Berlin vs Bucharest vs Istanbul vs Madrid vs Mexico City vs Rio de Janeiro

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Bucharest 🇷🇴
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Rio de Janeiro 🇧🇷
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Population 3,400,000 1,830,000 15,520,000 6,578,0179 8,850,000 6,718,903
Official language(s) German Romanian Turkish Spanish Spanish Portuguese
Level of English Very high High Low Moderate Moderate Low
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Galeão International Airport
Most common months to visit May - September April - October April - June, September and October March - May, September - November March - May, October, November January - March, December
Currency EUR - Euro (€) RON - Romanian Leu (L) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) BRL - Brazilian Real (R$)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes Yes No
Average monthly costs $2200 $1351 $659 $2498 $1867 $1833
Rent $939 $615 $354 $1174 $778 $1066
Groceries $188 $114 $44 $175 $281 $95
Dining out $271 $165 $81 $313 $182 $210
Cafe $57 $38 $18 $51 $49 $25
Coworking space $174 $133 $49 $196 $159 $130
Mobile internet $23 $7 $3 $10 $25 $7
Public transportation $88 $21 $6 $78 $11 $33
Taxis $58 $9 $6 $44 $9 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $25 $2 $49 $24 $16
Sport and cultural events $64 $29 $11 $54 $81 $55
Museums and sights $37 $29 $15 $20 $20 $26
Nightlife $63 $45 $22 $82 $64 $54
Gym $66 $30 $9 $44 $69 $31
Yoga $99 $59 $23 $142 $65 $40
Massage $56 $31 $15 $64 $51 $32
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Vodafone, Orange Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar Tim, Claro, Vivo
Tipping Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services 5% - 10% at restaurants, 5% - 10% tip for services is appreciated but not expected, round up for taxis Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 10% usually included in restaurants, 10% at bars and cafes with table service is common
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Star Taxi, Uber BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Uber Easy Taxi, 99 Taxi, Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread Wide range of meat and fish dishes, soups, salads and cheeses influenced by German, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek and Ukrainian cuisine. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese Emphasis on rice, beans, pork and beef with a variety of root vegetables and fresh fruits. Fresh seafood is also very common.
Local food specialities Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Sarmale, mămăligă, mici, ciolan cu fasole, ciorbă de burtă, covrig, papanasi Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Feijoada, bolinho de bacalhau, fried sardines, caldo verde, pao de queijo and brigadeiros.
Eat like a local Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Set lunch menus, cafe terraces, cofeterias Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee 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! Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) The "snack capital" of Brazil, Rio is a perfect place to try street food as well as the wide varieties of small, traditional eateries and churrascarias easily found across the city.
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 33 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 54 options on Happy Cow