Berlin vs Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Hanoi vs Istanbul vs Mexico City vs Ubud

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Hanoi 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Ubud 🇮🇩
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Population 3,400,000 4,617,560 1,166,978 8,053,663 15,520,000 8,850,000 112,490
Official language(s) German Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Vietnamese Turkish Spanish Indonesian and Balinese
Level of English Very high Very high Low Moderate Low Moderate Low
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) Istanbul Airport (IST) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPA)
Most common months to visit May - September March - May, September - November November - April January, February, October - December April - June, September and October March - May, October, November May - October
Currency EUR - Euro (€) ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (฿) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) IDR - Indonesian Rupiah (Rp)
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 often preferred. Accepted in most places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted in some places
Remote worker visa Yes No No No No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2200 $1549 $974 $1167 $659 $1867 $1363
Rent $939 $618 $274 $503 $354 $778 $658
Groceries $188 $129 $169 $151 $44 $281 $150
Dining out $271 $269 $108 $134 $81 $182 $10
Cafe $57 $32 $45 $39 $18 $49 $28
Coworking space $174 $151 $95 $72 $49 $159 $106
Mobile internet $23 $27 $11 $4 $3 $25 $3
Public transportation $88 $55 $60 $20 $6 $11 $53
Taxis $58 $21 $20 $13 $6 $9 $13
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $49 $10 $0 $2 $24 $33
Sport and cultural events $64 $19 $8 $3 $11 $81 $14
Museums and sights $37 $15 $8 $4 $15 $20 $9
Nightlife $63 $43 $62 $89 $22 $64 $118
Gym $66 $36 $41 $57 $9 $69 $72
Yoga $99 $56 $55 $57 $23 $65 $87
Massage $56 $30 $10 $21 $15 $51 $10
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Viettel, Mobifone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Telcel, Movistar Telkomsel, XL Axiata
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 Not required but appreciated, especially in taxis, restaurants and bars. Round up or add 10%. Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services Tip 5 - 10% in restaurants if service charge is not included in the bill
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Uber, Bolt Grab Grab, GoViet BiTaksi Uber Grab, GoJek
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not 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. A mix of French, Southeast Asian and Chinese with lots of fresh herbs and spices. Northern Vietnam cuisine includes a lot of fish and noodles. 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 Balinese foods revolve on the complex flavors from certain ingredients like fresh vegetables, meat, coconut milk, and time-tested spices mixture.
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 Pho, cha ca, Vietnamese coffee, pastries and breads Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Satay, nasi goreng, gado-gado, martabak, bubur sumsum
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 Noodle Houses, Bakeries, Coffee and Tea Houses, street food Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Warung for authentic babi guling and bebek betutu, cafes for kopi luwak, street stalls for pisang goreng, nasi campur, and sate lilit
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 104 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 255 listings on Happy Cow