Berlin ๐ฉ๐ช
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Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
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Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
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Panama City ๐ต๐ฆ
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Playa del Carmen ๐ฒ๐ฝ
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Porto ๐ต๐น
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Population | 3,400,000 | 4,617,560 | 144,900 | 880,691 | 259,453 | 237,559 |
Official language(s) | German | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Greek | Spanish | Spanish | Portuguese |
Level of English | Very high | Very high | High | Low | Moderate | Very High |
Main airport | Berlin Tegel (TXL) | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Tocumen International Airport (PTY) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) | Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO) |
Most common months to visit | May - September | March - May, September - November | March - May, October - December | December - April | January - May, October - December | May - September |
Currency | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) |
Credit cards | Accepted in some places but cash often preferred | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
Remote worker visa | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $2200 | $1549 | $1959 | $2359 | $2143 | $1759 |
Rent | $939 | $618 | $678 | $1036 | $923 | $717 |
Groceries | $188 | $129 | $157 | $236 | $127 | $148 |
Dining out | $271 | $269 | $261 | $371 | $207 | $280 |
Cafe | $57 | $32 | $56 | $43 | $42 | $45 |
Coworking space | $174 | $151 | $209 | $157 | $160 | $96 |
Mobile internet | $23 | $27 | $35 | $21 | $21 | $21 |
Public transportation | $88 | $55 | $63 | $12 | $17 | $95 |
Taxis | $58 | $21 | $42 | $48 | $9 | $25 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $17 | $49 | $45 | $0 | $49 | $10 |
Sport and cultural events | $64 | $19 | $28 | $35 | $97 | $45 |
Museums and sights | $37 | $15 | $8 | $9 | $217 | $24 |
Nightlife | $63 | $43 | $110 | $117 | $77 | $66 |
Gym | $66 | $36 | $107 | $37 | $42 | $56 |
Yoga | $99 | $56 | $105 | $163 | $54 | $82 |
Massage | $56 | $30 | $54 | $75 | $101 | $48 |
SIM card options | Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone | MTN, Vodacom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Claro, Movistar | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, MEO, NOS |
Tipping | Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere | 10-15% for restaurants | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars |
Taxi apps | Mytaxi, Uber | Uber, Bolt | nTaxi | Uber, Tu Chofer | N/A | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify |
Tap water | 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 sautรฉed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. | Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. | Latin American. Emphasis on rice, beans, coconut, and local fruits and vegetables. Pork and beef are regularly used and influence from the islands gives seafood dishes a prominent spot in Panamanian cuisine. | Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. |
Local food specialities | Currywurst, spรคtzle, kรถnigsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels | Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameรฑos, tostones, ropa vieja | Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa |
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 | Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. | Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks | Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 844 listings on Happy Cow | 24 options on HappyCow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 7 options on HappyCow | 72 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow |