Cape Town vs Hanoi vs Istanbul vs Medellin vs Mexico City vs Playa del Carmen vs Seoul

Cape Town 🇿🇦
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Hanoi 🇻🇳
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Medellin 🇨🇴
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Mexico City 🇲🇽
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Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽
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Seoul 🇰🇷
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Population 4,617,560 8,053,663 15,520,000 2,427,000 8,850,000 259,453 9,963,452
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Vietnamese Turkish Spanish Spanish Spanish Korean
Level of English Very high Moderate Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) Istanbul Airport (IST) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Mexico City International Airport (MEX) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November January, February, October - December April - June, September and October January - April, December March - May, October, November January - May, October - December March - May, September - November
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) VND - Vietnamese Dong (₫) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) COP - Colombian Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) KRW - South Korean won (₩)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted in some places. Cash often preferred. Accepted in most places Accepted in some places Widely accepted (less with AMEX) Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No No No Yes Yes No
Average monthly costs $1549 $1167 $659 $1293 $1867 $2143 $2184
Rent $618 $503 $354 $732 $778 $923 $797
Groceries $129 $151 $44 $87 $281 $127 $356
Dining out $269 $134 $81 $131 $182 $207 $211
Cafe $32 $39 $18 $18 $49 $42 $69
Coworking space $151 $72 $49 $96 $159 $160 $222
Mobile internet $27 $4 $3 $16 $25 $21 $40
Public transportation $55 $20 $6 $21 $11 $17 $40
Taxis $21 $13 $6 $14 $9 $9 $41
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $0 $2 $0 $24 $49 $13
Sport and cultural events $19 $3 $11 $8 $81 $97 $39
Museums and sights $15 $4 $15 $9 $20 $217 $6
Nightlife $43 $89 $22 $73 $64 $77 $93
Gym $36 $57 $9 $15 $69 $42 $69
Yoga $56 $57 $23 $54 $65 $54 $112
Massage $30 $21 $15 $20 $51 $101 $75
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom Viettel, Mobifone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Claro, Tigo Telcel, Movistar Telcel, Movistar KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere Not required but appreciated, especially in taxis, restaurants and bars. Round up or add 10%. Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars Tip 10% in restaurants 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services 10-15% for restaurants Not customary or expected
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt Grab, GoViet BiTaksi EasyTaxi Uber N/A Uber, Kakao
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not 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. A mix of French, Southeast Asian and Chinese with lots of fresh herbs and spices. Northern Vietnam cuisine includes a lot of fish and noodles. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese 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.
Local food specialities Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Pho, cha ca, Vietnamese coffee, pastries and breads Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole 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 Noodle Houses, Bakeries, Coffee and Tea Houses, street food Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Markets, food stalls, menú del día (cheap set lunch menus) Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 104 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 279 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow 57 options on Happy Cow