Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
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Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
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Panama City ๐ต๐ฆ
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Valencia ๐ช๐ธ
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Population | 4,617,560 | 144,900 | 880,691 | 834,000 |
Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Greek | Spanish | Spanish, Valencian |
Level of English | Very high | High | Low | Moderate |
Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Tocumen International Airport (PTY) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | March - May, October - December | December - April | March - June, September, October |
Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. | Accepted almost everywhere |
Remote worker visa | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $1549 | $1959 | $2359 | $1976 |
Rent | $618 | $678 | $1036 | $869 |
Groceries | $129 | $157 | $236 | $146 |
Dining out | $269 | $261 | $371 | $292 |
Cafe | $32 | $56 | $43 | $42 |
Coworking space | $151 | $209 | $157 | $152 |
Mobile internet | $27 | $35 | $21 | $16 |
Public transportation | $55 | $63 | $12 | $38 |
Taxis | $21 | $42 | $48 | $42 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $45 | $0 | $30 |
Sport and cultural events | $19 | $28 | $35 | $73 |
Museums and sights | $15 | $8 | $9 | $44 |
Nightlife | $43 | $110 | $117 | $66 |
Gym | $36 | $107 | $37 | $34 |
Yoga | $56 | $105 | $163 | $87 |
Massage | $30 | $54 | $75 | $45 |
SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Claro, Movistar | Vodafone, Orange |
Tipping | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | nTaxi | Uber, Tu Chofer | Cabify, FreeNow |
Tap water | Not drinkable | Not 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 sautรฉed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. | 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. | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
Local food specialities | Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameรฑos, tostones, ropa vieja | Paella, fideuร , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
Eat like a local | Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food 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 | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 7 options on HappyCow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |