Chiang Mai vs Panama City

Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
Panama City ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ
Population 1,166,978 880,691
Official language(s) Thai Spanish
Level of English Low Low
Main airport Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Most common months to visit November - April December - April
Currency THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.)
Credit cards Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops.
Remote worker visa No Yes
Average monthly costs $974 $2359
Rent $274 $1036
Groceries $169 $236
Dining out $108 $371
Cafe $45 $43
Coworking space $95 $157
Mobile internet $11 $21
Public transportation $60 $12
Taxis $20 $48
Shared bicycles and scooters $10 $0
Sport and cultural events $8 $35
Museums and sights $8 $9
Nightlife $62 $117
Gym $41 $37
Yoga $55 $163
Massage $10 $75
SIM card options AIS, DTAC Claro, Movistar
Tipping 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere
Taxi apps Grab Uber, Tu Chofer
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine 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. 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 Khao soi, khan toke, sai oua, miang kham, nam prik, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, larb khua Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameรฑos, tostones, ropa vieja
Eat like a local Street food stalls, local markets, bakeries and smaller, traditional restaurants that serve fresh food Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks
Vegetarian / vegan options 90 options on HappyCow 7 options on HappyCow