Cape Town vs Istanbul vs Panama City vs Playa del Carmen vs Porto

Cape Town ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Istanbul ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท
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Panama City ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Porto ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น
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Population 4,617,560 15,520,000 880,691 259,453 237,559
Official language(s) Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English Turkish Spanish Spanish Portuguese
Level of English Very high Low Low Moderate Very High
Main airport Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Istanbul Airport (IST) Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November April - June, September and October December - April January - May, October - December May - September
Currency ZAR - South African Rand (R) TRY - Turkish Lira (โ‚บ) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops Accepted in most places Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No Yes Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $1549 $659 $2359 $2143 $1759
Rent $618 $354 $1036 $923 $717
Groceries $129 $44 $236 $127 $148
Dining out $269 $81 $371 $207 $280
Cafe $32 $18 $43 $42 $45
Coworking space $151 $49 $157 $160 $96
Mobile internet $27 $3 $21 $21 $21
Public transportation $55 $6 $12 $17 $95
Taxis $21 $6 $48 $9 $25
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $2 $0 $49 $10
Sport and cultural events $19 $11 $35 $97 $45
Museums and sights $15 $15 $9 $217 $24
Nightlife $43 $22 $117 $77 $66
Gym $36 $9 $37 $42 $56
Yoga $56 $23 $163 $54 $82
Massage $30 $15 $75 $101 $48
SIM card options MTN, Vodacom Turkcell, Turk Telekom Claro, Movistar Telcel, Movistar Vodafone, MEO, NOS
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere 10-15% for restaurants 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars
Taxi apps Uber, Bolt BiTaksi Uber, Tu Chofer N/A Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify
Tap water 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 sautรฉed vegetables and dry-cured meats. Creamy desserts and liqueurs compliment large and flavorful meals. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish 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 A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts.
Local food specialities Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameรฑos, tostones, ropa vieja Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa
Eat like a local Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars
Vegetarian / vegan options 24 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 7 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow 46 options on Happy Cow