Austin vs Istanbul vs Medellin vs Mexico City vs Panama City vs Porto

Austin 🇺🇸
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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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Porto 🇵🇹
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Population 926,426 15,520,000 2,427,000 8,850,000 880,691 237,559
Official language(s) English (de facto) Turkish Spanish Spanish Spanish Portuguese
Level of English Very high Low Low Moderate Low Very High
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Istanbul Airport (IST) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November April - June, September and October January - April, December March - May, October, November December - April May - September
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) COP - Colombian Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in most places Accepted in some places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No Yes Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $659 $1293 $1867 $2359 $1759
Rent $1650 $354 $732 $778 $1036 $717
Groceries $243 $44 $87 $281 $236 $148
Dining out $396 $81 $131 $182 $371 $280
Cafe $66 $18 $18 $49 $43 $45
Coworking space $331 $49 $96 $159 $157 $96
Mobile internet $40 $3 $16 $25 $21 $21
Public transportation $110 $6 $21 $11 $12 $95
Taxis $73 $6 $14 $9 $48 $25
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $2 $0 $24 $0 $10
Sport and cultural events $54 $11 $8 $81 $35 $45
Museums and sights $11 $15 $9 $20 $9 $24
Nightlife $124 $22 $73 $64 $117 $66
Gym $62 $9 $15 $69 $37 $56
Yoga $139 $23 $54 $65 $163 $82
Massage $89 $15 $20 $51 $75 $48
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Turkcell, Turk Telekom Claro, Tigo Telcel, Movistar Claro, Movistar Vodafone, MEO, NOS
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars 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 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft BiTaksi EasyTaxi Uber Uber, Tu Chofer Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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 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. A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts.
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos 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 Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries 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 Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 7 options on HappyCow 46 options on Happy Cow