Foster City City Guide

Food reflects Bay Area diversity with good Asian and Italian options. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan choices. Most eateries close by 9 or 10 PM, with limited late-night options.

Nightlife is limited, mostly casual bars and restaurants. For more options, head to nearby San Mateo or San Francisco.

Casual coffee scene with chains and local cafes. Few specialty coffee spots directly in the city, more in nearby areas.

Tipping is expected in most service areas. Restaurants usually 15-20%, same for rideshares and deliveries.

SIM cards are available at carrier stores like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and electronics retailers such as Best Buy. eSIMs are widely supported and no ID registration is required for prepaid cards.

Foster City is clean and well-maintained with regular waste and recycling services.

Limited 24/7 services. Some pharmacies in nearby cities, few late-night food options, and 24/7 hospital emergency rooms.

Good selection of international products, especially Asian and Hispanic foods. Major supermarkets include Safeway, Lucky, and Trader Joe's. Open early mornings until late evenings, usually 6 AM to 11 PM, including Sundays with reduced hours.

Almost all places accept cards, including shops and restaurants. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, and in major grocery stores. Out-of-network ATM fees usually range from $2.50 to $5.00.

Part of San Mateo-Foster City School District with public schools like Foster City Elementary and Bowditch Middle. Instruction is mainly English. No international schools directly in Foster City but options nearby.

Foster City is mostly residential with limited nomad-specific spots. Nearby cities offer more networking and coworking.

Parks and lagoon areas provide ample green space and waterfront walking paths. Good for exercise and relaxation.

Scenic flat routes along the lagoon levee are popular and safe. Local running groups exist.

Several gyms and fitness studios offer a range of classes and facilities.

Public hard courts at local parks. Mostly first-come, first-served with private coaching possible.

No notable padel facilities in Foster City.

Several yoga studios nearby offer different styles and drop-in classes. English-speaking instructors.

Several dojos offering Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, BJJ, and MMA with English-speaking instructors.

Closest ski resorts are in the Sierra Nevada, 3-4 hours away. They offer varied terrain and equipment rentals.

Plenty of kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing on the Foster City Lagoon, with rentals available year-round.

Surf spots are about 20-30 minutes away near Half Moon Bay. Water is cold year-round, wetsuits needed. Good beginner spots at Linda Mar and advanced breaks like Mavericks.

Limited diving nearby due to bay environment. Ocean diving available along the coast but with colder water and variable visibility.

Healthcare is high quality and mostly private. Major hospitals like Kaiser Permanente San Mateo and Mills-Peninsula offer English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common with extended hours at some locations.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many parks with playgrounds like Leo J. Ryan Park and Boothbay Park. Family-friendly cafes and good access to baby supplies. Children's activities at the library enhance family life.

Generally accepting and safe, with strong legal protections. Active community events mainly in San Francisco.

Many parks and dog-friendly spots, including a dog park. Veterinary services and pet stores are available.