|
Istanbul 🇹🇷
|
Larnaca 🇨🇾
|
Madrid 🇪🇸
|
Porto 🇵🇹
|
Prague 🇨🇿
|
|
| Population | 15,520,000 | 144,900 | 6,578,0179 | 237,559 | 1,305,737 |
| Official language(s) | Turkish | Greek | Spanish | Portuguese | Czech |
| Level of English | Low | High | Moderate | Very High | High |
| Main airport | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) | Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) |
| Most common months to visit | April - June, September and October | March - May, October - December | March - May, September - November | May - September | June - October |
| Currency | TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | CZK - Czech Koruna (Kč) |
| Credit cards | Accepted in most places | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted most places (some places are cash only) |
| Remote worker visa | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $659 | $1959 | $2498 | $1759 | $1806 |
| Rent | $354 | $678 | $1174 | $717 | $780 |
| Groceries | $44 | $157 | $175 | $148 | $158 |
| Dining out | $81 | $261 | $313 | $280 | $240 |
| Cafe | $18 | $56 | $51 | $45 | $53 |
| Coworking space | $49 | $209 | $196 | $96 | $175 |
| Mobile internet | $3 | $35 | $10 | $21 | $24 |
| Public transportation | $6 | $63 | $78 | $95 | $61 |
| Taxis | $6 | $42 | $44 | $25 | $33 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $2 | $45 | $49 | $10 | $19 |
| Sport and cultural events | $11 | $28 | $54 | $45 | $19 |
| Museums and sights | $15 | $8 | $20 | $24 | $35 |
| Nightlife | $22 | $110 | $82 | $66 | $50 |
| Gym | $9 | $107 | $44 | $56 | $56 |
| Yoga | $23 | $105 | $142 | $82 | $66 |
| Massage | $15 | $54 | $64 | $48 | $37 |
| SIM card options | Turkcell, Turk Telekom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Vodafone, MEO, NOS | Vodafone, T-Mobile |
| Tipping | Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars | 10% at restaurants and bars, round up elsewhere |
| Taxi apps | BiTaksi | nTaxi | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify | Uber, Liftago |
| Tap water | Not drinkable | Not drinkable | Drinkable | Drinkable | Drinkable |
| Overall cuisine | A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish | Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. | Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. | Thick soups are often combined with stewed vegetables and baked meats to produce rich dishes. Gravies and creams are popular in Czech cuisine, as is beer! |
| Local food specialities | Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa | Vepřo knedlo zelo, Česnečka, Guláš, Svíčková na smetaně, Ovocné Knedlíky. |
| Eat like a local | Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee | Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. | Have some tapas and sangria at a tasca and paella at an authentic eatery. Keep an eye on the time and visit a cafeteria for a mid-afternoon merienda and some churros! | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars | Pubs and taverns, street food stalls, local cafés |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 59 listings on Happy Cow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow | 112 options on HappyCow |