Status: Costa Rican Resource is an independent reference guide, not a government site, law firm or agency. Procedures are marked pending qualified review and point to official sources. A few links go to partners that may pay us a commission. Details.
Last checked by our editors: November 3, 2026.
Week 1
- Settle into short-term lodging and learn your neighborhood.
- Get a local SIM or plan.
- Locate the nearest pharmacy and clinic.
Week 2
- Start looking at long-term housing: see Housing.
- Ask your immigration lawyer or Migración which documents are next.
Week 3
- Ask banks what they need to open an account.
- Learn the bus routes and the local taxi rules.
Week 4
- Set up utilities at your long-term home.
- Review the Official Resources list and bookmark what you will use.
