|
Cape Town 🇿🇦
|
Madrid 🇪🇸
|
Medellin 🇨🇴
|
Mexico City 🇲🇽
|
Valencia 🇪🇸
|
|
| Population | 4,617,560 | 6,578,0179 | 2,427,000 | 8,850,000 | 834,000 |
| Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish, Valencian |
| Level of English | Very high | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) | Mexico City International Airport (MEX) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
| Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | March - May, September - November | January - April, December | March - May, October, November | March - June, September, October |
| Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (€) | COP - Colombian Peso ($) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (€) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted everywhere | Accepted in some places | Widely accepted (less with AMEX) | Accepted almost everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $1549 | $2498 | $1293 | $1867 | $1976 |
| Rent | $618 | $1174 | $732 | $778 | $869 |
| Groceries | $129 | $175 | $87 | $281 | $146 |
| Dining out | $269 | $313 | $131 | $182 | $292 |
| Cafe | $32 | $51 | $18 | $49 | $42 |
| Coworking space | $151 | $196 | $96 | $159 | $152 |
| Mobile internet | $27 | $10 | $16 | $25 | $16 |
| Public transportation | $55 | $78 | $21 | $11 | $38 |
| Taxis | $21 | $44 | $14 | $9 | $42 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $49 | $0 | $24 | $30 |
| Sport and cultural events | $19 | $54 | $8 | $81 | $73 |
| Museums and sights | $15 | $20 | $9 | $20 | $44 |
| Nightlife | $43 | $82 | $73 | $64 | $66 |
| Gym | $36 | $44 | $15 | $69 | $34 |
| Yoga | $56 | $142 | $54 | $65 | $87 |
| Massage | $30 | $64 | $20 | $51 | $45 |
| SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Claro, Tigo | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, Orange |
| Tipping | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | Tip 10% in restaurants | 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
| Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | EasyTaxi | Uber | Cabify, FreeNow |
| Tap water | Not drinkable | 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 sautéed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. | Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. | A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats | Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
| Local food specialities | Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros | Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa | Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas | Paella, fideuà, esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
| Eat like a local | Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets | 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! | Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food | Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 153 listings on Happy Cow | 279 listings on Happy Cow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |