Budapest vs Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Larnaca

Budapest 🇭🇺
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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Population 1,768,073 4,617,560 1,166,978 144,900
Official language(s) Hungarian Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Greek
Level of English High Very high Low High
Main airport Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Most common months to visit March - June, September - November March - May, September - November November - April March - May, October - December
Currency HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft) ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (฿) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No No
Average monthly costs $1230 $1549 $974 $1959
Rent $499 $618 $274 $678
Groceries $108 $129 $169 $157
Dining out $202 $269 $108 $261
Cafe $29 $32 $45 $56
Coworking space $120 $151 $95 $209
Mobile internet $9 $27 $11 $35
Public transportation $36 $55 $60 $63
Taxis $27 $21 $20 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $13 $49 $10 $45
Sport and cultural events $24 $19 $8 $28
Museums and sights $7 $15 $8 $8
Nightlife $43 $43 $62 $110
Gym $37 $36 $41 $107
Yoga $48 $56 $55 $105
Massage $26 $30 $10 $54
SIM card options Vodafone, Telenor MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars
Taxi apps Bolt, Fotaxi Uber, Bolt Grab nTaxi
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Magyar cuisine makes extensive use of creams, cheeses and sauces primarily in beef, chicken and pork dishes, mixed with seasonal vegetables, fruits and rich desserts. 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. Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well..
Local food specialities Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos 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 Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka
Eat like a local Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants 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 Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too.
Vegetarian / vegan options 47 options on HappyCow 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available