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Checklists

Your first month as a newcomer

A realistic order of operations for the first four weeks.

Updated: November 3, 2026. Schedules, prices and conditions change; always confirm on the booking page.

Coffee rows on forested hillsides
Coffee rows on forested hillsides · Photo: Original image
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.