Moving to a different country or city indeed requires some prior research. Especially when you are shifting mainly for job purposes. Usually, when a country grows economically, it creates more job opportunities for locals and expats. Dhaka, Bangladesh is one of the fastest developing cities in the world at the moment. There are several benefits of living in Dhaka and one of them is the market demand for skilled labor. So, if you are looking for jobs abroad, moving to Dhaka is a great choice. However, before you embark on your new journey, it is always better to outline settlement plans and know more about the city. Here are a few things about Dhaka that any expats should know before moving to the capital of Bangladesh.
Climate of Dhaka
One of the first things to consider for expats moving to Dhaka is the climate. Since expats will be coming from different countries around the world, adjusting to the local climate might be a little bit difficult. For instance, people from western countries might find Dhaka quite humid.
Typically, Dhaka weather is hot, wet, humid and varies with our 6 seasons. Each season has its distinctive nature, but rain is quite consistent throughout the year. During the monsoon season, the average temperature may range from 25°C to 27°C, which starts from May and lasts till September. Increase in rainfall during this period is even known to cause disruptive seasonal fever.
Essential Documents
Documents are by far the most important factors when moving to a new country. After securing a job in Dhaka, you need to ensure the appropriate documentation. This process might take some time, depending on requirements, so it is always better to prepare early. In most cases, documents consist of
- Valid Passport & Visa
- Hotel Confirmation
- Letter of Invitation
- Letter of Invitation From Dhaka office containing traveler’s credentials
Based on country of origin, some individuals might not even need Visa. Contacting the Bangladesh consulate to ensure you have everything you need before departure is a smart step to take.
Accomodation
After getting into the country, securing a suitable location might seem like a challenge for expats moving to Dhaka. After all, it is a foreign land where you may have a minimum understanding of the locale. Some of the best places for expats to live are Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara. Expats prefer these areas because of the security and the existing expat community. Also, most of the embassies in Dhaka are located in these parts of the town. However, if finding proper accommodation ever becomes a big concern, Bproperty, the most trusted real estate portal in Bangladesh, is ready to find you exactly what you’re looking for.
If you are not looking for a permanent stay, you could always look to rent an apartment. That way, you will be able to save more money plus, no commitments. Meaning, there is no hassle of liquidating assets once you are planning to leave the country. There are some great apartments for rent in Dhaka that you can find on the bproperty website.
Culture and Social Etiquette
One thing to notice about Bengali people is their cultural orientation. It has been embedded in Bengali history for generations. A fundamental part of the culture is the Bangla language, which for the locals, is very close to their heart.
Although most offices and institutions use standard English to communicate, a basic understanding of Bengali would help to communicate more fluently. For instance, if you were to use any public transportation like rickshaws, you will need Bengali, at least to communicate partly with the puller. Secondly, Bengali people are by nature amiable and hospitable. If you are to visit any local friends, especially on special occasions, expect a heavy meal followed by a variety of desserts.
Similarly, expats moving to Dhaka should focus on learning local social etiquettes. Most etiquette is molded by culture, however, being a Muslim-driven country, there is definitely some religious influence as well. For example, age is a big factor and elders are immensely respected in Bengali society. Also, apart from official meetings, people usually exchange greetings among the same gender as gender roles are often times predetermined.
Food Preference
If you are familiar with Indian cuisine, then expect a slightly modified version in Bangladesh. Both countries prefer curry-based dishes with rice/roti bread, but you will find international cuisine as well. There are plenty of food shops around Dhaka city including global chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme, and Burger King. Among other places, Dhanmondi is the food haven for locals because of the variety of restaurants. You can either dine in or take away from popular Dhaka restaurants through various food delivery apps! Also, if you love street food, then you are up for a treat. Simply roam around the streets of Dhaka during the evening, and you will find an array of mouthwatering food items. It is one of the best perks of expats moving to Dhaka.
Transportation Facilities
Most of the time, local transportation remains crowded. Recently, many ride-sharing services have captured the market and gained immense popularity; mainly among the younger generations and expats in Dhaka. Other than international ride service provider Uber, there are a handful of local services like Pathao and Shohoz. Since traffic is a big concern for Dhaka dwellers, motorbikes are by far the most convenient medium for moving around in the city.
To sum things up, most of the facts mentioned here will vary as per your home location. Therefore, put great emphasis on choosing the best places for expats to live. Please let us know in the comments below if you have queries regarding any particular point about expats moving to Dhaka city. We would love to set you in the right direction.
