Austin vs Hanoi vs Istanbul vs Medellin vs Mexico City vs Panama City

Austin 🇺🇸
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Hanoi 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Medellin 🇨🇴
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Panama City 🇵🇦
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Population 926,426 8,053,663 15,520,000 2,427,000 8,850,000 880,691
Official language(s) English (de facto) Vietnamese Turkish Spanish Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high Moderate Low Low Moderate Low
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) Istanbul Airport (IST) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November January, February, October - December April - June, September and October January - April, December March - May, October, November December - April
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) COP - Colombian Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in some places. Cash often preferred. Accepted in most places Accepted in some places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops.
Remote worker visa No No No No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $1167 $659 $1293 $1867 $2359
Rent $1650 $503 $354 $732 $778 $1036
Groceries $243 $151 $44 $87 $281 $236
Dining out $396 $134 $81 $131 $182 $371
Cafe $66 $39 $18 $18 $49 $43
Coworking space $331 $72 $49 $96 $159 $157
Mobile internet $40 $4 $3 $16 $25 $21
Public transportation $110 $20 $6 $21 $11 $12
Taxis $73 $13 $6 $14 $9 $48
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $0 $2 $0 $24 $0
Sport and cultural events $54 $3 $11 $8 $81 $35
Museums and sights $11 $4 $15 $9 $20 $9
Nightlife $124 $89 $22 $73 $64 $117
Gym $62 $57 $9 $15 $69 $37
Yoga $139 $57 $23 $54 $65 $163
Massage $89 $21 $15 $20 $51 $75
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Viettel, Mobifone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Claro, Tigo Telcel, Movistar Claro, Movistar
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars Not required but appreciated, especially in taxis, restaurants and bars. Round up or add 10%. Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars Tip 10% in restaurants 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Grab, GoViet BiTaksi EasyTaxi Uber Uber, Tu Chofer
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Emphasis on barbecued meats (beef and pork) as well as corn-based dishes and tex-mex, and rich American-style desserts. A mix of French, Southeast Asian and Chinese with lots of fresh herbs and spices. Northern Vietnam cuisine includes a lot of fish and noodles. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese Latin American. Emphasis on rice, beans, coconut, and local fruits and vegetables. Pork and beef are regularly used and influence from the islands gives seafood dishes a prominent spot in Panamanian cuisine.
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Pho, cha ca, Vietnamese coffee, pastries and breads Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameños, tostones, ropa vieja
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries Noodle Houses, Bakeries, Coffee and Tea Houses, street food Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 104 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 7 options on HappyCow