Berlin vs Chiang Mai vs Istanbul vs Mexico City vs Panama City vs Rio de Janeiro

Berlin 🇩🇪
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Panama City 🇵🇦
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Rio de Janeiro 🇧🇷
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Population 3,400,000 1,166,978 15,520,000 8,850,000 880,691 6,718,903
Official language(s) German Thai Turkish Spanish Spanish Portuguese
Level of English Very high Low Low Moderate Low Low
Main airport Berlin Tegel (TXL) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Istanbul Airport (IST) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Galeão International Airport
Most common months to visit May - September November - April April - June, September and October March - May, October, November December - April January - March, December
Currency EUR - Euro (€) THB - Thai Baht (฿) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) BRL - Brazilian Real (R$)
Credit cards Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted in most places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No Yes Yes No
Average monthly costs $2200 $974 $659 $1867 $2359 $1833
Rent $939 $274 $354 $778 $1036 $1066
Groceries $188 $169 $44 $281 $236 $95
Dining out $271 $108 $81 $182 $371 $210
Cafe $57 $45 $18 $49 $43 $25
Coworking space $174 $95 $49 $159 $157 $130
Mobile internet $23 $11 $3 $25 $21 $7
Public transportation $88 $60 $6 $11 $12 $33
Taxis $58 $20 $6 $9 $48 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $17 $10 $2 $24 $0 $16
Sport and cultural events $64 $8 $11 $81 $35 $55
Museums and sights $37 $8 $15 $20 $9 $26
Nightlife $63 $62 $22 $64 $117 $54
Gym $66 $41 $9 $69 $37 $31
Yoga $99 $55 $23 $65 $163 $40
Massage $56 $10 $15 $51 $75 $32
SIM card options Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone AIS, DTAC Turkcell, Turk Telekom Telcel, Movistar Claro, Movistar Tim, Claro, Vivo
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 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% usually included in restaurants, 10% at bars and cafes with table service is common
Taxi apps Mytaxi, Uber Grab BiTaksi Uber Uber, Tu Chofer Easy Taxi, 99 Taxi, Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not 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 Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese 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. Emphasis on rice, beans, pork and beef with a variety of root vegetables and fresh fruits. Fresh seafood is also very common.
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 Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameños, tostones, ropa vieja Feijoada, bolinho de bacalhau, fried sardines, caldo verde, pao de queijo and brigadeiros.
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 Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks The "snack capital" of Brazil, Rio is a perfect place to try street food as well as the wide varieties of small, traditional eateries and churrascarias easily found across the city.
Vegetarian / vegan options 844 listings on Happy Cow 90 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 7 options on HappyCow 54 options on Happy Cow