Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Lisbon vs Mexico City vs Prague

Cape Town 🇿🇦
Remove
Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
Remove
Lisbon 🇵🇹
Remove
Mexico City 🇲🇽
Remove
Prague 🇨🇿
Remove
Population 4,617,560 1,166,978 517,000 8,850,000 1,305,737
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Portuguese Spanish Czech
Level of English Very high Low Very high Moderate High
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November November - April March - May, September, October March - May, October, November June - October
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (฿) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) CZK - Czech Koruna (Kč)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted almost everywhere (less for AMEX) Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted most places (some places are cash only)
Remote worker visa No No Yes Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $1549 $974 $1984 $1867 $1806
Rent $618 $274 $965 $778 $780
Groceries $129 $169 $136 $281 $158
Dining out $269 $108 $271 $182 $240
Cafe $32 $45 $37 $49 $53
Coworking space $151 $95 $164 $159 $175
Mobile internet $27 $11 $24 $25 $24
Public transportation $55 $60 $63 $11 $61
Taxis $21 $20 $27 $9 $33
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $10 $18 $24 $19
Sport and cultural events $19 $8 $29 $81 $19
Museums and sights $15 $8 $24 $20 $35
Nightlife $43 $62 $47 $64 $50
Gym $36 $41 $65 $69 $56
Yoga $56 $55 $65 $65 $66
Massage $30 $10 $50 $51 $37
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Vodafone Telcel, Movistar Vodafone, T-Mobile
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 5-10% for restaurants, not common at bars 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 10% at restaurants and bars, round up elsewhere
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt Grab Uber, FreeNow Uber Uber, Liftago
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable 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. Fresh seafood, meats, soup, sausages and famous pastries Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese 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 Bacalhau à bras, sardinhas, petiscos, leitão, polvo à lagareiro, pasteis de nata, bifana Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas 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 Tascas, snack bars, seafood restaurants Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Pubs and taverns, street food stalls, local cafés
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 401 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 112 options on HappyCow