Barcelona vs Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Larnaca vs Porto vs Valencia

Barcelona ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Cape Town ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Larnaca ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡พ
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Porto ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น
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Valencia ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Population 5,585,556 4,617,560 1,166,978 144,900 237,559 834,000
Official language(s) Catalan, Spanish Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Greek Portuguese Spanish, Valencian
Level of English High Very high Low High Very High Moderate
Main airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO) Valencia Manises Airport (VLC)
Most common months to visit April - June, September - November March - May, September - November November - April March - May, October - December May - September March - June, September, October
Currency EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ)
Credit cards Accepted almost evewhere Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2384 $1549 $974 $1959 $1759 $1976
Rent $932 $618 $274 $678 $717 $869
Groceries $121 $129 $169 $157 $148 $146
Dining out $403 $269 $108 $261 $280 $292
Cafe $45 $32 $45 $56 $45 $42
Coworking space $213 $151 $95 $209 $96 $152
Mobile internet $10 $27 $11 $35 $21 $16
Public transportation $127 $55 $60 $63 $95 $38
Taxis $48 $21 $20 $42 $25 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $24 $49 $10 $45 $10 $30
Sport and cultural events $81 $19 $8 $28 $45 $73
Museums and sights $33 $15 $8 $8 $24 $44
Nightlife $112 $43 $62 $110 $66 $66
Gym $81 $36 $41 $107 $56 $34
Yoga $93 $56 $55 $105 $82 $87
Massage $59 $30 $10 $54 $48 $45
SIM card options Vodafone, Movistar MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Vodafone, MEO, NOS Vodafone, Orange
Tipping 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere 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 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars
Taxi apps Cabify, FreeNow Uber, Bolt Grab nTaxi Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify Cabify, FreeNow
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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. 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 variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats
Local food specialities Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo 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 Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa Paella, fideuร , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols
Eat like a local Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots 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. Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches)
Vegetarian / vegan options 98 options on HappyCow 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 46 options on Happy Cow 98 listings on Happy Cow