'LIFE IN DHAKA' Expat

LIFE IN DHAKA

Talk for and about Expats. Living in this Bangladesh? Let others know about it. Want to live here? Ask questions! Expat Interviews

Rajesh (61.246.64.47) -

I am moving to Dhaka as an expat for 2 years.

Can someone help me on :

general info on the city

best avaialable accomodation & which part of the city

How to get the best domestic help

are there good stores with international brands

Reply #1 RMS (67.170.153.132) -

1. Best place to live - I would suggest the following areas: Gulshan, Baridhara, Banani. Most expats live in these areas. An good apartment will go for $800-$1200/month and houses for $1200-$1500 (luxury units). You can cheaper places, but the quality will suffer.

2. Domestic Help: For expats, you will probably pay $100-$150 per month for maids or male servant full time live in) who speak enough english to communicate. An expat driver will probably cost ~$150/month (no room and board; meals while on duty). If you have Bangladeshi friends you trust, they'll be able to set you up properly. Otherwise, I would suggest contacting expats from your country.

3. Shopping: Unless you have access to an embassy commisary, I would suggest using Nandan and Agora for groceries and personal items. They have mostly imported products. You may not get the exact brand you want, but you should find something similary. These are similar to western style supermarkets with fixed prices.

For clothes, try Aarong (near Gulshan). It's a nice place that caters towards expats and Non-resident-Bangladeshis. It's also owned by an NGO. Prices are fixed.

Reply #2 Peter Pichler (217.11.190.78) -

I'm soon relocating to Dhaka for two years, any advise apreciated!

How is the crack down of police for westerners impacting, discos, nightlife e.g.

What ladies have to wear this days going around in Dhaka at daytime, any special clothing advise?

Thanks

Peter

Reply #3 Kamru Faisal (203.76.124.203) -

dear:

call me at 01712063004 and problem solved!

Reply #4 akilaa@brandix.com (202.124.176.130) -

1.> what is the minimum ex-pat sallery u should get to have a good life over in bangaladesh.

2.> What can u do for fun over there.

3.> How are the living conditions

Reply #5 mauricio (200.86.104.236) -

Hello¡¡

Mi name is Mauricio, I am from Chile, I have a questions for expats, Which is the cost for lives in the best conditions in Bangladesh?, including health insurance, food, apartment, transport, for two couple people.

Which is the best place for lives in Daka?, is near the town center?

Thanks,

Mauricio

Reply #6 RMS (24.20.186.182) -

See my posts above on best placed to live. to reiterate, you will want to stay in the diplomatic enclave which includes the following developments: Gulshan, Baridhara, Banani. Expect to pay a minimum of US$1, 000 for a small house. These are NOT near the town center. You do NOT want to live near the town center.

Stores with international brands:

Yes there are plenty. Agora and Nandan are supermarkets stocked with imports. Now remember, they are geared toward affluent Bangladeshi's, so the brands may be different.

You can pretty much get electronics, clothing (cheapest ones will be Bangladeshi), and consumer products if you are willing to pay for it. Chances are the items will be more expensive than in the US since they'll be imported and will have duties attached.

Expat Life: I'm sorry to say that you need to have an expatriate dollar based salary to sustain the luxurious expat life you want.

Entertainment: If you are US citizen there is the American club. They have a nice bar where you can indulge and meet other Americans. Canadians, Dutch, Scandanavians, and Japanese also have their own clubs. Members are often able to use each others facilities.

Reply #7 RMS (24.20.186.182) -

The crackdown: Expats should not be impacted as long as they follow rules. Do whatever you want within the boundaries of your clubs. Anything goes. Most of the luxury hotels (Westin, Sonargaon, Sheraton, Radison) have fully stocked bars where you can buy overpriced drinks. Ok to have parties in your homes, but PLEASE do not be loud. The bottom line is you do not want to stand out. Blend in. Bangladeshi's are very tolerant towards outsiders as long as they do not cause problems.

Attire: Dress as if you were going to Church. There is nothing illegal with women wearing shorts, but you will be stared by everyone. Best to wear pants and tops that go to your elbows.

For Fun; Most westerners should stick to the clubs and hotel bars. For those of you who want to explore, there are numerous sites/historical places. Check out Dhaka on wikitravel.com.

Health Insurance: Make sure your company/organization provides this perk for you. You will want to have access to medevac in case of an emergency. The local private hospitals are ok for minor items. For anything serious, affluent locals will fly to Bangkok.

Living Conditions: Ok to great for those with money. I doubt anyone reading this post will be living on local wages.

Reply #8 Chakravarthy (212.43.1.1) -

Very soon with in 3 months I'm relocating to Dakha

as an Expact.

Any one, could you please give me approx. cost of living for Indians and local taxation for Expacts.

Chakravarthy.

Reply #9 Sabina (123.136.25.251) -

Mr. Chakravarthy,

I know one person who will gladly help you .He is a Doctor in ICDDR, b .His name is Brian cobb .He has been living in Bangladesh for two years .I think if you ask him he will gladly help you with all information that you need. He is a nice person , loves to help ppl.

Reply #10 Mars (124.183.109.27) -

How's living in Dhaka if you are a single woman, is it safe?

Crime?

Thought of getting an expat job, but I need to know if its worth the move.

Thanks.

• Life In Dhaka

Reply #11 Reyan (119.30.36.84) - 07/28/09 10:55

Hi Mars,

Don't know if u have already relocated to Dhaka.

Write to me at ochena_keu@hotmail.com. I can share some info with u on it.

-- Reyan

Reply #12 Laura (114.77.223.17) - 08/06/09 01:22

Hi,

I will be going to Dhaka for 2-3 months in February for an internship. Is there a way I can find a one bedroom apartment before I arrive there? Also, how safe is it for a single woman (21 years old) to live alone?

Thanks!

Reply #13 Rafi (119.30.36.12) - 08/14/09 18:15

Hi ,

yes its safe but u ve to select the right area.for details u can conact with me to:alpintus@gmail.com

Reply #14 Md. Sadat Karim (202.53.162.195) - 09/09/09 12:23

Hi,

This is Sadat from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am working here in a multinational foreign company for last 4 years as an Senior Executive in Adminstration. I am taking care expats tax, accomodation, car, domestic helps, food, and other day to day issues. If you r an expat wants to live in Bangladesh let me know for help/service. Contact no. +8801715588996 , e-mail: md.sadatkarim@gmail.com

Best regards,

Sadat Karim

Reply #15 Kabir (119.30.35.73) - 09/15/09 03:59

I have an apartment in a posh area of dhaka which is serviced apartment and which is only rented to foreigners. Whatever I can help u in evry aspect if u feel u need help to live at dhaka for time being. Please feel free to contact with me through my e-mail: smik1981@ymail.com

Reply #16 Roy (77.243.8.226) - 09/17/09 11:15

Is it possible to find a job for a sri lankan woman in bangladesh? how is nomal salery of a normal job?

Reply #17 textile1882 (92.192.65.167) - 10/13/09 13:22

Hi every one,

We are textile machinery manufacture from germany. We are planing to open an office in Dhaka in the first phase we like to sent one sales person there. Can some help us to give us some information about appartment to rent or share.

Best Regards

Reply #18 K N Zaman (210.56.150.32) - 10/15/09 06:01

Anybody willing to establish business in Bangladesh may contact me for statutory and other licensing issues including activities in BOI. I am an expert as well as an MBA willing to help you best professionally.

Thanks & best regards,

Mobile : 01713423472

Reply #19 Emma (20) from Dhaka (Contact Member) - 10/21/09 09:08

"Coordinator"

For more recent information I know Postadjust.org are just starting up a site in Dhaka. This is a great network for ex pat’s in developing countries. They will have more up-to-date practical info as well as forums and contact details of people who are posted in Dhaka.

/Emma

Reply #20 Imtiaz Khan Jewel (123.49.61.22) - 10/26/09 17:12

"help for foreign findings garment menufacture factory knit & woven."

Dear Guest,

myself imtiaz khan doing job wicked fashions inc/southpole-usa as Quality assurance Head Bangladesh division. i am helping that people who comes for garments business.

Thanking You

Imtiaz khan jewel

Wicked fashion's inc

Southpole-Bangladesh

cell +88 01913959995

01911888476

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