Chittagong, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#708
22.333778, 91.834434
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chittagong is the second-largest city in Bangladesh, located on the southeastern coast and a major seaport. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 4.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 20-30 Mbps (Home broadband), Public Wi-Fi may vary |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 110 BDT |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink offer various prepaid plans; starting from BDT 300 for 30 days with data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard Chartered, HSBC, and DBBL accept international cards; ATMs are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, OYO, and local guesthouses, ranging from BDT 1,500 to BDT 5,000 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; Mobile payments through bKash and Nagad are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local serviced apartments are available, starting around BDT 2,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as 'Chittagong Hill Tracts Hotel' offer beds for BDT 800-1,500. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work Chittagong - Offers desk rentals starting at BDT 500/day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 47 - Good Wi-Fi and quiet ambiance, located at Nasirabad. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are organized by 'Chittagong Creatives' on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Chittagong Expats Meetup group on Facebook hosts monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Pathao and Uber are widely used for convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops at GEC Circle provide scooter rentals starting from BDT 500/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cox's Bazar is the closest major beach, approximately 150 km away, about a 4-5 hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines offers regional flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates provide connections to major cities worldwide. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Highways connect Chittagong to Dhaka and Cox's Bazar. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chittagong Railway Station connects major destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; rickshaws and shared vans are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from 'Green Line' and local transport offer travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Chittagong Medical College Hospital - a key facility for health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Yoga and Meditation Center' offers classes near the city center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Fitness World' and 'Gold's Gym' are popular fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 'Shine Clean' offers laundry services with pickup and delivery. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda operates in Chittagong for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Panta Bhuna - a traditional breakfast dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Nirob Restaurant' offers vegetarian-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Sweet Tooth' bakery is famous for local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bashundhara City Shopping Complex has affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.com.bd provides a wide range of products for delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery services via bKash. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bashundhara R/A is known for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited local breweries; try 'Bangladesh Beer Industries Limited' products. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some upscale hotels offer wine dining experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try 'Fuchka' and 'Chotpoti' from street vendors near KDA Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 'Spaghettini' offers Italian food in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Foy's Lake and the World War II Cemetery are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Chittagong Port Museum showcases the maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kaptai Dam is an engineering marvel nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Hazrat Shah Sufi Mosque is a famous spiritual site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Chittagong International Trade Fair is held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Port area offers a glimpse of local culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Shahjalal Cultural Center hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Reazuddin Bazar is known for fresh produce and local handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | 'Chittagong International Carnival' includes local music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the old town area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | 'Learn Bangladeshi Cooking' offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Chittagong Art Gallery showcases local artist works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Colonial-era building of Chittagong Customs House. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Chittagong is rich in history influenced by different cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Banshkhali and Kaptai National Park offer scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kaptai National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along Foy's Lake offer beautiful cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hilltop near Cox's Bazar provides stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hills of Pahartali are ideal for bird watching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches and parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL, FedEx, and local couriers are available for shipment. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | 'City Computers' offer repair services for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | 'Chittagong Language School' offers Bangla language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Chittagong Library is a quiet place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | 'Shahbag Community Center' hosts events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes like 'Game On' offer gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Very limited options; mostly available in upscale hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 70,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BDT 2,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BDT 2,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 60,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BDT 3,600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BDT 2,700,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 55,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BDT 4,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BDT 3,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence based; tax applied to worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for certain structures and ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value, varying by locality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% on property purchases. |