Cape Town vs Playa del Carmen vs Seoul vs Valencia

Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Seoul 🇰🇷
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Valencia 🇪🇸
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Population 4,617,560 259,453 9,963,452 834,000
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Spanish Korean Spanish, Valencian
Level of English Very high Moderate Moderate Moderate
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Incheon International Airport (ICN) Valencia Manises Airport (VLC)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November January - May, October - December March - May, September - November March - June, September, October
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) KRW - South Korean won (₩) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes No Yes
Average monthly costs $1549 $2143 $2184 $1976
Rent $618 $923 $797 $869
Groceries $129 $127 $356 $146
Dining out $269 $207 $211 $292
Cafe $32 $42 $69 $42
Coworking space $151 $160 $222 $152
Mobile internet $27 $21 $40 $16
Public transportation $55 $17 $40 $38
Taxis $21 $9 $41 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $49 $13 $30
Sport and cultural events $19 $97 $39 $73
Museums and sights $15 $217 $6 $44
Nightlife $43 $77 $93 $66
Gym $36 $42 $69 $34
Yoga $56 $54 $112 $87
Massage $30 $101 $75 $45
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom Telcel, Movistar KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus Vodafone, Orange
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10-15% for restaurants Not customary or expected Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt N/A Uber, Kakao Cabify, FreeNow
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. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices Emphasis on rice, vegetables, spices and meats. Main dishes are coupled with diverse side dishes and desserts. Strong driking culture. Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats
Local food specialities Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Kimchi, bulgogi, chap chae, mandu, sam gae tang, bossam Paella, fideuà, esgarrat, orxata, bunyols
Eat like a local Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches)
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow 57 options on Happy Cow 98 listings on Happy Cow