Kathryn’s guidebook

Be wary of traffic hours (6-8 am, and 4:30-7 pm).

It´s a short car ride away - but amazing for buying local produce (fruits and veggies), corn and cheese tortillas and local breakfast (gallo pinto, eggs, pupusas).

Book tickets in advance at https://www.teatronacional.go.cr/boleteria/. Our National Symphony Orchestra runs almost every weekend from March thru November.

Our rainy season runs from April thru November. However, unexpected showers can occur, so it´s always a good idea to come prepared. Bugs and mosquitoes shouldn´t be a problem in the city, but bring bug spray if you´re venturing out into the mountains or beaches.

San José is NOT the beach - so dont´t wear your shorts, flip-flops or sleeveless shirts when going into the city. Wear a good walking shoes, and pair of slacks or jeans, and shirt or Tshirt - these should be fine. San José is not ¨elegant¨ - so no need to dress up. Sometimes it can be a little windy or coolish (especially during December), so a light sweater can be taken also.

It´s a 10 minute walk, or 5 minute taxi/Uber drive. They are open from 7 am thru 2 pm on Saturdays. Very fun spot for breakfast with lots of stands to choose from - I highly recommend the Café Taza Amarilla (you´ll see many people with yellow coffee mugs), and the Cumpanis breakfast options - very very yummy!

There are several ways of getting to and from the aiport if you´re not renting a car. *Bus: you can check the schedules and such here: https://grupotuasa.com/modulos/rutas.html *Taxi: you can get a ¨Taxi Aeropuerto¨ when you arrive at the aiport. Remember to tell the taxi driver to switch the ¨Maria¨ (meter) on. *Uber: cheaper than a taxi. Very convenient to get to the airport from San José, but tricky to get at the aiport - there are many traffic policemen wanting to stop them from picking passengers up.

As in any city, use your common sense. In San José, you can walk around during the day (don´t carry an obvious flashy camera around your neck, your very fancy earings, or take your phone out every 5 minutes), but best if you travel by Uber or taxi anywhere you go to at night (after 6 pm).

Refill your water bottle with tap water; no need really to be buying bottled water.

You can go to Satec, located in the Centro Comercial de Guadalupe (a 5 minute drive), to get one.

We recommend going to any bank (usual bank hours are 8 am to 5 pm, depending on the bank). You can look for national banks, such as BNCR, BCR or BN; if not private banks, such as BAC or Scotiabank. The closest place to our property to change money would be inside the INS building, on the 2nd floor. There is also an ATM machine outside of the building. Preferably always to go during daytime hours.