Berlin vs Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Madrid vs Rio de Janeiro

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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Rio de Janeiro ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท
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Population 3,400,000 4,617,560 1,166,978 6,578,0179 6,718,903
Official language(s) German Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Spanish Portuguese
Level of English Very high Very high Low Moderate Low
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Galeรฃo International Airport
Most common months to visit May - September March - May, September - November November - April March - May, September - November January - March, December
Currency EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) BRL - Brazilian Real (R$)
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 Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes No
Average monthly costs $2200 $1549 $974 $2498 $1833
Rent $939 $618 $274 $1174 $1066
Groceries $188 $129 $169 $175 $95
Dining out $271 $269 $108 $313 $210
Cafe $57 $32 $45 $51 $25
Coworking space $174 $151 $95 $196 $130
Mobile internet $23 $27 $11 $10 $7
Public transportation $88 $55 $60 $78 $33
Taxis $58 $21 $20 $44 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $10 $49 $16
Sport and cultural events $64 $19 $8 $54 $55
Museums and sights $37 $15 $8 $20 $26
Nightlife $63 $43 $62 $82 $54
Gym $66 $36 $41 $44 $31
Yoga $99 $56 $55 $142 $40
Massage $56 $30 $10 $64 $32
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Tim, Claro, Vivo
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% usually included in restaurants, 10% at bars and cafes with table service is common
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Uber, Bolt Grab Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Easy Taxi, 99 Taxi, 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. 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, 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 Feijoada, bolinho de bacalhau, fried sardines, caldo verde, pao de queijo and brigadeiros.
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! 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 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 85 listings on Happy Cow 54 options on Happy Cow