What do I need to know before moving to San Jose?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to San Jose, they said...
"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," commented one expat who made the move to San Jose, Costa Rica.

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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"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," remarked another expat in San Jose, Costa Rica, Costa Rica.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to San Jose?
- Where should I setup a bank account in San Jose?
- Will I be able to find a job in San Jose?
- What is life like in San Jose?
- What do expats in San Jose appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in San Jose?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in San Jose accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in San Jose like?
- What are healthcare services like in San Jose?
- What are medical services in San Jose like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in San Jose?
- What are emergency services like in San Jose?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in San Jose?
- How are local medical facilities in San Jose?
- As a foreigner living in San Jose, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
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.