|
Cape Town 🇿🇦
|
Mexico City 🇲🇽
|
Porto 🇵🇹
|
Seoul 🇰🇷
|
|
| Population | 4,617,560 | 8,850,000 | 237,559 | 9,963,452 |
| Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Spanish | Portuguese | Korean |
| Level of English | Very high | Moderate | Very High | Moderate |
| Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Mexico City International Airport (MEX) | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) | Incheon International Airport (ICN) |
| Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | March - May, October, November | May - September | March - May, September - November |
| Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (€) | KRW - South Korean won (₩) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Widely accepted (less with AMEX) | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Average monthly costs | $1549 | $1867 | $1759 | $2184 |
| Rent | $618 | $778 | $717 | $797 |
| Groceries | $129 | $281 | $148 | $356 |
| Dining out | $269 | $182 | $280 | $211 |
| Cafe | $32 | $49 | $45 | $69 |
| Coworking space | $151 | $159 | $96 | $222 |
| Mobile internet | $27 | $25 | $21 | $40 |
| Public transportation | $55 | $11 | $95 | $40 |
| Taxis | $21 | $9 | $25 | $41 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $24 | $10 | $13 |
| Sport and cultural events | $19 | $81 | $45 | $39 |
| Museums and sights | $15 | $20 | $24 | $6 |
| Nightlife | $43 | $64 | $66 | $93 |
| Gym | $36 | $69 | $56 | $69 |
| Yoga | $56 | $65 | $82 | $112 |
| Massage | $30 | $51 | $48 | $75 |
| SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, MEO, NOS | KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus |
| Tipping | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars | Not customary or expected |
| Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | Uber | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify | Uber, Kakao |
| Tap water | Not drinkable | Not drinkable | 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. | Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. | 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 | Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa | 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 | Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars | Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 279 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow | 57 options on Happy Cow |