Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Larnaca vs Madrid vs Playa del Carmen vs Porto vs Prague vs Rio de Janeiro vs Seoul

Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Chiang Mai 🇹🇭
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Porto 🇵🇹
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Prague 🇨🇿
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Rio de Janeiro 🇧🇷
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Seoul 🇰🇷
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Population 4,617,560 1,166,978 144,900 6,578,0179 259,453 237,559 1,305,737 6,718,903 9,963,452
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Greek Spanish Spanish Portuguese Czech Portuguese Korean
Level of English Very high Low High Moderate Moderate Very High High Low Moderate
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) Galeão International Airport Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November November - April March - May, October - December March - May, September - November January - May, October - December May - September June - October January - March, December March - May, September - November
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (฿) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) EUR - Euro (€) CZK - Czech Koruna (Kč) BRL - Brazilian Real (R$) KRW - South Korean won (₩)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted most places (some places are cash only) Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Average monthly costs $1549 $974 $1959 $2498 $2143 $1759 $1806 $1833 $2184
Rent $618 $274 $678 $1174 $923 $717 $780 $1066 $797
Groceries $129 $169 $157 $175 $127 $148 $158 $95 $356
Dining out $269 $108 $261 $313 $207 $280 $240 $210 $211
Cafe $32 $45 $56 $51 $42 $45 $53 $25 $69
Coworking space $151 $95 $209 $196 $160 $96 $175 $130 $222
Mobile internet $27 $11 $35 $10 $21 $21 $24 $7 $40
Public transportation $55 $60 $63 $78 $17 $95 $61 $33 $40
Taxis $21 $20 $42 $44 $9 $25 $33 $14 $41
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $10 $45 $49 $49 $10 $19 $16 $13
Sport and cultural events $19 $8 $28 $54 $97 $45 $19 $55 $39
Museums and sights $15 $8 $8 $20 $217 $24 $35 $26 $6
Nightlife $43 $62 $110 $82 $77 $66 $50 $54 $93
Gym $36 $41 $107 $44 $42 $56 $56 $31 $69
Yoga $56 $55 $105 $142 $54 $82 $66 $40 $112
Massage $30 $10 $54 $64 $101 $48 $37 $32 $75
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar Vodafone, MEO, NOS Vodafone, T-Mobile Tim, Claro, Vivo KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars 10% at restaurants and bars, round up elsewhere 10% usually included in restaurants, 10% at bars and cafes with table service is common Not customary or expected
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt Grab nTaxi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now N/A Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify Uber, Liftago Easy Taxi, 99 Taxi, Uber Uber, Kakao
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable 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. Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. 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! Emphasis on rice, beans, pork and beef with a variety of root vegetables and fresh fruits. Fresh seafood is also very common. Emphasis on rice, vegetables, spices and meats. Main dishes are coupled with diverse side dishes and desserts. Strong driking culture.
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 Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa Vepřo knedlo zelo, Česnečka, Guláš, Svíčková na smetaně, Ovocné Knedlíky. Feijoada, bolinho de bacalhau, fried sardines, caldo verde, pao de queijo and brigadeiros. Kimchi, bulgogi, chap chae, mandu, sam gae tang, bossam
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 Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. Have some tapas and sangria at a tasca and paella at an authentic eatery. Keep an eye on the time and visit a cafeteria for a mid-afternoon merienda and some churros! Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars Pubs and taverns, street food stalls, local cafés The "snack capital" of Brazil, Rio is a perfect place to try street food as well as the wide varieties of small, traditional eateries and churrascarias easily found across the city. Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 85 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow 46 options on Happy Cow 112 options on HappyCow 54 options on Happy Cow 57 options on Happy Cow