Chiang Mai vs Panama City vs Playa del Carmen vs Valencia

Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Panama City ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Valencia ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Population 1,166,978 880,691 259,453 834,000
Official language(s) Thai Spanish Spanish Spanish, Valencian
Level of English Low Low Moderate Moderate
Main airport Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Valencia Manises Airport (VLC)
Most common months to visit November - April December - April January - May, October - December March - June, September, October
Currency THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ)
Credit cards Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $974 $2359 $2143 $1976
Rent $274 $1036 $923 $869
Groceries $169 $236 $127 $146
Dining out $108 $371 $207 $292
Cafe $45 $43 $42 $42
Coworking space $95 $157 $160 $152
Mobile internet $11 $21 $21 $16
Public transportation $60 $12 $17 $38
Taxis $20 $48 $9 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $10 $0 $49 $30
Sport and cultural events $8 $35 $97 $73
Museums and sights $8 $9 $217 $44
Nightlife $62 $117 $77 $66
Gym $41 $37 $42 $34
Yoga $55 $163 $54 $87
Massage $10 $75 $101 $45
SIM card options AIS, DTAC Claro, Movistar Telcel, Movistar Vodafone, Orange
Tipping 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere 10-15% for restaurants Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars
Taxi apps Grab Uber, Tu Chofer N/A Cabify, FreeNow
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable 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. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats
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 Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Paella, fideuร , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols
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 Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches)
Vegetarian / vegan options 90 options on HappyCow 7 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow 98 listings on Happy Cow