Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
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Da Nang ๐ป๐ณ
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Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
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Panama City ๐ต๐ฆ
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Population | 4,617,560 | 1,125,316 | 144,900 | 880,691 |
Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Vietnamese | Greek | Spanish |
Level of English | Very high | Low | High | Low |
Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Da Nang International Airport (DAD) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Tocumen International Airport (PTY) |
Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | February - May | March - May, October - December | December - April |
Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | VND - Vietnamese Dong (โซ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted in some places. Cash also needed. | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. |
Remote worker visa | No | No | No | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $1549 | $959 | $1959 | $2359 |
Rent | $618 | $316 | $678 | $1036 |
Groceries | $129 | $161 | $157 | $236 |
Dining out | $269 | $128 | $261 | $371 |
Cafe | $32 | $35 | $56 | $43 |
Coworking space | $151 | $88 | $209 | $157 |
Mobile internet | $27 | $4 | $35 | $21 |
Public transportation | $55 | $15 | $63 | $12 |
Taxis | $21 | $15 | $42 | $48 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $0 | $45 | $0 |
Sport and cultural events | $19 | $6 | $28 | $35 |
Museums and sights | $15 | $2 | $8 | $9 |
Nightlife | $43 | $74 | $110 | $117 |
Gym | $36 | $34 | $107 | $37 |
Yoga | $56 | $71 | $105 | $163 |
Massage | $30 | $10 | $54 | $75 |
SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Viettel, Vinafone | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Claro, Movistar |
Tipping | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | 5-15% in restaurants, round up at bars and cafes | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere |
Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | Grab | nTaxi | Uber, Tu Chofer |
Tap water | Not drinkable | 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. | Healthy and with robust flavors, Vietnamese cuisine combines noodles and rice with a variety of greens and local herbs to compliment specially seasoned pork, beef or seafood dishes. In Da Nang, you'll find a strong emphasis on barbecued seafood dishes as well as fish-based sauces. | Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. | 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 | Chao Tom, Bahn Xeo, Goi Cuon, Bun Thit Nuong, Bahn Cuon, Mi Quang, Bun nam, Bun cha ca | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | 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 | Smaller, local restaurants, roadside eateries, street food stalls and local markets | Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. | Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 107 options on HappyCow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 7 options on HappyCow |