San José, Costa Rica

• San José sits at 3,800 feet in Costa Rica's Central Valley, which keeps temperatures comfortable year-round (60-75°F). Don't expect beaches - this is the administrative capital and transit hub most people pass through on their way to the coast or rainforests.
• The neighborhoods vary a lot. Barrio Escalante has the trendy cafes and restaurants, downtown feels chaotic with street vendors and heavy traffic, and Escazú is the wealthy suburb where expats live.
• Pickpocketing is common downtown and in the Mercado Central - keep your phone in your pocket and don't wear flashy jewelry. The city empties out after dark earlier than other Latin American capitals.
• After 6pm, take Uber instead of walking, even in nicer areas. English is widely spoken in Barrio Escalante and Escazú but less so elsewhere.

Spanish is the main language. English works in tourist areas, Escazú, Barrio Escalante, hotels, and with tourist police. 911 has English-speaking operators. Less English in local neighborhoods and markets - basic Spanish helps there.

• Locals wear long pants, not shorts - wearing shorts immediately marks you as a tourist. Tank tops and revealing clothing get stares. Cover up more when visiting churches or government buildings.
• Catcalling happens a lot in San José. You'll hear 'mi reina', 'que linda', 'preciosa', or 'muñeca'. Most people ignore it and keep walking - it rarely escalates beyond words.
• English works fine in Barrio Escalante, Escazú, hotels, and tourist spots. Less so in local markets and neighborhoods - basic Spanish helps ('hola', 'gracias', 'por favor', 'disculpe').
• 'Pura Vida' means everything - hello, goodbye, how are you, no worries, it's all good. You'll hear it constantly. Costa Ricans are friendly but a bit more reserved than in other Central American countries.

• Uber operates in San José and is the safest option for getting around, especially at night. It's cheaper and more comfortable than taxis, though technically not fully legal. There's tension between taxi and Uber drivers, but tourists rarely have issues. Share your location with someone when taking Uber late at night.
• Official red taxis with yellow triangles on the doors are the legal option. All should use meters (called 'maría'). Orange airport taxis are authorized for airport pickups. Avoid unmarked 'pirate taxis' completely as they pose safety risks. Taxi drivers sometimes overcharge tourists, so confirm the meter is running.
• Public buses are cheap (around $1) but crowded during rush hours and pickpocketing is common. The TUASA bus runs from the airport to the city in 35 minutes for about 670 colones. Buses are safe during daytime but avoid them at night and in sketchy areas.
• Walking is fine in safe neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante and Escazú during the day, but limit walking after 6pm when the sun sets. Downtown feels chaotic with vendors and crowds - keep your phone hidden and don't wear expensive jewelry or accessories.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore San José with local guides and curated experiences.