Cape Town vs Chiang Mai vs Da Nang vs Istanbul vs New York City vs Playa del Carmen

Cape Town ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Da Nang ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ
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Istanbul ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท
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New York City ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Population 4,617,560 1,166,978 1,125,316 15,520,000 8,323,340 259,453
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Thai Vietnamese Turkish English (de facto) Spanish
Level of English Very high Low Low Low Very high Moderate
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Da Nang International Airport (DAD) Istanbul Airport (IST) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November November - April February - May April - June, September and October April - June, September - November January - May, October - December
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) VND - Vietnamese Dong (โ‚ซ) TRY - Turkish Lira (โ‚บ) USD - US Dollar ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted in some places. Cash also needed. Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No No No Yes
Average monthly costs $1549 $974 $959 $659 $5431 $2143
Rent $618 $274 $316 $354 $2891 $923
Groceries $129 $169 $161 $44 $383 $127
Dining out $269 $108 $128 $81 $656 $207
Cafe $32 $45 $35 $18 $72 $42
Coworking space $151 $95 $88 $49 $326 $160
Mobile internet $27 $11 $4 $3 $45 $21
Public transportation $55 $60 $15 $6 $220 $17
Taxis $21 $20 $15 $6 $78 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $10 $0 $2 $30 $49
Sport and cultural events $19 $8 $6 $11 $100 $97
Museums and sights $15 $8 $2 $15 $74 $217
Nightlife $43 $62 $74 $22 $195 $77
Gym $36 $41 $34 $9 $55 $42
Yoga $56 $55 $71 $23 $197 $54
Massage $30 $10 $10 $15 $109 $101
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom AIS, DTAC Viettel, Vinafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom AT&T, Verizon Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 5-15% in restaurants, round up at bars and cafes Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars 15-20% at restaurants, 1 USD per drink at bars 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt Grab Grab BiTaksi Uber, Lyft N/A
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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. Combines salty, sweet, spicy and sour flavors to create bold and colorful dishes. Meals typically include a mixture of meat and seafood dishes, as well as noodles or soups recipes. Strong emphasis on local spices and vegetables. Healthy and with robust flavors, Vietnamese cuisine combines noodles and rice with a variety of greens and local herbs to compliment specially seasoned pork, beef or seafood dishes. In Da Nang, you'll find a strong emphasis on barbecued seafood dishes as well as fish-based sauces. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish American. Emphasis on comfort and fast food, with some good seafood dishes. Influence from other regions of the US, North America and the world make NYC a cosmopolitan and international cuisine hub that is incredibly diverse. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices
Local food specialities Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Khao soi, khan toke, sai oua, miang kham, nam prik, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, larb khua Chao Tom, Bahn Xeo, Goi Cuon, Bun Thit Nuong, Bahn Cuon, Mi Quang, Bun nam, Bun cha ca Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight Pizza, clam chowder, bagels, corned beef, pastrami, cheesecake, hot dogs, and hundred of other international food options. Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
Eat like a local Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets Street food stalls, local markets, bakeries and smaller, traditional restaurants that serve fresh food Smaller, local restaurants, roadside eateries, street food stalls and local markets Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Delis, local pizza shops, street food stalls and food trucks, food markets, local bakeries and smaller, authentic international cuisine restaurants Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 90 options on HappyCow 107 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 309 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow