Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Panama City vs Prague vs Sofia

Cape Town 🇿🇦
Remove
Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
Remove
Panama City 🇵🇦
Remove
Prague 🇨🇿
Remove
Sofia 🇧🇬
Remove
Population 4,617,560 1,166,978 880,691 1,305,737 1,270,169
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Spanish Czech Bulgarian
Level of English Very high Low Low High High
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November November - April December - April June - October April-June, September-October
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (฿) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) CZK - Czech Koruna (Kč) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (лв)
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. Accepted most places (some places are cash only) Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No Yes Yes No
Average monthly costs $1549 $974 $2359 $1806 $1289
Rent $618 $274 $1036 $780 $567
Groceries $129 $169 $236 $158 $10
Dining out $269 $108 $371 $240 $227
Cafe $32 $45 $43 $53 $27
Coworking space $151 $95 $157 $175 $140
Mobile internet $27 $11 $21 $24 $10
Public transportation $55 $60 $12 $61 $30
Taxis $21 $20 $48 $33 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $10 $0 $19 $40
Sport and cultural events $19 $8 $35 $19 $18
Museums and sights $15 $8 $9 $35 $12
Nightlife $43 $62 $117 $50 $82
Gym $36 $41 $37 $56 $23
Yoga $56 $55 $163 $66 $62
Massage $30 $10 $75 $37 $29
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Claro, Movistar Vodafone, T-Mobile A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants and bars, round up elsewhere 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafés
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt Grab Uber, Tu Chofer Uber, Liftago TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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 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. 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. 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! Vegetables and mild spices are often mixed with dairy products to create rich chicken and pork products. Seafood dishes also popular in some regions of the country, making them popular in the capital.
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 panameños, tostones, ropa vieja Vepřo knedlo zelo, Česnečka, Guláš, Svíčková na smetaně, Ovocné Knedlíky. Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator
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 Pubs and taverns, street food stalls, local cafés Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 7 options on HappyCow 112 options on HappyCow 20 options on HappyCow