Dhaka, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#707
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, known for its vibrant culture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 21 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with fiber options available in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). 1 USD ≈ 107 BDT, and international credit cards are accepted at major establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely recommended and available. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/D sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | HSBC, Standard Chartered, and City Bank have services tailored for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hostels, hotels, Airbnb, and serviced apartments. Prices range from BDT 1,500 to BDT 6,000 per night depending on type. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept cards, and mobile payment options like bKash and Nagad are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms offer numerous short-term options, starting around BDT 2,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Dhaka and Backpackers' Enclave are popular budget choices, starting around BDT 800 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Gulshan area is popular for its upscale amenities and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bashundhara R/A is favored by digital nomads due to its modern facilities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Work Station and Co-Station offer comfortable spaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dhaka Cafe and North End Coffee Roasters are known for their conducive work environment and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often organized by Startup Dhaka or Meetup groups focused on technology and business. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Dhaka Expat Group on Facebook hosts regular meetups and informally scheduled gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Pathao are widely used for safe and reliable transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Renting a scooter is available through various local rental services, average cost around BDT 500-700 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cox's Bazar, the longest natural sea beach in the world, is approximately 150 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair offer competitive regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways provide extensive international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National highways connect Dhaka to Sylhet, Chittagong, and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Dhaka Cantonment Station serves as the principal railway station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services are available, but no formal public transport passes are typical; single fares usually range from BDT 20 to BDT 50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to major nearby cities like Narayanganj and Gazipur frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bangladesh Medical College Hospital is one of the top healthcare facilities, offering a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Dhaka and Life Yoga offer regular classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold’s Gym and Fitness First are popular fitness centers with comprehensive equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many local laundries available, such as Service Laundry, offer wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Pathao Eats are widely used for delivering food. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani and Hilsa Fish are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie House and Bonoful are popular for plant-based dining. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baker's Inn and the Dhaka Sweets offer a variety of traditional and modern desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bashundhara City Mall and New Market are popular for shopping, including street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz and Evaly are major online shopping platforms in Bangladesh. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available via apps like Chaldal and Qcoo. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Gulshan offers several bars and nightclubs for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Although limited, there are some local breweries like Dhaka Beer Company. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Spirit stores can be found around Gulshan area, particularly in upscale establishments. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Famed for snacks like Fuchka and Chaat available near major markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and sushi restaurants are increasingly popular, like Pizza Hut and Sushi Tei. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and the Liberation War Museum are key historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Bangladesh showcases the country’s rich heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old city area around Lalbagh is rich in historical architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Star Mosque and the Dhakeshwari Temple represent significant spiritual sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) is a significant cultural celebration. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Dhaka is known for its rich cultural tapestry and traditional crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre and Rabindra Sarobar host regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sadarghat and New Market offer an authentic shopping experience with local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is available at venues like the Dhaka Club and other cultural gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art and murals can be spotted in areas like Dhanmondi and Old Dhaka. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes such as 'Bengal Cuisine' offer insights into local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like Dhaka Art Summit showcase contemporary Bangladeshi art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Buildings like the City Hall and Ramna Green are notable for their architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The heritage of Bengal is reflected in its festivals, music, and food practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sundarbans mangrove forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site, ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bhawal National Park is the closest national park, providing hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Suhrawardy Udyan park offers walking and jogging paths for outdoor activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Sadarghat area offers scenic views of the Buriganga River. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | National Bird Sanctuary at Tanguar Haor is famous for migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks like Gulshan Park allow bonfires with prior permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL, FedEx, and local services like Sundarban Courier are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech solutions can be found at various hardware shops in places like Panthapath. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports facilities in Gulshan host ping pong tables for casual play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language centers offer English, Bengali, and other language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The British Council Library offers quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers often hold events and classes suitable for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges can be found around Dhanmondi offering a variety of consoles and games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Bangladesh, but some private clubs may offer electronic games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 9,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BDT 360,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 7,500,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BDT 300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 8,500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BDT 510,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 6,800,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BDT 408,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 7,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BDT 560,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 5,500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BDT 440,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for income exceeding BDT 3,000,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system exists based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard tax rate of 3% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Taxed based on remittances; ease of doing business is improving. |