HSBC predicts that Bangladesh’s economy will be the 26th largest in the world by 2030. Because of its excellent geographic position, good investment opportunities, and the fact the US named it a nation of growing strategic importance, moving to Bangladesh will definitely be a good decision in the next few years. Although there are many cultural differences, laws, and habits, organizing a quality life there and adjusting to different environments is attainable. Here is everything you need to know about relocating to this future Asian giant.
Basic Things Every Expat Should Know Before Moving to Bangladesh From the US
Relocating overseas from the USA to Asia, and specifically to Bangladesh (formerly known as East Bengal) is definitely something that requires a lot of research and preparation to make the whole experience pleasant and mitigate the consequences of culture shock. Since Asia is so different from the rest of the world in terms of population density, religion, customs, and lifestyle, the typical westerner could find themselves confused and lost in a pretty traditional society. Here are some details to be aware of when planning to live in another country that is still in the process of democratization.
The Nation Has One of the Best Positions on the Asian Continent
Situated at the coasts of the Bay of Bengal, surrounded by India in the west, Myanmar in the east, and Bhutan and Nepal in the north, this nation has the perfect spot for further exploration of the Asian continent. The vicinity of China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia is another plus. So if your master plan is to explore Asia from A-Z after the move overseas, then this destination is a perfect solution.
Traditionalism Means Different Rules for Women
Although defined as secular, this nation still has rules that western women might find odd. With a population of over 165 million citizens, where 89% of them are Muslim, 10% declare themself as Hinduists, and 0.9% Christians, the society is based on pretty strict and patriarchal foundations.
For example, women are not advised to travel alone, especially at night. When it comes to going out or dining at a restaurant, be ready for secluded areas in venues, and don’t make the crucial mistake of sitting in the main area if you are a woman – you can be fined. Also, handshaking between men and women is not a custom, so keep this in mind. Of course, long dresses, skirts, and sleeves are a must, so don’t forget about these, either.
Don’t Mention This Around Locals
The nation’s turbulent history and relations with other Asian countries have made its population pretty sensitive when it comes to their national pride, symbols, or language, so don’t try comparing this country to their neighbors – especially to India or Pakistan. Also, they have a lot of respect for older people, so criticizing or disregarding their opinion is not a good idea. Lastly, homosexuality and cohabitation of unmarried couples are both illegal.
Learning the Language Can Be Challenging
Bengali is the official language of the nation and is completely different from any other western language you’ve ever learned. Undoubtedly, the most practical tip for learning a new language would be to start learning it before relocating internationally. Since there are around 250,000 native speakers of the Bengali language in the US, you can try finding someone who’d help you break the language barrier.
Another reason why this would be a great idea is that English is not widely spoken in Bangladesh itself. Although you’ll be able to communicate with younger people, it can be challenging with older generations. So learning the language abroad is something to include in your to-do list, especially because US expat communities are pretty small here.
Bangladeshi Taka Is the Official Currency
The moment you arrive, you’ll have to pay for everything in taka. For $1 expect to get around 85 takas, and remember to exchange at least $100 when you land at the airport. Also, make sure to exchange money in official exchange offices, at the bank, or withdraw the amount you need using an ATM to avoid getting scammed.
Can You Move to Bangladesh? Types of Visas for Americans Who Plan to Move Here
Obtaining a visa prior to travel is highly recommended, although you can get it once you arrive at the airport. However, there is a crucial difference between a visa obtained before travel and the visa taken at the airport.
Namely, when you apply for a visa before the trip, depending on the purpose of the trip, you’ll usually get one valid for 1-5 years with multiple entries, and the fee is $160. In case you decide to get a visa at the airport, you’ll pay only $50 + tax, but this visa will be valid for 15-30 days only. Of course, there is a range of different visa types available, like:
- Business/Meetings visas,
- Investor visas,
- Work visas,
- Student visas,
- Missionary visas,
- Journalist visas,
- Diplomatic and official visas.
Can Foreigners Enter Bangladesh Now?
To learn about the requirements to meet, documents needed to travel abroad, and how to apply while the coronavirus outbreak is still going on, make sure to check the official website of the Bangladeshi Embassy in the US, contact them, and explore all options available. Also, if your trip is job-related, which is the most common reason behind Americans moving to Bangladesh, don’t forget to create a list of relocation questions to ask the employer and find out everything important.
Booming Economy, Good Investing Incentives, and Variety of Jobs
Relocating across the world to an entirely different culture is worth it only if there are good development opportunities in terms of career or business. As the seventh-most populous country in the world with two-thirds of well-educated young people under 25, the growth in economy and urbanization is something to expect. It is estimated that, by 2030, the country’s urbanization will increase by 48%, so the majority of rural areas will become smaller towns or bigger cities.
Also, the fact that the US government named this Asian country one of the growing areas of strategic importance gives additional reasons to start a business endeavor here. Natural gas exploitation, power generation, agribusiness, information technology, aviation, robotics, manufacturing, tourism, as well as a range of services have already attracted many US companies who decided to base their business here. So if you’re still not ready for investing, finding a job here as an American won’t be that difficult after all.
Healthcare Is Not Free
The healthcare system provided by the government is not free, so when deciding on the best countries to live in, ensure to take this into consideration. Also, the state of their public hospitals is not something locals are proud of, mainly because of overcrowded institutions and a lack of medical specialists.
To be sure you’ll get proper care, settling on private health insurance is definitely the right decision. Private hospitals with quick and quality service that guarantee safe procedures are still a better choice for all expats who want to take care of their health. So include it in your relocating abroad checklist and set up all the details prior to relocating internationally.
What Should You Know About the Educational System if Moving Abroad With Family?
When searching for the best place to live abroad with family, one of the decisive factors will be to choose a place that has a quality education system. When relocating to another continent whose culture is everything but similar to yours, and especially with kids, knowing how the education system works and if there is a possibility for your children to study in the native language but still be a part of the community will be of tremendous importance.
The public education system is based on three stages:
- Primary school – 5 years,
- Secondary school – 7 years,
- University – 3-5 years.
A Variety of Teaching Styles – Public, Religious, Informal, and Private Options
All citizens are obliged to dedicate themselves to a compulsory 10-year long schooling. Aside from the public schooling system, there are also the Madrasah educational system, based on religious teachings, and schools run by NGOs, which focus on informal methods of teaching. Although public schools are supported and financed by the government and completely free for all, keep in mind that classes are in the Bengali language, which can be an issue for expat kids.
However, there are many American and British private schools that provide top-class education, so explore what they offer before you start living overseas and enroll your kids in the highest-quality one!
Relocating to Bangladesh – The Most Livable Cities to Choose for a Home and the Housing Options
Although there are 532 urban centers in the country, not all of them are urban in terms Americans are used to. So when exploring where to find a home, don’t let the low cost of living be your main focus – because living is affordable all over the territory. Instead, give precedence to details like transportation, economy, job opportunities, and safety.
The best places to live abroad in Bangladesh and choose for a home are definitely:
- Dhaka – the capital and the largest city in the country. Dhaka is a beta global city, the tenth-largest and fourth-most densely populated city in the world. It is also a commercial, financial, and political center, meaning – everything happens there.
- Chattogram – the second-largest and major coastal city and port plays a vital role in the development of the country’s economy. Here, some of the most outstanding companies found their base, so if you’re looking for an alternative to Dhaka, then Chattogram might be the right choice.
- Rajshahi – the third-largest city in the nation and its educational and commercial center. Rajshahi is also known as the center for silk production and is nowadays considered the greenest and cleanest city in the state.
Is it Safe to Live in Bangladesh?
Crime rates are very low here and are still declining, which makes it a considerably safe destination for living. The greatest problem here is street robbery, especially in overpopulated cities like Dhaka, so ensure to keep an eye on your possessions and don’t carry too much cash with you. In the end, this rule applies to any place on the globe.
Can a US Citizen Own Property in Bangladesh? The Housing Prices and Options
Buying a property is not an easy process for foreigners. That’s why it is highly recommended to consult a real estate agent or a lawyer to find the right solution for this case. In most situations, establishing a company or a partnership is the easiest solution. However, don’t take any actions before you consult professionals.
Still, the housing and rental prices are incredibly low. According to Numbeo, depending on the location, 1 sqft costs between $600 and $1,060. When it comes to rentals, prices are ridiculously low – from $71 (one-bedroom apartment) to $325 (three-bedroom apartment in the city center). Such prices tell only one thing – high-class living here is easy to reach! And if you want to dive into the costs a little bit further, take a look at the video below!
Relocating to a City in Another Continent Can Be a Breeze With the Support of an Overseas Moving Company
Believe it or not, mitigating relocation stress is absolutely possible if you organize the household move on time. Start with relocation day preparation at least three months in advance. Since overseas shipping is always more complex to organize, ensure to keep everything in the household under control and in the form of a to-do list. Here is what you have to do first!
Schedule All Moving Services in Advance
The whole process will be much easier if you’re moving overseas with the help of a professional international moving company. Choose an overseas shipping company that can offer a range of different moving services. No matter if you need packing services or more demanding overseas vehicle shipping, picking a company that can provide you with all necessary assistance for the overseas shipping of any type of belongings will make your relocation a breeze! Contact a few different companies, compare their quotes, and choose the most reputable one!
