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Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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| Population | 5,585,556 | 3,400,000 | 4,617,560 | 144,900 | 6,578,0179 |
| Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | German | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Greek | Spanish |
| Level of English | High | Very high | Very high | High | Moderate |
| Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Berlin Tegel (TXL) | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) |
| Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | May - September | March - May, September - November | March - May, October - December | March - May, September - November |
| Currency | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted in some places but cash often preferred | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $2384 | $2200 | $1549 | $1959 | $2498 |
| Rent | $932 | $939 | $618 | $678 | $1174 |
| Groceries | $121 | $188 | $129 | $157 | $175 |
| Dining out | $403 | $271 | $269 | $261 | $313 |
| Cafe | $45 | $57 | $32 | $56 | $51 |
| Coworking space | $213 | $174 | $151 | $209 | $196 |
| Mobile internet | $10 | $23 | $27 | $35 | $10 |
| Public transportation | $127 | $88 | $55 | $63 | $78 |
| Taxis | $48 | $58 | $21 | $42 | $44 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $17 | $49 | $45 | $49 |
| Sport and cultural events | $81 | $64 | $19 | $28 | $54 |
| Museums and sights | $33 | $37 | $15 | $8 | $20 |
| Nightlife | $112 | $63 | $43 | $110 | $82 |
| Gym | $81 | $66 | $36 | $107 | $44 |
| Yoga | $93 | $99 | $56 | $105 | $142 |
| Massage | $59 | $56 | $30 | $54 | $64 |
| SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone | MTN, Vodacom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone |
| Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. |
| Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | Mytaxi, Uber | Uber, Bolt | nTaxi | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now |
| Tap water | Drinkable | Drinkable | Not drinkable | Not drinkable | Drinkable |
| Overall cuisine | Catalan cuisine makes extensive use of Mediterranean vegetables, legumes mixed with pork in its many varieties, chicken and fish. Regularly mixes sweet and savory flavors in specific dishes. This cuisine is known for being bold in flavor and striking in color, with a variety of specific regional dishes found the culinary hub that is Barcelona. | Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread | 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.. | Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. |
| Local food specialities | Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomáquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo | Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels | Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros |
| Eat like a local | Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots | Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops | 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. | Have some tapas and sangria at a tasca and paella at an authentic eatery. Keep an eye on the time and visit a cafeteria for a mid-afternoon merienda and some churros! |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 844 listings on Happy Cow | 24 options on HappyCow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 85 listings on Happy Cow |