Things to Know About San José, Costa Rica
Here are some of the most important things a foreign visitor should know about “Chepe”: the tico name for San José, Costa Rica.
Internet and Connectivity
• Wi-Fi Availability: San José offers widespread internet connectivity. Most hotels, cafes, restaurants, and even some public parks provide free Wi-Fi. The speed and reliability can vary, but it averages around 30 Mbps in most places, sufficient for everyday browsing and communication.
• Mobile Data: If you need continuous connectivity, downloading an eSIM or purchasing a local SIM card is recommended. Major providers like Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar offer good coverage and affordable prepaid plans. Ensure your phone is unlocked to use a physical Costa Rican SIM.
• Public Wi-Fi: Some areas in the city, like Plaza de la Cultura or Avenida Central, have free public Wi-Fi, though it’s often slower and less secure.
Public Transportation
• Ride-Sharing: Uber and DiDi operate in San José and are popular choices for many tourists. These apps are considered safer and more reliable than hailing a taxi from the street. This would be our most recommended option for foreign visitors, especially in terms of safety, information and cost.
• Train: There’s a commuter train service that connects west San José (La Sabana) to the eastern side of the city, but it’s limited and often slower than buses due to having only one line and frequent stops.
• Buses: The bus system in San José is extensive, but can be very hard to navigate for foreigners, due to the lack of maps on stops and information on routes. In the San José metro area, the bus system is not a unified metropolitan service, but a patchwork of different operators that mainly connect commuters to different parts of the city and nearby towns. The schedules can be unpredictable, a lot of older buses only take cash, and they can get very crowded during peak hours. We honestly do not recommend this option to get around in San José if you are coming from abroad.
• Taxis: Taxis are plentiful, but often more expensive than an Uber, and their meters are known to be questionable. If you absolutely must use this option, it is advisable to use only official red taxis with a yellow triangle on the side.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
For arrivals from SJO headed to the city: we recommend asking your lodging about shuttles or private drivers. Official airport taxis (orange taxis) are more reliable and regulated than regular taxis, but their meters can make the trip very expensive depending on where you go.
Because the airport makes it difficult to call an Uber or DiDi for arrivals, request one only if you are prepared to follow the driver’s pickup instructions.
For departures from the city to SJO: It is much easier to request an Uber or DiDi going to the airport for departures. Remember that airport trips can be risky for rideshare drivers (in terms of fines or being hassled by authorities there), so remember to tip them well!
You can also ask about shuttles or private drivers at the places you stay, as local knowledge is valuable in this area.
Rental Cars: In our opinion, you do not need to rent a car while only in San José (and compared to riding Ubers, it is comparatively much more expensive).
If you need to rent a car to go outside of San José or due to other specific needs, we recommend National, Adobe and Vamos.
Climate
• Temperature: San José enjoys a tropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. Daytime temperatures typically range between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C).
• Rainy Season: The rainy season runs from May to November, with heavy afternoon showers common. It’s advisable to carry an umbrella or rain jacket during these months. The dry season, from December to April, sees less rain and more sunshine.
• Altitude: The city is situated at around 1,170 meters (3,839 feet) above sea level, which contributes to its cooler temperatures compared to coastal regions.
Safety Tips
• Petty Crime: San José is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in areas with night life.
• Neighborhoods: Stick to well-known and well-lit areas at night, such as Escalante, Sabana, and Rohrmoser. Avoid wandering alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark, and downtown San José at night is not worth walking around.
• Travel Documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa, and other important documents in a secure place. Use hotel safes when available.
Health and Medical Facilities
• Healthcare Quality: San José is home to several high-quality hospitals and clinics, including private ones that cater specifically to tourists and expats (CIMA, Clínica Bíblica, Hospital Metropolitano).
• Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, do not hesitate to ask nearby people for help (many Costa Ricans speak or understand English). If no one is around you, you can dial 911. The response time in urban areas like San José is generally quick.
• Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica, but it’s wise to ensure that routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A/B) are up to date.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies are widespread, and many medications that require a prescription elsewhere can be purchased over the counter here. Pharmacists are well-trained and can offer advice on minor health issues.
• Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, especially if you plan to explore more remote areas of the country.
Time Zone: GMT-6 (Central Standard Time or Mountain Daylight Time). Costa Rica does not have Daylight Savings Time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.
Voltage: 110 V
Population: Approximately 350,000 (San José proper), with 2.1 million people living in the Central Valley’s greater metropolitan area.
How many days should you spend in San Jose, Costa Rica?
1 or 2 days in San José are enough to check out the city’s centric attractions (museums, restaurants, coffee shops, historic neighborhoods).
For those that are interested in hikes, day trips to nearby volcanoes (Poás and Irazú) and other outdoor activities in the outskirts of the city, an additional day or two are recommended.
Best Things to do in San José, Costa Rica
1. Explore Local Farmers’ Markets
Every week, different farmers’ markets spring up in various spots around the San José metro area. These markets offer a delightful cultural experience that draws people in on weekends, for example the Saturday Feria Verde market in Barrio Aranjuez or the Sunday market in Santa Ana. Families often gather to enjoy brunch or savor a fresh smoothie while shopping for their weekly produce.
If you prefer a more structured option during the week, San José also counts with the Mercado Central where you can get all kinds of produce, coffee, fruits, crafts, souvenirs, and most importantly, fresh local foods.
These markets provide an excellent opportunity to discover quality products. Moreover, each market boasts a distinct character, with different goods depending on the area.
For these markets, it is recommended to bring cash (in colones) as well as reusable bags if possible.
2. Parque Metropolitano La Sabana
San José’s food and drink are not the sole attractions in the city. The most famous and visited urban park is Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, on the west side of San José.
Here, you can find open spaces for different kinds of exercise (jogging, yoga, pilates) and recreational picnics, as well as courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball and even baseball!
The park’s location is also great for leisurely daytime exploration, before or after a hangout in the restaurants and cafés of La Sabana and Rohrmoser.
3. Indulge in Specialty Coffee Shops
Costa Rican coffee is globally renowned for its quality, and the locals take great pride in it. We highly recommend visiting specialty coffee shops in the city, where you can find carefully selected varieties of small-batch, artisanal coffee beans. This is a wonderful experience for coffee enthusiasts and those interested in delving into the world of coffee.
Most specialty coffee shops boast their own skilled baristas, serving unique coffee blends alongside freshly prepared food. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Make sure you check out CR Nomads’ Specialty Coffee Shops Guide in these neighborhoods of San José:
4. Savor Local and International Cuisine
Costa Rica is a multicultural haven where a wide array of gastronomies converge, making it a delightful culinary adventure. When exploring San José, you’ll encounter a plethora of dining options to suit various budgets.
San José counts with all kinds of great restaurants, though in this post we will cover a couple of traditional options cherished by the local foodies.If you’re looking for a more formal experience, Grano de Oro in Paseo Colón is a fantastic choice for classier Costa Rican fare in a beautiful renovated mansion.
But if you are looking for a more casual meal, Soda Tapia, on the eastern edge of Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, is a classic spot for josefinos. Here, you can get traditional gallo pinto breakfast and casados for lunch, as well as all kinds of tasty sandwiches.
In addition, San José is home to all types of international cuisine, with a renowned presence of world-class Italian, Peruvian, Argentinean, Japanese and Mediterranean restaurants, among many others.
For more information on exceptional local restaurants, consult CR Nomad’s curated Restaurant Guides:
Exploring the Food Scene in Barrio Escalante
5. Visit A Museum
Museums in San José are definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in the country’s rich cultural heritage, history, and art.
The city boasts several noteworthy museums that provide a deep dive into Costa Rica’s past and present, as well as its natural and artistic treasures.
Check out CR Nomads’ guide to San José’s best museums here!
Editor’s Note: “5 Things to Do in San José as a Digital Nomad” is one of the regular features we’ll be publishing for local digital nomads residing outside the city. Stay tuned for more CR Nomads’ recommendations as new activities continue to emerge in San José and other parts of the country!
