Welcome to San Francisco
You've made it. Whether you're here for a week, a month, or the long haul — this guide will get you oriented fast.
First 48 hours
Get a SIM card. T-Mobile or AT&T prepaid from any CVS or Walgreens. Mint Mobile is cheaper if you're staying longer. Get a US number immediately — you'll need it for everything.
Open a US bank account. Mercury (for founders) or Chase (for employees). Bring your passport and visa. Mercury can be opened online in minutes. Chase requires a branch visit.
Get a Clipper card. The transit card for BART, Muni, and buses. Load it at any BART station or online. Essential for getting around without a car.
Join the WhatsApp group. The ANZ in SF WhatsApp is the fastest way to get answers, find people, and plug into what's happening. Ask in the directory for the invite link.
First week
Explore your neighbourhood. Walk everywhere for the first few days. SF is a city of micro-neighbourhoods — each one has a completely different vibe. Hayes Valley, the Mission, SOMA, and the Marina are all worth exploring.
Find a coffee shop to work from. Sightglass (SOMA), Ritual (multiple locations), and Equator are community favourites. Blue Bottle is everywhere and reliable.
Attend a community event. The ANZ founder dinner runs monthly. Check the events page or ask in the WhatsApp group. It's the fastest way to meet people.
Get your SSN sorted. If you're on an E-3 or O-1, you'll need a Social Security Number for most financial services. Apply at the Social Security Administration office on Market Street.
Community norms
SF is casual. Show up to things. People are genuinely happy to help. The ANZ community here is tight-knit — lean on it.
Don't be afraid to ask for intros. That's how this city works.
Useful apps
- Lyft / Uber — for getting around (BART doesn't go everywhere)
- DoorDash / Uber Eats — food delivery
- Nextdoor — neighbourhood news and local recommendations
- Luma — for finding events
- Blind — anonymous tech industry forum (useful for salary and visa questions)