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San Jose, Costa Rica | What do I need to know before moving to San Jose? | Expat Exchange
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Chinatown in San Jose, Costa Rica

What do I need to know before moving to San Jose?

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When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to San Jose, they said...

"San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, and a great city to move to for its modern amenities and cost of living. However, it is a large city and can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers, so expats should familiarize themselves with the area as much as possible before making the move. It is advisable to learn some Spanish before relocating, as English is not widely spoken. San Jose is a very safe city and home to many parks and other recreational sites, so there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Expats should also be aware of the possibility of earthquakes, as they are part of life in Costa Rica. Finally, expats should consider purchasing a Costa Rican SIM card as soon as they arrive, as it is essential for communicating with friends and family," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica, Costa Rica.

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"Travel there first, travel around the country and find a place/local people that suit your tastes. Everyone in the country is generally friendly. I don't know why the other guy seemed to have problems making friends with Costa Ricans. Perhaps he is the type of foreigner who has difficulty adjusting to different cultures/places and ways of life. Costa Ricans are not "in your face" friendly or over the top outgoing by any means. They are, however, genuinely friendly if you're respectful and considerate of their space, culture, customs, etc," said another expat in San Jose, Costa Rica.

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What do I need to know before moving to San Jose?

If you live in San Jose, newcomers to San Jose would love to hear your answer to this question.


Chinatown in San Jose, Costa Rica

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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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