Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
|
Lisbon ๐ต๐น
|
Mexico City ๐ฒ๐ฝ
|
Panama City ๐ต๐ฆ
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Population | 4,617,560 | 517,000 | 8,850,000 | 880,691 |
Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Portuguese | Spanish | Spanish |
Level of English | Very high | Very high | Moderate | Low |
Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) | Mexico City International Airport (MEX) | Tocumen International Airport (PTY) |
Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | March - May, September, October | March - May, October, November | December - April |
Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted almost everywhere (less for AMEX) | Widely accepted (less with AMEX) | Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. |
Remote worker visa | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $1549 | $1984 | $1867 | $2359 |
Rent | $618 | $965 | $778 | $1036 |
Groceries | $129 | $136 | $281 | $236 |
Dining out | $269 | $271 | $182 | $371 |
Cafe | $32 | $37 | $49 | $43 |
Coworking space | $151 | $164 | $159 | $157 |
Mobile internet | $27 | $24 | $25 | $21 |
Public transportation | $55 | $63 | $11 | $12 |
Taxis | $21 | $27 | $9 | $48 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $18 | $24 | $0 |
Sport and cultural events | $19 | $29 | $81 | $35 |
Museums and sights | $15 | $24 | $20 | $9 |
Nightlife | $43 | $47 | $64 | $117 |
Gym | $36 | $65 | $69 | $37 |
Yoga | $56 | $65 | $65 | $163 |
Massage | $30 | $50 | $51 | $75 |
SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Vodafone | Telcel, Movistar | Claro, Movistar |
Tipping | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | 5-10% for restaurants, not common at bars | 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services | 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere |
Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | Uber, FreeNow | Uber | Uber, Tu Chofer |
Tap water | Not drinkable | 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. | Fresh seafood, meats, soup, sausages and famous pastries | Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese | 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 | Bacalhau ร bras, sardinhas, petiscos, leitรฃo, polvo ร lagareiro, pasteis de nata, bifana | Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas | 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 | Tascas, snack bars, seafood restaurants | Markets, food stalls, menรบ del dรญa (cheap set lunch menus) | Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 401 listings on Happy Cow | 279 listings on Happy Cow | 7 options on HappyCow |