Working and Networking
- Networking Events
- Startup Dhaka events, events at EMK Center (Dhanmondi)
- Social Events for Expats
- Nordic Club, International Club (Gulshan 2), Dhaka Expat Facebook Group
- Best Coworking Space
- Moar (Gulshan/Banani/Dhanmondi) - ~$12/day, $150/month
- Best Cafe for Work
- North End Coffee Roasters (Lakeshore Branch) or Tabaq (Gulshan)
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Uber (Cars), Pathao (Bikes/Cars)
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- JoBike (Campus-based sharing, limited public availability)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Cox's Bazar (60 min flight or 10-12 hour bus)
- Top Regional Airline
- US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair
- Top International Airline
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways
- Highway Access
- N1 (Dhaka-Chittagong), N3 (Dhaka-Mymensingh), Dhaka Elevated Expressway
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Kamalapur Railway Station; Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line 6)
- Public Transport Passes
- MRT Pass (Rapid Pass) for Dhaka Metro Rail
- Regional Travel
- Green Line/Hanif AC Bus for intercity; Train for Sylhet/Chittagong
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Evercare Hospital Dhaka (Bashundhara R/A), United Hospital (Gulshan)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga Studio Dhaka (Banani), Dhritree Yoga
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Buff Gym (Gulshan), Curves (Banani), Blade 6%
- Laundry Services
- Bandbox leading dry cleaners; Local 'Dhobi' services via apps like Sheba.xyz
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Foodpanda, Pathao Food
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Kacchi Biryani (Star Kabab or Sultan's Dine)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Treehouse (Banani), Meraki (Selection of salads/veg)
- Best Dessert Spots
- Mithai (Traditional), Secret Recipe (Cakes), Glazed (Donuts)
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- New Market, Gawsia, Bashundhara City Shopping Mall
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Daraz, Pickaboo (Electronics)
- Grocery Delivery
- Chaldal, Shwapno Online
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Diplomatic Zone Bars (Permit required), Five-star hotels (Westin, Sheraton)
- Local Brewery
- None (Alcohol restricted to licensed clubs and hotels)
- Wine Bars
- H2O (Gulshan), The Westin Prego (Fine selection)
- Street Food Stalls
- TSC (University of Dhaka area), Chankharpul for Bakarkhani
- Popular International Cuisine
- Izumi (Japanese), Butlers Chocolate Cafe (Irish/International)
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace), National Parliament House
- Museums & Art Venues
- Bangladesh National Museum (Shahbag), Liberation War Museum
- Historical Sites
- Tara Masjid (Star Mosque), Curzon Hall
- Religious Sites
- Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Dhakeshwari Temple
- Annual Events
- Pohela Boishakh (April 14), Dhaka Lit Fest, Amar Ekushey Boi Mela (February)
- Cultural Districts
- Dhanmondi (Art galleries), Old Dhaka (History)
- Theater Venues
- Shilpakala Academy, Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium
- Local Markets
- Kawran Bazar (Wholesale), Shankhari Bazar (Old Dhaka)
- Music Scene
- Live Acoustic music at Jatra Biroti (Banani)
- Street Art
- Murals on Dhaka University campus and Banani walls
- Cooking Classes
- Dhaka Cooking School (Customized classes for expats)
- Art Galleries
- Bengal Foundation (Dhanmondi), Gallery 21
- Historic Buildings
- Rose Garden Palace, Old High Court Building
- Local Heritage
- Rickshaw Art (UNESCO Intangible Heritage status)
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Purbachal (300ft Road), Bhawal National Park (Gazipur)
- National Parks Nearby
- Bhawal National Park (Approx. 40km from city center)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Ramna Park, Hatirjheel Lake Walkway
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Hatirjheel Bridges at night, Rooftop of Pan Pacific Sonargaon
- Birdwatching Locations
- Jahangirnagar University Lakes (Migratory birds in winter)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Private resorts in Gazipur or Jol O Jongoler Kabbo
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Paperfly, RedX, DHL, FedEx
- Tech Repair Services
- Multiplan Center (Elephant Road), IDB Bhaban
- Table Tennis Spots
- Sultana Kamal Mahila Sports Complex, Dhaka Club
- Language Classes
- Modern Language Institute (Dhaka University), Alliance Française de Dhaka
- Libraries & Study Spots
- British Council Library (Fuller Road), Sufia Kamal National Public Library
- Community Centers
- SCC (Senior Citizens Center) Gulshan, various Officers Clubs
- Gaming Lounges
- Gamer's Retreat (Dhanmondi), Velocity (Banani)
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- N/A (Strictly prohibited by law)
Essentials
- City
- Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
- Population
- Approx. 23,200,000 (Greater Dhaka Area)
- Internet Speed
- Fiber: 50-100 Mbps; 4G/5G: 20-40 Mbps (Dot Internet, Link3)
- Currency & Banking
- 1 USD ≈ 110 BDT, 1 EUR ≈ 119 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka)
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; use bottled water (Mum or Fresh brands) or RO filtration
- Power
- 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C, D, G sockets (Multi-plug adapter recommended)
- SIM Card
- Grameenphone (best coverage), Banglalink, or Robi (~$5 for 20GB)
- Banking for Expats
- Standard Chartered, HSBC, City Bank (AMEX cards widely accepted)
- Accommodation
- Airbnb, serviced apartments in Gulshan, or local brokers for long-term
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes in upscale areas (bKash, Nagad, Visa/Mastercard); Cash required for local markets
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb (starts at $30/night), Lakeshore Serviced Apartments ($80+/night)
- Budget Accommodation
- Ghani Hotel ($15/night), Hotel Ornate ($25/night)
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Banani or Dhanmondi (culture, cafes, and safety)
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Gulshan 1 & 2 (Safe, high-speed internet, international community)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 12,000 BDT per sq ft (e.g., 500 sq ft = 6,000,000 BDT / $55,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 6,000 BDT per sq ft (e.g., 500 sq ft = 3,000,000 BDT / $27,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 14,000 BDT per sq ft (e.g., 800 sq ft = 11,200,000 BDT / $102,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 7,000 BDT per sq ft (e.g., 800 sq ft = 5,600,000 BDT / $51,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 13,000 BDT per sq ft (e.g., 1,200 sq ft = 15,600,000 BDT / $142,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 6,500 BDT per sq ft (e.g., 1,200 sq ft = 7,800,000 BDT / $71,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 27.5% for non-listed companies; 20-22.5% for listed companies
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 20% (for companies), 10-15% (for individuals)
- Tax System
- Worldwide income basis for residents (182+ days)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% (Non-residents taxed at flat 30%)
- VAT
- 15% (Standard), varies for small businesses (5-7.5%)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No specific CFC rules, but transfer pricing regulations apply
- Property Tax
- Yes, annual Municipal/Holding Tax based on annual value
- Property Transaction Tax
- Registration, Stamp Duty, and Gain Tax totaling ~10-12%
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No digital nomad specific visa; current taxes based on residency status (182 days rule)