Berlin vs Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Da Nang vs Istanbul vs Mexico City vs Seoul

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Da Nang 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Seoul 🇰🇷
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Population 3,400,000 4,617,560 1,166,978 1,125,316 15,520,000 8,850,000 9,963,452
Official language(s) German Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Vietnamese Turkish Spanish Korean
Level of English Very high Very high Low Low Low Moderate Moderate
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Da Nang International Airport (DAD) Istanbul Airport (IST) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Most common months to visit May - September March - May, September - November November - April February - May April - June, September and October March - May, October, November March - May, September - November
Currency EUR - Euro (€) ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (฿) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) KRW - South Korean won (₩)
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 in some places. Cash also needed. Accepted in most places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No No No Yes No
Average monthly costs $2200 $1549 $974 $959 $659 $1867 $2184
Rent $939 $618 $274 $316 $354 $778 $797
Groceries $188 $129 $169 $161 $44 $281 $356
Dining out $271 $269 $108 $128 $81 $182 $211
Cafe $57 $32 $45 $35 $18 $49 $69
Coworking space $174 $151 $95 $88 $49 $159 $222
Mobile internet $23 $27 $11 $4 $3 $25 $40
Public transportation $88 $55 $60 $15 $6 $11 $40
Taxis $58 $21 $20 $15 $6 $9 $41
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $10 $0 $2 $24 $13
Sport and cultural events $64 $19 $8 $6 $11 $81 $39
Museums and sights $37 $15 $8 $2 $15 $20 $6
Nightlife $63 $43 $62 $74 $22 $64 $93
Gym $66 $36 $41 $34 $9 $69 $69
Yoga $99 $56 $55 $71 $23 $65 $112
Massage $56 $30 $10 $10 $15 $51 $75
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Viettel, Vinafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Telcel, Movistar KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus
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 5-15% in restaurants, round up at bars and cafes Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services Not customary or expected
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Uber, Bolt Grab Grab BiTaksi Uber Uber, Kakao
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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 sautéed 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. Healthy and with robust flavors, Vietnamese cuisine combines noodles and rice with a variety of greens and local herbs to compliment specially seasoned pork, beef or seafood dishes. In Da Nang, you'll find a strong emphasis on barbecued seafood dishes as well as fish-based sauces. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese Emphasis on rice, vegetables, spices and meats. Main dishes are coupled with diverse side dishes and desserts. Strong driking culture.
Local food specialities Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger 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 Chao Tom, Bahn Xeo, Goi Cuon, Bun Thit Nuong, Bahn Cuon, Mi Quang, Bun nam, Bun cha ca Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Kimchi, bulgogi, chap chae, mandu, sam gae tang, bossam
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 Smaller, local restaurants, roadside eateries, street food stalls and local markets Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 107 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 57 options on Happy Cow