San José For Digital Nomads: A Locals Guide

San José, the political, economic, and social capital of Costa Rica has been gaining a lot of popularity as a digital nomad hotspot. This city has always been a desirable location among tourists but digital nomads are beginning to appreciate its importance as well. This city has a lot to offer!

If you are wondering what it’s like to live in San José as a digital nomad then keep reading this ultimate guide. Let’s evaluate different aspects of remote worker life there and see if it’s a good fit for you.

Where is San Jose located?

San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, is located in the midwest of the Central Valley. The city lies within the San José canton, at elevation levels of 3800 feet (1160 meters).

Fact: Did you know that San José was one of the first few cities to have electricity?

Why Choose San José as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons

If you are uncertain about your decision to move to San José then you have come to the right place. Much like any other place, this city has its fair share of flaws. Let’s delve into the pros and cons to see whether San José is the perfect digital nomad destination for you.

Pros	Cons
Affordable cost of living	Expensive than other countries in Latin America
Beautiful architecture	Congested
Natural beauty	Noise pollution
Friendly locals
Rich culture
Good weather

One thing you need to know about San José is that it doesn’t make a striking first impression. However, for those willing to wait, see, and explore, San José offers a splendid experience.

While the noisy horns and crowded alleys are quite repulsive, you can see the city for what it is and blend in with the locals. Not only is it a great place for the retiring expats but the new digital nomad community as well.

How to Get to San José?

You can enter the city via the most convenient means. Air travel is the best option when you are flying in from abroad but road travel is viable if you are already close by. Either way, it depends on your personal preferences and comfort.

Once you have arrived at the San José International Airport, there are plenty of ways to get to the city center. Here are some of the best and most efficient ones.

By a bus

Bus travel is a great way of getting to the city. Several buses depart every hour throughout the day and take passengers to downtown San José. You can expect to get there in 35 minutes. Bus terminals are located all over the city and they can take you to other parts of the city as well including Jaco, Liberia, Manuel Antonio, and Nicoya.

By shuttles

You can also hop on a shuttle to get to San José city. In fact, it’s one of the best ways! You can either get a shared shuttle or a private shuttle based on your preferences. While private shuttles are good for convenience, shared shuttles give you a chance to interact with fellow travelers. Shuttles are reliable, readable, and comfortable.

By taxis

Lastly, taxis are also a feasible way of getting to the city. You can contact reputable taxi companies and book a ride in advance. That way, you won’t have to wait at the airport after a long flight. Uber also functions in the city so that’s an option as well.

Transportation and How to Get Around San José?

Once you have made it to the city, here’s how you can get around on a day-to-day basis.

On foot

For those of you who plan on living in the city center, walking is the best option for you. The central area is neither too big nor too small, meaning you can easily explore the area on foot. However, it’s not a good idea if you wish to venture further and see other parts of the city.

Public buses

You can access the public transport system of San José and travel via public buses. This is the most affordable means of transport (second to walking of course). Furthermore, the bus drivers do not speak English so make sure to learn the necessary instructions and destination details in Spanish.

Buy a car/ motorcycle

The best way of getting around the city is by buying your own vehicle. While public transportation is readily available, it’s not always convenient. You can expect the buses to be congested and borderline unhygienic due to the large crowds. Your own vehicle will allow you a sense of freedom and make traveling easy for you. However, keep in mind that San José’s road conditions are dangerous, to say the least.

Taxis

If budget is not a problem for you, you can get around in taxis. Local taxis are available as well as Uber.

Urban trains

If you wish to travel outside of San José and explore the rest of Costa Rica, urban trains are your best option. They can take you to various destinations including but not limited to Pavas, San Pedro, Curridabat, Belén, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago.

4 Best Accommodation Options in San José

San José is the kind of city that has something for everyone. There are plenty of good neighborhoods in the city and each caters to specific needs. Once you know what you are looking for, finding a residence will not be a problem. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in the city.

Los yoyos

For those of you who prefer peace and quiet rather than bustling crowds then Los Yoyos is the perfect place for you. This residential neighborhood also has close proximity to everyday essentials such as supermarkets and bus lines.

La Sabana

If you are a young digital nomad then consider seeking residence in La Sabana. You’ll be sure to interact with like-minded individuals and have an unforgettable time. This neighborhood is famous among the younger community and has plenty of bars. It is also a good place for nightlife.

Barrio Amon

Located between 9th Street and Central Street, Barrio Amon is one of the best neighborhoods in the city. It is a walkable and safe area that can be categorized as a historic part of the city. You’ll find a ton of restaurants, cultural centers, museums, and parks here as well.

Santa ana

If you are looking for a contemporary layout then consider living in Santa Ana. This neighborhood houses modern apartment complexes, high-end restaurants, and condo buildings which are representative of the luxurious lifestyle here. Keep in mind that Santa Ana is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.

Internet Connectivity in San José

While San José has some flaws, the internet is not one of them. The city has excellent internet speeds and coverage, perfect for remote workers and digital nomads. The average internet speed is 30 Mbps which is pretty good for remote work. The internet connection ultimately depends on your location and provider. However, you can enjoy reliable download and upload speeds in the city and keep a healthy work-life balance.

If you wish to ensure extra reliability, you can also purchase local SIM cards after arriving in the city. There are a bunch of good providers in the city that offer fast wifi speeds and affordable packages. Make sure to compare data plans before buying a SIM card.

E sims

Another good option is purchasing an e-sim. They are good alternatives to physical SIM cards that allow you to avoid a lot of trouble and hassle.

Holafly

Data validity	Days	Price
Unlimited data	7 days	37$ (34€)
Unlimited data	10 days	40$ (37€)
Unlimited data	15 days	51$ (47€)
Unlimited data	20 days	62$ (57€)
Unlimited data	30 days	94$ (86€)

Airalo

Data validity	Days	Price
1 GB	7 days	9.00$ (8.03€)
2 GB	15 days	17.00$ (15.61€)
3 GB	30 days	22.00$ (20.21€)
5 GB	30 days	31.00$ (28.47€)

3 Best Places to Work from in San José

The good news for remote workers is that there are plenty of great coworking spaces in San José. Here are some of the best ones.

Impact hub

Impact Hub is a globally renowned coworking space that is famous for its comfortable and productive working environment. Their San José branch is well-equipped, developed, and maintained. You can relax on the hammocks, enjoy the fast internet, and work for hours.

Gracias cowork

Gracias cowork is a great place for digital nomads looking for a creative workspace. They offer everything from recording studio and graphic design space to fast wifi and digital printers. Remote workers can also access their meeting rooms, private rooms, and workshop spaces.

Selina cowork

Selina cowork is an extremely popular coworking space that has branches all over Central America and Costa Rica. You can work, eat, and even sleep in this coworking space, enjoying a superior level of comfort. They offer various facilities including bars, swimming pools, dining options, high-speed internet, and air conditioning. You can also enjoy their free tea and coffee.

Cost of Living in San José

While San José is relatively more expensive than its neighbors and other countries in Latin America, it’s still cheaper than several digital nomad destinations. You can have a high quality of life while spending half as much as you would in New York City or London. Here’s a rough breakdown of average prices there.

Meal	$7.80 (€7.16)
Coffee	$2.44 (€2.24)
Beer	$2.34 (€2.15)
Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment)	$624.57/month (€573.64)
Fitness club	$51.31/month (€47.13)
Utilities	$52.58/month (€48.29)
Internet	$51.36 (€47.17)
Local transport	$0.78/trip (€0.72)

As you can see, San José is not all that expensive. You can live here on a tight budget and make the best out of your time. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle. If you follow a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find these estimates to be quite accurate.

Culture, Nature, and Food in San José

In addition to being the political capital of Costa Rica, San José is also the cultural capital of the country. You can experience a rich culture, vibrant atmosphere, and bustling environment here. San José’s local culture is best depicted in its festivals, Costa Rican traditions, and cultural events. You’ll see a very strong influence of Spanish colonial and Indigenous heritage along with Jamaican and Chinese elements.

San José is big on nature which makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls, San José has stunning landscapes and unforgettable sceneries. You can engage in numerous outdoor activities and have a good time!

As for the food, it’s also pretty diverse and cultural. There are plenty of good restaurants and coffee shops in the city, each offering delicious food. The local cuisine includes traditional dishes such as gallo pinto, Rondon, and Chifrijo.

Best Time to Visit San José

Since Costa Rica is located between the Pacific coast and Atlantic oceans, it has a tropical climate. It can be distinguished into two parts; dry season and rainy season. The former lasts from December to April while the latter stretches from May to November.

The dry season has an average temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius but it’s different on plains, beaches, and mountains. This time is good for exploring the city on foot and enjoying the sunny days.

The rainy season brings cooler temperatures but high humidity. Prices tend to be lower during this time of the year and you can still engage in some outdoor activities.

12 Best Things to Do in San José

There are plenty of good things to do in San José. Here are the 12 best ones!

1. Go on a tour

While you can explore the city on your own, there is a good chance you’ll miss some of the best sites. You can make the best of your trip by taking a city tour and exploring popular destinations and tourist attractions. Tour guides will inform you about interesting details and you’ll get a chance to interact with like-minded individuals.

2. Visit the central market

If you want to immerse yourself with the locals and experience San José’s local culture then head out to the famous central market. Dating back to 1880, this market features over 200 stalls and shops. You’ll find various things including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and clothing.

3. Visit the metropolitan cathedral of San José

When in San José, make sure to visit the famous Metropolitan Cathedral of San José. Whether you are religious or not, you’ll be dazzled by its beautiful neoclassical architecture. This cathedral holds great importance to the locals so make sure to be respectful.

4. Visit the La Sabana metropolitan park

La Sabana is one of the best parks in the city, perfect for recreational activities and sports. If you want to spend some time away from the city and enjoy nature, head out to this beautiful park.

5. Visit the Barrio Escalante neighborhood

Whether you decide to live in Barrio Escalante or not, make sure to visit it at least once. This neighborhood houses some of the best restaurants in the city and offers delicious food. It’s also a good place for bar-hopping and nightlife activities. You can spend the night away drinking and partying! You’ll certainly enjoy the vibrant vibe here.

6. Go shopping at the Central Avenue

If you wish to see San José’s life at its very core then make sure to go to Central Avenue. This is not only the oldest street in the city but also the best place for shopping. With over 220 shops and restaurants located in 12 pedestrian blocks, Central Venue offers a bustling environment.

7. Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced is a stunning catholic church located in San José. With its neo-gothic style, beautiful interior, and ornate details, this church is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Not only that but it is also a famous tourist attraction.

8. Visit the Correos and Central Bank building

The Correos and central bank buildings are also must-visit tourist areas in the city. Located near each other, both buildings are famous because of their unique architecture and importance. The Central Bank building specifically stands out because of its height (80 meters) in the city’s low-rise architecture.

9. Visit a theatre

The National Theatre of Costa Rica and the Melico Salazar popular theatre are must-visit places in San José. There are numerous theatres in San José but these two stand out the most. The former is famous for its historical architecture while the latter is valuable because of its cultural importance. Some other good theatres include:

Cinemark
Sala Garbo
Cine Magaly
Teatro Reventon

10. Visit the national museum of costa rica

If you want to learn more about Costa Rica’s rich history then pay a visit to the national museum of Costa Rica. This place features a unique exhibition regarding the study and dissemination of the country’s history, archeology, and natural history. They also have a butterfly farm!

11. Visit the Tortuguero National Park

If you want to spend a day surrounded by beautiful nature then visit the Tortuguero National Park. Located just an hour outside the city, this park offers a refreshing time and incomparable natural beauty. You can take a walk, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the wildlife.

12. Take a day trip

Once you have explored most of the city, make sure to take advantage of San José’s accessible location and take a day trip. You can get on an urban train and visit nearby places such as Pavas, San Pedro, Curridabat, Belén, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago.

Is San José safe?

Unfortunately, crime is a very serious concern in San José, Costa Rica. Since this city is a vibrant place, the capital of Costa Rica, and filled with bustling crowds, crime is very common. If you think about it, San José’s crime rate is not that much higher than other metro-sized areas of similar characteristics.

However, safety mostly depends on the neighborhood of your residence. You can still avoid criminal encounters and have a safe trip if you follow some basic precautions.

Look out for tourist scams
Trust reputable companies
Stay away from isolated areas
Stay on your guard
Stay away from shady neighborhoods
Don’t carry large amounts of cash on hand
Don’t carry flashy items

Visa Requirements in San José

Costa Rica is a good place for digital nomads and tourists but its visa policy can be quite complex to understand. It seems as though this country has specific requirements for different nationalities.

Citizens of some countries can enjoy a 90-day visa-free stay while others are only allowed 30 days. Some nationalities are allowed to extend the previously mentioned 30-day stay while others have to explore other options after that. All in all, your visa requirements for San José depend on your country’s visa policy.

All visitors require a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica except people who have:

3-month valid visa in the United States
3-month valid visa in Canada
3-month valid visa in Schengen Areas
3-month valid visa in South Korea
3-month valid visa in Japan
3-month valid visa in the European Union

Furthermore, you’ll require a work permit or residence permit if you want to work in Costa Rica as well as stay. It is best recommended to contact an embassy and understand your home country’s visa policy with San José. They can guide you through the application process as well.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, we can easily say that San José has gained much-deserved fame over the recent years. Once you look past the concrete buildings and congested roads, you’ll find the city to be much more.

With breathtaking mountains, stunning sceneries, and beautiful beaches all around, San José promises to lift your spirits. You can enjoy the vibrant culture, appreciate the bustling environment, and admire the rich architecture.

We hope this article helped you get a clear insight into the digital nomad lifestyle in San José. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help!