Barcelona ๐ช๐ธ
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Chiang Mai ๐น๐ญ
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Istanbul ๐น๐ท
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Porto ๐ต๐น
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Seoul ๐ฐ๐ท
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Population | 5,585,556 | 1,166,978 | 15,520,000 | 237,559 | 9,963,452 |
Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | Thai | Turkish | Portuguese | Korean |
Level of English | High | Low | Low | Very High | Moderate |
Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO) | Incheon International Airport (ICN) |
Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | November - April | April - June, September and October | May - September | March - May, September - November |
Currency | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) | TRY - Turkish Lira (โบ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | KRW - South Korean won (โฉ) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. | Accepted in most places | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
Remote worker visa | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Average monthly costs | $2384 | $974 | $659 | $1759 | $2184 |
Rent | $932 | $274 | $354 | $717 | $797 |
Groceries | $121 | $169 | $44 | $148 | $356 |
Dining out | $403 | $108 | $81 | $280 | $211 |
Cafe | $45 | $45 | $18 | $45 | $69 |
Coworking space | $213 | $95 | $49 | $96 | $222 |
Mobile internet | $10 | $11 | $3 | $21 | $40 |
Public transportation | $127 | $60 | $6 | $95 | $40 |
Taxis | $48 | $20 | $6 | $25 | $41 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $10 | $2 | $10 | $13 |
Sport and cultural events | $81 | $8 | $11 | $45 | $39 |
Museums and sights | $33 | $8 | $15 | $24 | $6 |
Nightlife | $112 | $62 | $22 | $66 | $93 |
Gym | $81 | $41 | $9 | $56 | $69 |
Yoga | $93 | $55 | $23 | $82 | $112 |
Massage | $59 | $10 | $15 | $48 | $75 |
SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | AIS, DTAC | Turkcell, Turk Telekom | Vodafone, MEO, NOS | KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus |
Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere | Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars | Not customary or expected |
Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | Grab | BiTaksi | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify | Uber, Kakao |
Tap water | 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. | 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. | A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. | Emphasis on rice, vegetables, spices and meats. Main dishes are coupled with diverse side dishes and desserts. Strong driking culture. |
Local food specialities | Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo | Khao soi, khan toke, sai oua, miang kham, nam prik, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, larb khua | Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa | Kimchi, bulgogi, chap chae, mandu, sam gae tang, bossam |
Eat like a local | Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots | Street food stalls, local markets, bakeries and smaller, traditional restaurants that serve fresh food | Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars | Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 90 options on HappyCow | 59 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow | 57 options on Happy Cow |