Berlin vs Cape Town vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Porto vs Valencia

Berlin 🇩🇪
Remove
Cape Town 🇿🇦
Remove
Istanbul 🇹🇷
Remove
Larnaca 🇨🇾
Remove
Porto 🇵🇹
Remove
Valencia 🇪🇸
Remove
Population 3,400,000 4,617,560 15,520,000 144,900 237,559 834,000
Official language(s) German Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Turkish Greek Portuguese Spanish, Valencian
Level of English Very high Very high Low High Very High Moderate
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) Valencia Manises Airport (VLC)
Most common months to visit May - September March - May, September - November April - June, September and October March - May, October - December May - September March - June, September, October
Currency EUR - Euro (€) ZAR - South African Rand (R) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $1549 $659 $1959 $1759 $1976
Rent $939 $618 $354 $678 $717 $869
Groceries $188 $129 $44 $157 $148 $146
Dining out $271 $269 $81 $261 $280 $292
Cafe $57 $32 $18 $56 $45 $42
Coworking space $174 $151 $49 $209 $96 $152
Mobile internet $23 $27 $3 $35 $21 $16
Public transportation $88 $55 $6 $63 $95 $38
Taxis $58 $21 $6 $42 $25 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $2 $45 $10 $30
Sport and cultural events $64 $19 $11 $28 $45 $73
Museums and sights $37 $15 $15 $8 $24 $44
Nightlife $63 $43 $22 $110 $66 $66
Gym $66 $36 $9 $107 $56 $34
Yoga $99 $56 $23 $105 $82 $87
Massage $56 $30 $15 $54 $48 $45
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone MTN, Vodacom Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Vodafone, MEO, NOS Vodafone, Orange
Tipping Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Uber, Bolt BiTaksi nTaxi Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify Cabify, FreeNow
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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. 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.. A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats
Local food specialities Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa Paella, fideuà, esgarrat, orxata, bunyols
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 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. Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches)
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 46 options on Happy Cow 98 listings on Happy Cow