Panama City vs Rio de Janeiro

Panama City ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฆ
Rio de Janeiro ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท
Population 880,691 6,718,903
Official language(s) Spanish Portuguese
Level of English Low Low
Main airport Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Galeรฃo International Airport
Most common months to visit December - April January - March, December
Currency PAB - Panamanian Balboa (B/.) BRL - Brazilian Real (R$)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere but not in smaller shops. Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No
Average monthly costs $2359 $1833
Rent $1036 $1066
Groceries $236 $95
Dining out $371 $210
Cafe $43 $25
Coworking space $157 $130
Mobile internet $21 $7
Public transportation $12 $33
Taxis $48 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $0 $16
Sport and cultural events $35 $55
Museums and sights $9 $26
Nightlife $117 $54
Gym $37 $31
Yoga $163 $40
Massage $75 $32
SIM card options Claro, Movistar Tim, Claro, Vivo
Tipping 10% in restaurants, round up elsewhere 10% usually included in restaurants, 10% at bars and cafes with table service is common
Taxi apps Uber, Tu Chofer Easy Taxi, 99 Taxi, Uber
Tap water Not 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. Emphasis on rice, beans, pork and beef with a variety of root vegetables and fresh fruits. Fresh seafood is also very common.
Local food specialities Sancocho de gallina, carimanola, empanadas, tamales panameรฑos, tostones, ropa vieja Feijoada, bolinho de bacalhau, fried sardines, caldo verde, pao de queijo and brigadeiros.
Eat like a local Fondas (roadside stalls), smaller local restaurants, local markets, food trucks The "snack capital" of Brazil, Rio is a perfect place to try street food as well as the wide varieties of small, traditional eateries and churrascarias easily found across the city.
Vegetarian / vegan options 7 options on HappyCow 54 options on Happy Cow