Madrid vs Medellin vs Panama City vs Playa del Carmen

Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Medellin ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ด
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Panama City ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Population 6,578,0179 2,427,000 880,691 259,453
Official language(s) Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish
Level of English Moderate Low Low Moderate
Main airport Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Josรฉ Marรญa Cรณrdova International Airport (MDE) Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit March - May, September - November January - April, December December - April January - May, October - December
Currency EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) COP - Colombian Peso ($) PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted everywhere Accepted in some places Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2498 $1293 $2359 $2143
Rent $1174 $732 $1036 $923
Groceries $175 $87 $236 $127
Dining out $313 $131 $371 $207
Cafe $51 $18 $43 $42
Coworking space $196 $96 $157 $160
Mobile internet $10 $16 $21 $21
Public transportation $78 $21 $12 $17
Taxis $44 $14 $48 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $49 $0 $0 $49
Sport and cultural events $54 $8 $35 $97
Museums and sights $20 $9 $9 $217
Nightlife $82 $73 $117 $77
Gym $44 $15 $37 $42
Yoga $142 $54 $163 $54
Massage $64 $20 $75 $101
SIM card options Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Claro, Tigo Claro, Movistar Telcel, Movistar
Tipping Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. Tip 10% in restaurants 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now EasyTaxi Uber, Tu Chofer N/A
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine 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 blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats 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
Local food specialities Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameรฑos, tostones, ropa vieja Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole
Eat like a local 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! Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's
Vegetarian / vegan options 85 listings on Happy Cow 153 listings on Happy Cow 7 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow