Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Panama City

Cape Town ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Panama City ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Population 4,617,560 1,166,978 880,691
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Spanish
Level of English Very high Low Low
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November November - April December - April
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops.
Remote worker visa No No Yes
Average monthly costs $1549 $974 $2359
Rent $618 $274 $1036
Groceries $129 $169 $236
Dining out $269 $108 $371
Cafe $32 $45 $43
Coworking space $151 $95 $157
Mobile internet $27 $11 $21
Public transportation $55 $60 $12
Taxis $21 $20 $48
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $10 $0
Sport and cultural events $19 $8 $35
Museums and sights $15 $8 $9
Nightlife $43 $62 $117
Gym $36 $41 $37
Yoga $56 $55 $163
Massage $30 $10 $75
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Claro, Movistar
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt Grab Uber, Tu Chofer
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not 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 sautรฉed 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. Latin American. Emphasis on rice, beans, coconut, and local fruits and vegetables. Pork and beef are regularly used and influence from the islands gives seafood dishes a prominent spot in Panamanian cuisine.
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 Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameรฑos, tostones, ropa vieja
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 Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 7 options on HappyCow