Hanoi vs Sofia

Hanoi ๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ
Sofia ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ
Population 8,053,663 1,270,169
Official language(s) Vietnamese Bulgarian
Level of English Moderate High
Main airport Nแป™i Bร i International Airport (HAN) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit January, February, October - December April-June, September-October
Currency VND - Vietnamese Dong (โ‚ซ) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ)
Credit cards Accepted in some places. Cash often preferred. Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No
Average monthly costs $1167 $1289
Rent $503 $567
Groceries $151 $10
Dining out $134 $227
Cafe $39 $27
Coworking space $72 $140
Mobile internet $4 $10
Public transportation $20 $30
Taxis $13 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $0 $40
Sport and cultural events $3 $18
Museums and sights $4 $12
Nightlife $89 $82
Gym $57 $23
Yoga $57 $62
Massage $21 $29
SIM card options Viettel, Mobifone A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping Not required but appreciated, especially in taxis, restaurants and bars. Round up or add 10%. 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs
Taxi apps Grab, GoViet TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine 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. Vegetables and mild spices are often mixed with dairy products to create rich chicken and pork products. Seafood dishes also popular in some regions of the country, making them popular in the capital.
Local food specialities Pho, cha ca, Vietnamese coffee, pastries and breads Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator
Eat like a local Noodle Houses, Bakeries, Coffee and Tea Houses, street food Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 104 listings on Happy Cow 20 options on HappyCow