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Cape Town ๐ฟ๐ฆ
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Madrid ๐ช๐ธ
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Porto ๐ต๐น
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Sofia ๐ง๐ฌ
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Valencia ๐ช๐ธ
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| Population | 4,617,560 | 6,578,0179 | 237,559 | 1,270,169 | 834,000 |
| Official language(s) | Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English | Spanish | Portuguese | Bulgarian | Spanish, Valencian |
| Level of English | Very high | Moderate | Very High | High | Moderate |
| Main airport | Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO) | Sofia International Airport (SOF) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
| Most common months to visit | March - May, September - November | March - May, September - November | May - September | April-June, September-October | March - June, September, October |
| Currency | ZAR - South African Rand (R) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost everywhere, but cash still needed in smaller shops | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $1549 | $2498 | $1759 | $1289 | $1976 |
| Rent | $618 | $1174 | $717 | $567 | $869 |
| Groceries | $129 | $175 | $148 | $10 | $146 |
| Dining out | $269 | $313 | $280 | $227 | $292 |
| Cafe | $32 | $51 | $45 | $27 | $42 |
| Coworking space | $151 | $196 | $96 | $140 | $152 |
| Mobile internet | $27 | $10 | $21 | $10 | $16 |
| Public transportation | $55 | $78 | $95 | $30 | $38 |
| Taxis | $21 | $44 | $25 | $12 | $42 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $49 | $49 | $10 | $40 | $30 |
| Sport and cultural events | $19 | $54 | $45 | $18 | $73 |
| Museums and sights | $15 | $20 | $24 | $12 | $44 |
| Nightlife | $43 | $82 | $66 | $82 | $66 |
| Gym | $36 | $44 | $56 | $23 | $34 |
| Yoga | $56 | $142 | $82 | $62 | $87 |
| Massage | $30 | $64 | $48 | $29 | $45 |
| SIM card options | MTN, Vodacom | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Vodafone, MEO, NOS | A1, Telenor, Vivacom | Vodafone, Orange |
| Tipping | 10 - 15% at restaurants, round up elsewhere | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars | 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
| Taxi apps | Uber, Bolt | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify | TaxiMe, TaxiStars | Cabify, FreeNow |
| Tap water | Not drinkable | Drinkable | 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. | 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. | 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. | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
| Local food specialities | Bitlong and droewors, boerewors, Cape Malay curry, bobotie, melkert, gatsby, bunny chow | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa | Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator | Paella, fideuร , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
| Eat like a local | Cape Malay shacks, food trucks, street food joints, local grills, small bakeries and food markets | 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 | Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas. | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 24 options on HappyCow | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow | 20 options on HappyCow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |