Cape Town 🇿🇦
|
Larnaca 🇨🇾
|
Valencia 🇪🇸
|
|
Population | 4,617,560 | 144,900 | 834,000 |
Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Greek | Spanish, Valencian |
Level of English | Very high | High | Moderate |
Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | March - May, October - December | March - June, September, October |
Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere |
Remote worker visa | No | No | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $1549 | $1959 | $1976 |
Rent | $618 | $678 | $869 |
Groceries | $129 | $157 | $146 |
Dining out | $269 | $261 | $292 |
Cafe | $32 | $56 | $42 |
Coworking space | $151 | $209 | $152 |
Mobile internet | $27 | $35 | $16 |
Public transportation | $55 | $63 | $38 |
Taxis | $21 | $42 | $42 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $45 | $30 |
Sport and cultural events | $19 | $28 | $73 |
Museums and sights | $15 | $8 | $44 |
Nightlife | $43 | $110 | $66 |
Gym | $36 | $107 | $34 |
Yoga | $56 | $105 | $87 |
Massage | $30 | $54 | $45 |
SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Vodafone, Orange |
Tipping | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | nTaxi | Cabify, FreeNow |
Tap water | 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. | Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
Local food specialities | Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Paella, fideuà , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
Eat like a local | Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets | Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 98 listings on Happy Cow |