Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
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Da Nang ๐ป๐ณ
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Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
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Sofia ๐ง๐ฌ
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Population | 4,617,560 | 1,125,316 | 144,900 | 1,270,169 |
Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Vietnamese | Greek | Bulgarian |
Level of English | Very high | Low | High | High |
Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Da Nang International Airport (DAD) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Sofia International Airport (SOF) |
Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | February - May | March - May, October - December | April-June, September-October |
Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | VND - Vietnamese Dong (โซ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted in some places. Cash also needed. | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
Remote worker visa | No | No | No | No |
Average monthly costs | $1549 | $959 | $1959 | $1289 |
Rent | $618 | $316 | $678 | $567 |
Groceries | $129 | $161 | $157 | $10 |
Dining out | $269 | $128 | $261 | $227 |
Cafe | $32 | $35 | $56 | $27 |
Coworking space | $151 | $88 | $209 | $140 |
Mobile internet | $27 | $4 | $35 | $10 |
Public transportation | $55 | $15 | $63 | $30 |
Taxis | $21 | $15 | $42 | $12 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $0 | $45 | $40 |
Sport and cultural events | $19 | $6 | $28 | $18 |
Museums and sights | $15 | $2 | $8 | $12 |
Nightlife | $43 | $74 | $110 | $82 |
Gym | $36 | $34 | $107 | $23 |
Yoga | $56 | $71 | $105 | $62 |
Massage | $30 | $10 | $54 | $29 |
SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Viettel, Vinafone | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | A1, Telenor, Vivacom |
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, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs |
Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | Grab | nTaxi | TaxiMe, TaxiStars |
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.. | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. | Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas. |
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 | 20 options on HappyCow |