Bangkok vs Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Larnaca vs Medellin vs Playa del Carmen

Bangkok ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
Remove
Cape Town ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
Remove
Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
Remove
Larnaca ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡พ
Remove
Medellin ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด
Remove
Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
Remove
Population 5,680,000 4,617,560 1,166,978 144,900 2,427,000 259,453
Official language(s) Thai Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Greek Spanish Spanish
Level of English Low Very high Low High Low Moderate
Main airport Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Josรฉ Marรญa Cรณrdova International Airport (MDE) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit January - March, November, December March - May, September - November November - April March - May, October - December January - April, December January - May, October - December
Currency THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) COP - Colombian Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere Accepted in some places Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No No No Yes
Average monthly costs $1560 $1549 $974 $1959 $1293 $2143
Rent $616 $618 $274 $678 $732 $923
Groceries $191 $129 $169 $157 $87 $127
Dining out $168 $269 $108 $261 $131 $207
Cafe $45 $32 $45 $56 $18 $42
Coworking space $127 $151 $95 $209 $96 $160
Mobile internet $23 $27 $11 $35 $16 $21
Public transportation $32 $55 $60 $63 $21 $17
Taxis $19 $21 $20 $42 $14 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $10 $45 $0 $49
Sport and cultural events $46 $19 $8 $28 $8 $97
Museums and sights $21 $15 $8 $8 $9 $217
Nightlife $50 $43 $62 $110 $73 $77
Gym $96 $36 $41 $107 $15 $42
Yoga $98 $56 $55 $105 $54 $54
Massage $11 $30 $10 $54 $20 $101
SIM card options AIS MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Claro, Tigo Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 10% for restaurants, bars and services 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars Tip 10% in restaurants 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps Grab Uber, Bolt Grab nTaxi EasyTaxi N/A
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Meat and fish dishes, vegetables, noodles and soup South African cuisine has been shaped by a long history of Dutch, Malay, British and Indian settlements, making the food diverse and strong in flavor. There is a strong emphasis on game in all of its different forms, as well as spicy sauces and sautรฉed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. Combines salty, sweet, spicy and sour flavors to create bold and colorful dishes. Meals typically include a mixture of meat and seafood dishes, as well as noodles or soups recipes. Strong emphasis on local spices and vegetables. Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices
Local food specialities Pad thai, tom yam, kway teow reua, som tum, sooan Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Khao soi, khan toke, sai oua, miang kham, nam prik, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, larb khua Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
Eat like a local Food stalls, local markets, shophouse restaurants Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets Street food stalls, local markets, bakeries and smaller, traditional restaurants that serve fresh food Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 416 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 153 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow