San Jose, Costa Rica Report of what it's like to live there - 03/25/26
Personal Experiences from San Jose, Costa Rica
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is our fourth post.
2. What years did you live here?
2023-2026.
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
In my opinion, housing is okay but quality and service is lacking. Oftentimes, things need to be fixed, but then the maintenance team is very unreliable. They will either not show up at the scheduled time, or do a poor job. Simple jobs end up taking three or four visits.
The commute from our housing to work is the worst part of the tour. A six-mile drive can often take 1 to 2 hours, and even 3 hours at times. Accidents will make traffic worse as they are required to stop and stay in the road, even for minor fender benders.
Do not underestimate how long it takes to get places.
2. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are great cafes with pastries! Lots of restaurants are available through Uber Eats, but expect high prices for mediocre quality.
3. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Just ants in all sizes.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO. I never used the local postal service.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Domestic help is available but can be costly.
Once a week 7-3 was about $60
+Caja(insurance) Monthly
+December one month salary bonus
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
I don't worry about people attacking me, but sidewalks are inconsistent. I wouldn't ride a bike here. The roads are dangerous as many drivers don't follow the law and are often seen looking at their phones (including motorcyclists!).
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, credit card are widely accepted enough that I have never looked for an ATM.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Speaking Spanish can help but you can live with a translation app.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
There are lots of potholes on the road, and inconsistant side walk and little traffic light. I don't see ramps either.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Uber is available but is quasi legal, so you are expected to sit up front in the passenger seat. Public transporation isn't considered safe to use.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Roads are generally in poor condition with some hardcore potholes. I would suggest bringing something with higher clearance.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, with random monthly outrages.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Several times the tap water turned brown. Big privately owned hospital has good medical care.
2. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Great air. Rainy season, mold can be an issue.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
During the rainy season like a clock work, it start rain around 1-2 pm.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Country Day School is adequate for children without special needs. They have an after school program, preschool, and bus services.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
If you have a child with special needs, particularly one requiring an IEP (referred to as an SLP at CDS), it’s important to carefully consider the level of support and follow-through the school is able to provide.
Over several years, our personal experience has involved ongoing challenges with administrative consistency and communication. For example, there were instances where records were misplaced or documentation was not updated following annual meetings. At times, this led to delays in implementing agreed-upon accommodations, which had an impact on my son’s academic progress. Resolving these issues often required sustained follow-up on our part.
We also experienced moments where communication could have been clearer. In one case, accommodations discussed during a meeting appeared to be adjusted afterward without direct notification, and we only became aware through a teacher reaching out. Additionally, a recent change in communication protocols limited the flow of information between the school and our privately hired coach, which made it more difficult for us to stay informed about our son’s day-to-day support. Updates on this shift were not immediately communicated, and it took some time to fully understand how it would affect our involvement.
As a result, we have found it necessary to remain very actively engaged to ensure that agreed supports are in place and functioning as intended. While the school presents plans and intentions during meetings, consistent implementation has, in our experience, required ongoing monitoring and advocacy.
For families navigating special education in the San José area, I would strongly encourage considering additional external support. Working with a private coach, such as Ms. Carolina Gonzalez, has been invaluable for us. Her guidance and consistent communication have helped us better navigate the system and advocate effectively for our child.
