Berlin vs Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Madrid vs Mexico City

Berlin ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช
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Cape Town ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Mexico City ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Population 3,400,000 4,617,560 1,166,978 6,578,0179 8,850,000
Official language(s) German Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Spanish Spanish
Level of English Very high Very high Low Moderate Moderate
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Most common months to visit May - September March - May, September - November November - April March - May, September - November March - May, October, November
Currency EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere Widely accepted (less with AMEX)
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $1549 $974 $2498 $1867
Rent $939 $618 $274 $1174 $778
Groceries $188 $129 $169 $175 $281
Dining out $271 $269 $108 $313 $182
Cafe $57 $32 $45 $51 $49
Coworking space $174 $151 $95 $196 $159
Mobile internet $23 $27 $11 $10 $25
Public transportation $88 $55 $60 $78 $11
Taxis $58 $21 $20 $44 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $10 $49 $24
Sport and cultural events $64 $19 $8 $54 $81
Museums and sights $37 $15 $8 $20 $20
Nightlife $63 $43 $62 $82 $64
Gym $66 $36 $41 $44 $69
Yoga $99 $56 $55 $142 $65
Massage $56 $30 $10 $64 $51
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar
Tipping Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Uber, Bolt Grab Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine 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 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. 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
Local food specialities Currywurst, spรคtzle, kรถnigsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels 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 Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas
Eat like a local Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops 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 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, menรบ del dรญa (cheap set lunch menus)
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow