Welcome to San Francisco.

After New York, the San Francisco area is the most densely populated in the USA – yet, with its steep rolling hills offering expansive ocean views, it feels spacious. Its setting makes it one of the world’s top visitor destinations, and the city is renowned for its chilly summer fog, eclectic architecture, and famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Chinatown. For the newcomer, there will never be a problem meeting someone from your home country: the gateway to California’s massive IT industry is here, and the best and brightest from all over the planet rub shoulders. Business life is brisk and hard-working, but the rewards of cultural and creative vibrancy, alongside a fantastic environment, make it more than worthwhile.

Getting There
The need-to-know stuff, from visas to vaccinations to budget planning. Need to rent a car, find a hotel, a short-term apartment? Click through our listings. Bringing furniture? We’ll tell you how to get it there promptly. Pets? You need to know the red tape.

Living There
Laurel Heights or Noe Valley? Where’s the best place to live if you’re single or have a family? How much will you have to pay? And where’s a reliable realtor to help find it? We’ve got the answers. After you move in, you’ll need the name of that merciful dentist or where to lease a car. Or hire a plumber. Find it all here.

Raising Kids There
The critical stuff: all the best schools with entry requirements, curriculum and fees. Nurseries, day care, nannies and au pairs, or where to find a pediatrician. And for free time – family restaurants, zoos, cruises, learning centers, museums and an exploratorium!

Playing There
Okay, you’ve finished work, you’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge, been to Alcatraz, what else is there to do? Playing There will bring you right through the city’s best restaurants, music venues, shopping, jazz, sports, weekend breaks, and more.

Spouse Survival Kit
So you are here with your partner? Does that mean you have to sit at home? Our survival kit helps you make the leap – form friendships, find work, join clubs, network, take courses, keep busy.


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