Rajshahi, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#711
24.371551, 88.592103
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rajshahi is a city located in the northwest region of Bangladesh, known for its educational institutions and silk industry. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BDT ≈ 0.012 USD; major banks include BRAC Bank and Dutch-Bangla Bank |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz; Type C/D sockets are commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Grameenphone and Banglalink. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are accepted widely in bigger establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb and local guesthouses, typically around BDT 1,500 - 3,000 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb offer various options ranging from budget to mid-range. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'The City Hostel' provide dormitory stays around BDT 700 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there's no established coworking space; consider working from cafes. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Rajshahi offers a calm environment with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups can be found in Facebook groups; check local expat forums. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for events in Rajshahi Expat group on Facebook for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available but local taxis are also common and can be hired easily. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is not widely available; however, bike rental services can be found locally. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches directly nearby; the nearest beach is in Cox's Bazar, approximately 7 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | US-Bangla Airlines operates flights from Dhaka to Rajshahi. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates from Dhaka to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway provides access to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rajshahi Railway Station connects to Dhaka and other destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus services are widely used; no specific passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are the main options to travel to nearby cities like Bogura and Pabna. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rajshahi Medical College Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers are limited; consider local yoga instructors or online classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options like 'Fitness Gym Rajshahi' are available with monthly fees around BDT 1,000. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are easily found; prices around BDT 100 for basic laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda operates in Rajshahi for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Panta Bhat' (fermented rice) with fried hilsa fish, a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurants like 'Green Kitchen' offer local vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Raja's Mishti offers a variety of traditional Bengali sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Rajshahi Sadar Market is popular for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.bd is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are limited; major supermarkets may offer local delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rajshahi is relatively quiet; nearby cafes often serve drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local craft beer is limited, best to explore in Dhaka. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; alcohol consumption is restricted in many areas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Rajshahi University offer local snacks like 'Fuchka' and 'Chotpoti.' |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Chinese takeout can be found at places like 'Pizza Corner.' |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Varendra Research Museum and Rajshahi University. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Varendra Research Museum showcases local heritage and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Bagha Mosque is a notable historical site nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Shiv Mandir is a prominent Hindu temple in the region. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pohela Falgun (Spring Festival) is celebrated with great enthusiasm. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area offers a glimpse into local culture and daily life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters occasionally host performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Rajshahi Sadar Market for a variety of local handicrafts and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Outgoing musical performances can be found at cultural festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art scene; more common in larger cities like Dhaka. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes may be arranged through community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art is showcased in academic settings; galleries are limited. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic colonial buildings are scattered around the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Famed for Rajshahi silk, an integral part of Bangladeshi heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Padma River offers scenic views and local fishing activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Puthia Temple Complex offers nearby scenic beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling along the Padma River is popular amongst locals. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The banks of the Padma River offer beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various wetlands near the river provide birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near riverbanks are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers operate for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for mobile and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local community centers; free to play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Bengali classes, generally start at BDT 1,500. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Rajshahi University Library offers study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Spaces like 'Gonokendra' host local cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; check local cafes for gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BDT 2,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 35,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BDT 1,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BDT 2,700,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BDT 1,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BDT 40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BDT 3,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BDT 28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BDT 2,240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for corporations |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% applied to any dividend distributions |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income tax is progressive, up to 30% for higher income brackets. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax rate |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply for foreign-controlled entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The standard rate for property transactions is typically 7%. |