Berlin ๐ฉ๐ช
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Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
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Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
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Sofia ๐ง๐ฌ
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Valencia ๐ช๐ธ
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Population | 3,400,000 | 4,617,560 | 144,900 | 1,270,169 | 834,000 |
Official language(s) | German | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Greek | Bulgarian | Spanish, Valencian |
Level of English | Very high | Very high | High | High | Moderate |
Main airport | Berlin Tegel (TXL) | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Sofia International Airport (SOF) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
Most common months to visit | May - September | March - May, September - November | March - May, October - December | April-June, September-October | March - June, September, October |
Currency | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ) | 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 everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere |
Remote worker visa | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $2200 | $1549 | $1959 | $1289 | $1976 |
Rent | $939 | $618 | $678 | $567 | $869 |
Groceries | $188 | $129 | $157 | $10 | $146 |
Dining out | $271 | $269 | $261 | $227 | $292 |
Cafe | $57 | $32 | $56 | $27 | $42 |
Coworking space | $174 | $151 | $209 | $140 | $152 |
Mobile internet | $23 | $27 | $35 | $10 | $16 |
Public transportation | $88 | $55 | $63 | $30 | $38 |
Taxis | $58 | $21 | $42 | $12 | $42 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $17 | $49 | $45 | $40 | $30 |
Sport and cultural events | $64 | $19 | $28 | $18 | $73 |
Museums and sights | $37 | $15 | $8 | $12 | $44 |
Nightlife | $63 | $43 | $110 | $82 | $66 |
Gym | $66 | $36 | $107 | $23 | $34 |
Yoga | $99 | $56 | $105 | $62 | $87 |
Massage | $56 | $30 | $54 | $29 | $45 |
SIM card options | Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone | MTN, Vodacom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | A1, Telenor, Vivacom | Vodafone, Orange |
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, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
Taxi apps | Mytaxi, Uber | Uber, Bolt | nTaxi | TaxiMe, TaxiStars | Cabify, FreeNow |
Tap water | 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.. | Vegetables and mild spices are often mixed with dairy products to create rich chicken and pork products. Seafood dishes also popular in some regions of the country, making them popular in the capital. | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
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 | Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator | Paella, fideuร , 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 | Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. | Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas. | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
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 | 20 options on HappyCow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |