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Digital Nomad Guide to Bangladesh | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Pinapple Sellers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Digital Nomad Life in Bangladesh

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Bangladesh is not a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Bangladesh are Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Digital nomads like living in Bangladesh because of its low cost of living, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $500 in Bangladesh. The culture of Bangladesh is diverse and vibrant. It is a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim influences. Bangladesh is known for its colorful festivals, delicious cuisine, and friendly people.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

How do I meet people in Bangladesh?

When we asked people living in Bangladesh about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Bangladesh often join clubs and activities such as the Dhaka Expat Club, which organizes events and activities for expats to meet and socialize. Expats can also join sports clubs, such as the Dhaka Cricket Club, or attend language classes to meet other expats. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Expats can also meet people by attending networking events, such as the Dhaka Expat Networking Group, or by joining online forums and social media groups," said one person in Bangladesh.

"None. But, check local press and villagers upcoming events, some are really excellent," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Sylhet.

What is life like in Bangladesh?

When we asked people living in Bangladesh what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bangladesh can be both exciting and challenging. The country is full of vibrant culture, friendly people, and delicious food. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the country and experience its unique culture. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. However, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Bengali. Additionally, the infrastructure and internet connectivity can be unreliable in some areas. Despite these challenges, expats and digital nomads can find a welcoming and supportive community in Bangladesh," said one person in Bangladesh.

"Work and education are important to all, leisure on the many rivers is excellent, especially River Surma and Kushiara. Annual regatta Fenchuganj NOT to be missed - boat racing GREAT fun, over 50,000 attended. I was treated very fairly until they found I could speak Bengali local variety, then I was treated exceptionally wheel. Driving is nightmare, however you can hire locally for between 16 and 20 pounds a day, includes driver and insurance, pay for your own LP gas - approx 63 pence a liter," said one expat who made the move to Sylhet.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Where should I live in Bangladesh?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Basically my company decided. All expats lived in Gulshan area so we went for same. Baridhara seemed nicer but it was more expensive too. Now they have started construction on high buildings everywhere in both Gulshan and Baridhara and it is quite tough to live in these areas. In a few years these areas will not be so called residential anymore. My company used an agent to see apartments," said one expat in Dhaka.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Bangladesh is to use online resources such as rental websites, classifieds, and real estate agents. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations. Additionally, you can look for rental postings in local newspapers and magazines. Once you have identified a few potential places to live, it is important to visit the area in person to get a better sense of the neighborhood and to ensure that the property is suitable for your needs," remarked one member in Bangladesh.

What do I need to know before moving to Bangladesh?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bangladesh, they said:

"Before retiring in Bangladesh, expats should research the cost of living in the country and the availability of healthcare services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the safety and security of the area they plan to retire in, and make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits. Finally, expats should consider the climate of Bangladesh and the availability of recreational activities," said one person in Bangladesh.

"Without basic Bengali language skills you will be lost, it's nothing like Dhaka. (it's better)," said one expat who made the move to Sylhet.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Bangladesh?

"Expats in Bangladesh appreciate the hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture, and the delicious cuisine. They also enjoy the country's rich history and the opportunity to explore its many ancient monuments and archaeological sites. Additionally, expats appreciate the natural beauty of Bangladesh, with its lush green landscapes, rivers, and beaches. Finally, expats enjoy the vibrant nightlife and the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Bangladesh.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

What do people find most challenging about the culture in Bangladesh?

"It is not possible to insist and want every thing to meet your expectations, rather a lot of acceptance and compromise, and precautions on my part becomes necessary. It is necessary to accept and understand that it is a majority-Muslim country and most of the populace put their faith at the disposal of god and normally just try their best in getting the work done for daily survival, there is no benchmark except in the higher hierachy of MNCs, and even then that will be set lower say compare with a country like Singapore or HK," explained one expat living in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

"Expats in Bangladesh often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. The climate can also be a challenge, as Bangladesh is a tropical country with high temperatures and humidity. Finally, the traffic and transportation system can be difficult to navigate, as roads are often congested and public transportation is limited," said one person in Bangladesh.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Bangladesh for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Bangladesh for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa from the Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa, such as a student visa, work visa, or business visa. You may also need to provide proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement, and a valid passport. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance and a valid return ticket," remarked one member in Bangladesh.

What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Bangladesh?

We asked people in Bangladesh if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Bangladesh. It is considered impolite to show public displays of affection, so it is best to avoid kissing or hugging in public. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to respect religious customs, such as removing shoes before entering a mosque or temple. It is also important to be aware of the local customs regarding food, as some dishes may be considered offensive or inappropriate. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local language, as English is not widely spoken in Bangladesh," said one person in Bangladesh.

"No, I did not. However, it is important to note that I come from a multi religious , multi-racial environment (country of Singapore), and have been exposed to Islamic practices and culture, hence it may have been easier for me," said one expat who made the move to Dhaka.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are healthcare services like in Bangladesh?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bangladesh, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Bangladesh are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Bangladesh. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Bangladesh generally use the private healthcare system, as it is more reliable and of a higher quality than the public system. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to access private healthcare or if they are on a tight budget," said one foreigner in Bangladesh.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Bangladesh?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Bangladesh often appreciate the country's rich culture and friendly people. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and infrastructure to be a challenge. Additionally, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to for some," said a member in Bangladesh.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Bangladesh Network Contribute
Help others in Bangladesh by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Bangladesh.

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