Bangkok vs Cape Town vs Larnaca vs Playa del Carmen

Bangkok 🇹🇭
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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Population 5,680,000 4,617,560 144,900 259,453
Official language(s) Thai Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Greek Spanish
Level of English Low Very high High Moderate
Main airport Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit January - March, November, December March - May, September - November March - May, October - December January - May, October - December
Currency THB - Thai Baht (฿) ZAR - South African Rand (R) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No Yes
Average monthly costs $1560 $1549 $1959 $2143
Rent $616 $618 $678 $923
Groceries $191 $129 $157 $127
Dining out $168 $269 $261 $207
Cafe $45 $32 $56 $42
Coworking space $127 $151 $209 $160
Mobile internet $23 $27 $35 $21
Public transportation $32 $55 $63 $17
Taxis $19 $21 $42 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $45 $49
Sport and cultural events $46 $19 $28 $97
Museums and sights $21 $15 $8 $217
Nightlife $50 $43 $110 $77
Gym $96 $36 $107 $42
Yoga $98 $56 $105 $54
Massage $11 $30 $54 $101
SIM card options AIS MTN, Vodacom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 10% for restaurants, bars and services 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps Grab Uber, Bolt nTaxi N/A
Tap water 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 sautéed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. 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 Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka 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 Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 416 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 72 listings on Happy Cow