Sylhet, Bangladesh 🇧🇩
#709
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sylhet is the capital of the Sylhet Division in Bangladesh, known for its tea gardens and mountainous terrains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 5-20 Mbps (varies by provider) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BDT ≈ 0.011 USD, ATMs are widely available, and mobile banking services like bKash are popular. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Grameenphone and bkash are the most popular providers for mobile data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank accounts available at many banks such as BRAC Bank and Dutch-Bangla Bank; debit/credit cards accepted in urban areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local apartments; Airbnb and local guesthouses are common. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; mobile payment options are gaining traction, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available, with prices starting around $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options and budget hotels range from $10 to $20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Hotel Grand Sylhet and areas near the Sylhet Sadar Upazila are recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Moulvibazar Road area is favored by digital nomads for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Nexus is a popular coworking space with reliable internet and comfortable work settings. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Tea & Talk offers a quiet ambiance with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Processes and professionals meet at different cultural hubs; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various expat meetups happen monthly, facilitated by local cafes and social media groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Pathao operate in Sylhet for ride-sharing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops rent bikes; expect prices around 200 BDT per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cox's Bazar is a popular beach that is around 6 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airways and Novoair service domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Emirates offer international flights from Sylhet. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Dhaka-Sylhet highway connects Sylhet to the capital and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sylhet Railway Station serves as the main hub for train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Daily and monthly bus passes available for various local services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to and from neighboring cities such as Moulvibazar and Habiganj. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Hill offers classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Xtreme Fitness is a popular gym in Sylhet with various services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide affordable laundry services; expect to pay around 200 BDT for wash and fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and Pathao Food provide delivery services in Sylhet. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khichuri (a rice-lentil dish) is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Alif Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mizan Sweets offers popular traditional Bengali sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sylhet Fish Market is budget-friendly for local produce and seafood. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz and AjkerDeal serve as popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores might provide delivery; WhatsApp orders are common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | MG Road is the hub for nightlife, with bars and shisha lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Not common; local drinks primarily consist of non-alcoholic options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very limited, as alcohol is not widely consumed; some high-end hotels have limited selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vendors offer various snacks like fuchka (pani puri) and chaat. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza House and KFC serve popular international fast food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Lawachara National Park and Ratargul Swamp Forest are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sylhet Tea Museum showcases the region's tea heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar Sharif, an important religious site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Duara Sharif shrine is notable among the local population. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sylhet Boi Mela (Book Fair) held annually attracts culture enthusiasts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Jalalabad is a cultural hub for local arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Sylhet Shilpakala Academy hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Fazilat Point Market is popular for shopping and local cuisine. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various cafes and community events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art and murals can be found through the city; check local spots in Jalalabad. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available at various cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Sundarbans Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The 18th-century Sayedpur Mosque is a notable example. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sylhet is known for its rich tea culture and vibrant folk music. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lawachara National Park provides hiking and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sreemangal is approximately an hour away and famous for tea gardens. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several paths around tea gardens are scenic and cyclist-friendly. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at Srimangal offer stunning vistas of the tea estates. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lawachara National Park is a renowned birdwatching site. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campgrounds are available near Lawachara. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Sylhet. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops offer repair services for electronics, especially in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Bengali classes are available at local adult education centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sylhet City Library is a useful resource for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various local cultural centers host events and social gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes are available, particularly popular among younger generations. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not applicable; gambling is not prevalent. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on rental value; varies between urban and rural. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 3% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits, but tax residency is based on physical presence. |