Austin vs Berlin vs Hanoi vs Istanbul vs Madrid

Austin 🇺🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Hanoi 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Population 926,426 3,400,000 8,053,663 15,520,000 6,578,0179
Official language(s) English (de facto) German Vietnamese Turkish Spanish
Level of English Very high Very high Moderate Low Moderate
Main airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Berlin Tegel (TXL) Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November May - September January, February, October - December April - June, September and October March - May, September - November
Currency USD - US Dollar ($) EUR - Euro (€) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted in some places. Cash often preferred. Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes No No Yes
Average monthly costs $3484 $2200 $1167 $659 $2498
Rent $1650 $939 $503 $354 $1174
Groceries $243 $188 $151 $44 $175
Dining out $396 $271 $134 $81 $313
Cafe $66 $57 $39 $18 $51
Coworking space $331 $174 $72 $49 $196
Mobile internet $40 $23 $4 $3 $10
Public transportation $110 $88 $20 $6 $78
Taxis $73 $58 $13 $6 $44
Shared bicycles and scooters $96 $17 $0 $2 $49
Sport and cultural events $54 $64 $3 $11 $54
Museums and sights $11 $37 $4 $15 $20
Nightlife $124 $63 $89 $22 $82
Gym $62 $66 $57 $9 $44
Yoga $139 $99 $57 $23 $142
Massage $89 $56 $21 $15 $64
SIM card options AT&T, T-Mobile. Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Viettel, Mobifone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone
Tipping 15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services Not required but appreciated, especially in taxis, restaurants and bars. Round up or add 10%. Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated.
Taxi apps Uber, Lyft Mytaxi, Uber Grab, GoViet BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine Emphasis on barbecued meats (beef and pork) as well as corn-based dishes and tex-mex, and rich American-style desserts. Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread 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 Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors.
Local food specialities Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Pho, cha ca, Vietnamese coffee, pastries and breads Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros
Eat like a local Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Noodle Houses, Bakeries, Coffee and Tea Houses, street food Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Have some tapas and sangria at a tasca and paella at an authentic eatery. Keep an eye on the time and visit a cafeteria for a mid-afternoon merienda and some churros!
Vegetarian / vegan options 30 options on HappyCow 844 listings on Happy Cow 104 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow