grocery delivery in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zigatola has a vibrant nightlife with multiple bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Chittagong does not have any notable breweries; local beer can be found at bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vega Wine Shop offers a decent selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try Fuchka, available at numerous stalls around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta Fest is popular for Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Foy's Lake is a scenic lake with amusement boating. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bangladesh Maritime Museum showcases maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kaptai Lake is a famous site with historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Chandanpura Mosque is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Chittagong Boat Racing Festival is held yearly. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the old town of Chittagong for a cultural experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Chittagong Theatre presents local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Chittagong New Market is a hub for local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Look for live music at Rafiq Hall. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street art along the BRTC bus route. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bangladeshi Cooking School offers hands-on classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Lounge displayed local talents. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Chittagong Shipyard is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional textile weaving is a cultural symbol of the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kaptai National Park offers beautiful trekking routes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sundarbans National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around Foy's Lake are ideal for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hilltops around Bandarban provide stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sundarbans is home to many migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas along Cox's Bazar allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | BDT Express offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech World provides gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Star Table Tennis Club offers facilities for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language School Chittagong offers classes in Bangla and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Chittagong City Library is an excellent spot for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Chittagong Community Center hosts cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a popular venue for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Betting is illegal in Bangladesh; no casinos are available. |
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. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏡 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% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on the worldwide income of residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on rental value assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% tax on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads mainly taxed on income generated within Bangladesh. |