Barcelona ๐ช๐ธ
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Chiang Mai ๐น๐ญ
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Istanbul ๐น๐ท
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Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
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Playa del Carmen ๐ฒ๐ฝ
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Seoul ๐ฐ๐ท
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Population | 5,585,556 | 1,166,978 | 15,520,000 | 144,900 | 259,453 | 9,963,452 |
Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | Thai | Turkish | Greek | Spanish | Korean |
Level of English | High | Low | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) | Incheon International Airport (ICN) |
Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | November - April | April - June, September and October | March - May, October - December | January - May, October - December | March - May, September - November |
Currency | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) | TRY - Turkish Lira (โบ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | KRW - South Korean won (โฉ) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. | Accepted in most places | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
Remote worker visa | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Average monthly costs | $2384 | $974 | $659 | $1959 | $2143 | $2184 |
Rent | $932 | $274 | $354 | $678 | $923 | $797 |
Groceries | $121 | $169 | $44 | $157 | $127 | $356 |
Dining out | $403 | $108 | $81 | $261 | $207 | $211 |
Cafe | $45 | $45 | $18 | $56 | $42 | $69 |
Coworking space | $213 | $95 | $49 | $209 | $160 | $222 |
Mobile internet | $10 | $11 | $3 | $35 | $21 | $40 |
Public transportation | $127 | $60 | $6 | $63 | $17 | $40 |
Taxis | $48 | $20 | $6 | $42 | $9 | $41 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $10 | $2 | $45 | $49 | $13 |
Sport and cultural events | $81 | $8 | $11 | $28 | $97 | $39 |
Museums and sights | $33 | $8 | $15 | $8 | $217 | $6 |
Nightlife | $112 | $62 | $22 | $110 | $77 | $93 |
Gym | $81 | $41 | $9 | $107 | $42 | $69 |
Yoga | $93 | $55 | $23 | $105 | $54 | $112 |
Massage | $59 | $10 | $15 | $54 | $101 | $75 |
SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | AIS, DTAC | Turkcell, Turk Telekom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Telcel, Movistar | 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 | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | 10-15% for restaurants | Not customary or expected |
Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | Grab | BiTaksi | nTaxi | N/A | Uber, Kakao |
Tap water | Drinkable | Not drinkable | Not 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. | 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 | 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 | 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 | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole | 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 | 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 | 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 | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 72 listings on Happy Cow | 57 options on Happy Cow |