Berlin vs Chiang Mai vs Istanbul vs Medellin vs Porto vs Sofia

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Medellin 🇨🇴
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Porto 🇵🇹
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Sofia 🇧🇬
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Population 3,400,000 1,166,978 15,520,000 2,427,000 237,559 1,270,169
Official language(s) German Thai Turkish Spanish Portuguese Bulgarian
Level of English Very high Low Low Low Very High High
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Istanbul Airport (IST) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit May - September November - April April - June, September and October January - April, December May - September April-June, September-October
Currency EUR - Euro (€) THB - Thai Baht (฿) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) COP - Colombian Peso ($) EUR - Euro (€) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (лв)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted in most places Accepted in some places Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No No Yes No
Average monthly costs $2200 $974 $659 $1293 $1759 $1289
Rent $939 $274 $354 $732 $717 $567
Groceries $188 $169 $44 $87 $148 $10
Dining out $271 $108 $81 $131 $280 $227
Cafe $57 $45 $18 $18 $45 $27
Coworking space $174 $95 $49 $96 $96 $140
Mobile internet $23 $11 $3 $16 $21 $10
Public transportation $88 $60 $6 $21 $95 $30
Taxis $58 $20 $6 $14 $25 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $10 $2 $0 $10 $40
Sport and cultural events $64 $8 $11 $8 $45 $18
Museums and sights $37 $8 $15 $9 $24 $12
Nightlife $63 $62 $22 $73 $66 $82
Gym $66 $41 $9 $15 $56 $23
Yoga $99 $55 $23 $54 $82 $62
Massage $56 $10 $15 $20 $48 $29
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone AIS, DTAC Turkcell, Turk Telekom Claro, Tigo Vodafone, MEO, NOS A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars Tip 10% in restaurants 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafés
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Grab BiTaksi EasyTaxi Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread 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 fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. 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.
Local food specialities Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Khao soi, khan toke, sai oua, miang kham, nam prik, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, larb khua Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator
Eat like a local Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Street food stalls, local markets, bakeries and smaller, traditional restaurants that serve fresh food Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 90 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 46 options on Happy Cow 20 options on HappyCow