Dhaka, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#707
23.764402, 90.389015
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Capital city of Bangladesh, known for its vibrant lifestyle and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 21 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BDT ≈ 0.011 USD, 1 USD ≈ 90 BDT. Local banks include BRAC Bank, City Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely; online banking facilities available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local hostels and serviced apartments, especially in Gulshan and Banani. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile wallets like bKash and Nagad are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and OYO cater to short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options available in areas like Mirpur and Shajahanpur. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Go41 Coworking Space, known for its vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Chaiwala, noted for its quiet ambiance and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech Meetups and Startups events at venues like Startup Dhaka. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Dhaka Expat Community on Facebook organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Pathao and Uber operate efficiently in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike sharing services are available through Pathao. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cox's Bazar, approximately 9 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | US-Bangla Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Emirates offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Dhaka-Chattogram Highway provides access to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kamplapur Railway Station connects to various regional cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available, but often not user-friendly for expats. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available to major cities such as Chittagong and Sylhet. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bangladesh Medical College Hospital for comprehensive care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Dhaka at Gulshan for yoga classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 360 and Gold’s Gym have branches in Dhaka. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services like Dhaka Laundry offer pick-up/drop-off. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Pathao Food for local cuisine delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biriyani, a signature dish available in various restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Shakahari serves a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mouchak Sweets for traditional Bangladeshi sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sadarghat Food Market offers local and affordable eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.com.bd and Chaldal for groceries and other purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Chaldal.com offers groceries with home delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Dhanmondi and Gulshan are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries; imported beers are available at bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bistro D’Luxe in Gulshan offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bengali street food stalls are prevalent in old Dhaka. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fakeer Peer serves a mix of international and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and the National Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Bangladesh and Dhaka Art Summit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Baitul Mukarram Mosqu, one of the largest mosques in Bangladesh. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Star Mosque and Khamar Bari Mosque are notable examples. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ekushey Book Fair in February showcases local literature. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Dhaka is known for its historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Bengal Theatre for modern and classic performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | New Market and Shankhari Bazar for shopping and local foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Dhaka has a vibrant music scene with live performances at various cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals around the Gulshan area depict local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at Baithak Dhaka for traditional cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Kaya and Dhaka Art Center feature local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Sadarghat is notable for its colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rickshaws symbolize the local culture and lifestyle. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sundarbans mangrove forest, about 5 hours away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Biosphere reserve in the Sundarbans is UNESCO-listed. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parks in Uttara and Gulshan for walking and jogging. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Banani Lake offers scenic views and recreational spaces. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sundarbans is a premier birdwatching area. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Specific parks in city reserves allow bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Prothom Alo Tech offers electronic repairs in Dhaka. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local clubs are available in university sports centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Bengali language schools can be found throughout the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Dhaka University Library offers quiet reading spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Uttara and Gulshan Community Centers for cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Meltdown Dhaka for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh, hence no casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $114,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% on company profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% applicable on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Taxed up to 30% for high income. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property evaluation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 10% on property purchases. |