Sylhet, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#709
24.89922, 91.868527
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sylhet is a city in northeastern Bangladesh, known for its tea gardens and lush green landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BDT ≈ 0.011 USD. Most banks are available like Islami Bank, BRAC Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D power sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at most major banks; ATMs are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, guest houses, and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is commonly used but digital wallets like bKash are gaining popularity. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, along with local guest houses starting around $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Hostel Sylhet' offer beds starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Sylhet is a recommended coworking space. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Aroma is a cozy spot for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are usually organized informally; look for Facebook groups related to expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out Meetups and local Facebook groups for gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Sylhet, along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rental shops offer bikes and scooters for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Cox's Bazar, approximately 6 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | US-Bangla Airlines operates flights from Sylhet to Dhaka. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines offers international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct connectivity via the N2 highway to Dhaka. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sylhet Railway Station connects to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit pass system; local buses and rickshaws operate. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are widely available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various local gyms offer fitness classes; 'Pure Fitness' is popular. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like 'Fitness for Life' are available for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services are available; prices start around BDT 50 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and bKash Food delivery services are available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Panta Bhat,' a traditional rice dish, especially during Pohela Boishakh. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants like 'Bhuri Ghor'. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Check out 'Shri Sweets' for local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sylhet's Biswa Ijtema Market offers various affordable shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.com.bd is a popular online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some stores offer delivery, but online options are limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sylhet's nightlife is centered around cafes, Central Plaza is popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited craft beer options; mainstream brands are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are limited, but some upscale restaurants may offer them. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out roadside vendors for snacks like 'Chotpoti' and 'Fuchka'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serve Indian, Chinese, and Thai food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Ratargul Swamp Forest and Jaflong. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sylhet offers few museums; check local cultural events instead. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar Sharif is a significant site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Hazrat Shah Paran Mazar Sharif. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pohela Boishakh and other local festivals celebrate the culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local markets for cultural artisanship. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community centers host occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Sylhet Central Market for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check local cafes and events for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local art communities may host exhibitions. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available through local cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries may host work from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial era buildings can be explored in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sylhet is known for its unique blend of Bengali culture and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Ratargul Swamp Forest and Sreemangal tea gardens. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lawachara National Park is a short trip away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths through tea gardens in the region are scenic. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Jaflong offers beautiful views of the hills. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lawachara National Park is a renowned spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Lawachara National Park allow bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services like Sundarban Courier are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some institutions offer Bengali language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries and cafes serve as quiet study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Several community centers are available for gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges exist; local cafes may have games available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Sylhet; gaming is mostly limited to informal settings. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is approximately 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Around 20% is the standard rate. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is around 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is typically 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on municipal assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is around 3%. |