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Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Chiang Mai 🇹ðŸ‡
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Valencia 🇪🇸
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| Population | 4,617,560 | 1,166,978 | 144,900 | 259,453 | 834,000 |
| Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Thai | Greek | Spanish | Spanish, Valencian |
| Level of English | Very high | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
| Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | November - April | March - May, October - December | January - May, October - December | March - June, September, October |
| Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | THB - Thai Baht (฿) | EUR - Euro (€) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (€) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $1549 | $974 | $1959 | $2143 | $1976 |
| Rent | $618 | $274 | $678 | $923 | $869 |
| Groceries | $129 | $169 | $157 | $127 | $146 |
| Dining out | $269 | $108 | $261 | $207 | $292 |
| Cafe | $32 | $45 | $56 | $42 | $42 |
| Coworking space | $151 | $95 | $209 | $160 | $152 |
| Mobile internet | $27 | $11 | $35 | $21 | $16 |
| Public transportation | $55 | $60 | $63 | $17 | $38 |
| Taxis | $21 | $20 | $42 | $9 | $42 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $10 | $45 | $49 | $30 |
| Sport and cultural events | $19 | $8 | $28 | $97 | $73 |
| Museums and sights | $15 | $8 | $8 | $217 | $44 |
| Nightlife | $43 | $62 | $110 | $77 | $66 |
| Gym | $36 | $41 | $107 | $42 | $34 |
| Yoga | $56 | $55 | $105 | $54 | $87 |
| Massage | $30 | $10 | $54 | $101 | $45 |
| SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | AIS, DTAC | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, Orange |
| Tipping | 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 | 10-15% for restaurants | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
| Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | Grab | nTaxi | N/A | Cabify, FreeNow |
| Tap water | Not drinkable | Not drinkable | Not drinkable | Not 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. | 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 | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
| 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 | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole | Paella, fideuà , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
| 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 | 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 | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 90 options on HappyCow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 72 listings on Happy Cow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |