Barbados vs Cape Town vs Da Nang vs Playa del Carmen

Barbados 🇧🇧
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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Da Nang 🇻🇳
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Population 110,000 4,617,560 1,125,316 259,453
Official language(s) English, Bajan Creole Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Vietnamese Spanish
Level of English Very high Very high Low Moderate
Main airport Bridgetown/Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Da Nang International Airport (DAD) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit November - May March - May, September - November February - May January - May, October - December
Currency BBD - Barbadian dollar ($) ZAR - South African Rand (R) VND - Vietnamese Dong (â‚«) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted in some places, cash also needed for smaller businesses Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted in some places. Cash also needed. Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes
Average monthly costs $2702 $1549 $959 $2143
Rent $1054 $618 $316 $923
Groceries $234 $129 $161 $127
Dining out $345 $269 $128 $207
Cafe $75 $32 $35 $42
Coworking space $321 $151 $88 $160
Mobile internet $49 $27 $4 $21
Public transportation $35 $55 $15 $17
Taxis $106 $21 $15 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $0 $49 $0 $49
Sport and cultural events $37 $19 $6 $97
Museums and sights $36 $15 $2 $217
Nightlife $96 $43 $74 $77
Gym $86 $36 $34 $42
Yoga $130 $56 $71 $54
Massage $99 $30 $10 $101
SIM card options Digicel MTN, Vodacom Viettel, Vinafone Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 10 - 15% usually included in restaurants, add 10 - 15% at bars 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 5-15% in restaurants, round up at bars and cafes 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps None available Uber, Bolt Grab N/A
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Bajan cuisine features an eclectic mix of European, Asian, and Caribbean styles resulting in bold, tasty and crunchy meat or fish dishes with lots of spices, lime juice, thyme and salads laden with local vegetables and hot side dishes. 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. Healthy and with robust flavors, Vietnamese cuisine combines noodles and rice with a variety of greens and local herbs to compliment specially seasoned pork, beef or seafood dishes. In Da Nang, you'll find a strong emphasis on barbecued seafood dishes as well as fish-based sauces. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices
Local food specialities Cou-cou and flying fish, fish cakes, cutters, pudding and souse, macaroni pie, conkies, Bajan black cake, sea eggs Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Chao Tom, Bahn Xeo, Goi Cuon, Bun Thit Nuong, Bahn Cuon, Mi Quang, Bun nam, Bun cha ca Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
Eat like a local Food trucks, pubs, seaside street food, roadside carts, local seafood restaurants, smaller traditional restaurants and rum shops Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets Smaller, local restaurants, roadside eateries, street food stalls and local markets Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 14 options on HappyCow 24 options on HappyCow 107 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow