Berlin vs Cape Town vs Istanbul vs Madrid

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Population 3,400,000 4,617,560 15,520,000 6,578,0179
Official language(s) German Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Turkish Spanish
Level of English Very high Very high Low Moderate
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Most common months to visit May - September March - May, September - November April - June, September and October March - May, September - November
Currency EUR - Euro (€) ZAR - South African Rand (R) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) 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
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $1549 $659 $2498
Rent $939 $618 $354 $1174
Groceries $188 $129 $44 $175
Dining out $271 $269 $81 $313
Cafe $57 $32 $18 $51
Coworking space $174 $151 $49 $196
Mobile internet $23 $27 $3 $10
Public transportation $88 $55 $6 $78
Taxis $58 $21 $6 $44
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $2 $49
Sport and cultural events $64 $19 $11 $54
Museums and sights $37 $15 $15 $20
Nightlife $63 $43 $22 $82
Gym $66 $36 $9 $44
Yoga $99 $56 $23 $142
Massage $56 $30 $15 $64
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone MTN, Vodacom Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone
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 Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated.
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Uber, Bolt BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now
Tap water 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. 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.
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 Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros
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 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!
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow