Panama City vs Playa del Carmen vs Porto vs Sofia

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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Sofia ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ
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Population 880,691 259,453 237,559 1,270,169
Official language(s) Spanish Spanish Portuguese Bulgarian
Level of English Low Moderate Very High High
Main airport Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit December - April January - May, October - December May - September April-June, September-October
Currency PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes Yes Yes No
Average monthly costs $2359 $2143 $1759 $1289
Rent $1036 $923 $717 $567
Groceries $236 $127 $148 $10
Dining out $371 $207 $280 $227
Cafe $43 $42 $45 $27
Coworking space $157 $160 $96 $140
Mobile internet $21 $21 $21 $10
Public transportation $12 $17 $95 $30
Taxis $48 $9 $25 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $0 $49 $10 $40
Sport and cultural events $35 $97 $45 $18
Museums and sights $9 $217 $24 $12
Nightlife $117 $77 $66 $82
Gym $37 $42 $56 $23
Yoga $163 $54 $82 $62
Massage $75 $101 $48 $29
SIM card options Claro, Movistar Telcel, Movistar Vodafone, MEO, NOS A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere 10-15% for restaurants 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs
Taxi apps Uber, Tu Chofer N/A Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine 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. 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.
Local food specialities 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 Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator
Eat like a local 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 Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 7 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow 46 options on Happy Cow 20 options on HappyCow