Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Hanoi vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Playa del Carmen vs Porto vs Prague

Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Hanoi 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Porto 🇵🇹
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Prague 🇨🇿
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Population 4,617,560 1,166,978 8,053,663 15,520,000 144,900 259,453 237,559 1,305,737
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Vietnamese Turkish Greek Spanish Portuguese Czech
Level of English Very high Low Moderate Low High Moderate Very High High
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November November - April January, February, October - December April - June, September and October March - May, October - December January - May, October - December May - September June - October
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (฿) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) EUR - Euro (€) CZK - Czech Koruna (Kč)
Credit cards 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 Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted most places (some places are cash only)
Remote worker visa No No No No No Yes Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $1549 $974 $1167 $659 $1959 $2143 $1759 $1806
Rent $618 $274 $503 $354 $678 $923 $717 $780
Groceries $129 $169 $151 $44 $157 $127 $148 $158
Dining out $269 $108 $134 $81 $261 $207 $280 $240
Cafe $32 $45 $39 $18 $56 $42 $45 $53
Coworking space $151 $95 $72 $49 $209 $160 $96 $175
Mobile internet $27 $11 $4 $3 $35 $21 $21 $24
Public transportation $55 $60 $20 $6 $63 $17 $95 $61
Taxis $21 $20 $13 $6 $42 $9 $25 $33
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $10 $0 $2 $45 $49 $10 $19
Sport and cultural events $19 $8 $3 $11 $28 $97 $45 $19
Museums and sights $15 $8 $4 $15 $8 $217 $24 $35
Nightlife $43 $62 $89 $22 $110 $77 $66 $50
Gym $36 $41 $57 $9 $107 $42 $56 $56
Yoga $56 $55 $57 $23 $105 $54 $82 $66
Massage $30 $10 $21 $15 $54 $101 $48 $37
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Viettel, Mobifone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Telcel, Movistar Vodafone, MEO, NOS Vodafone, T-Mobile
Tipping 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% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars 10-15% for restaurants 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars 10% at restaurants and bars, round up elsewhere
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt Grab Grab, GoViet BiTaksi nTaxi N/A Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify Uber, Liftago
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine 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 Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. Thick soups are often combined with stewed vegetables and baked meats to produce rich dishes. Gravies and creams are popular in Czech cuisine, as is beer!
Local food specialities 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 Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa Vepřo knedlo zelo, Česnečka, Guláš, Svíčková na smetaně, Ovocné Knedlíky.
Eat like a local 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 Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars Pubs and taverns, street food stalls, local cafés
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 104 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 72 listings on Happy Cow 46 options on Happy Cow 112 options on HappyCow