-Where were you born?

Coudersport, Pennsylvania.  It's a tiny town with one stoplight in rural Pennyslvania...east coast, United States.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I divide my time between San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my Panamanian wife, Keyra.  We've been married for just over 1 year.

-How long have you been living in Costa Rica?

Approaching 15 years!

-What is your age?

37

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Costa Rica?

I researched the Internet extensively while in university and the only Latin American country with lots of activity and chatter online back in 1997-1998 was Costa Rica.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Work permit is nearly impossible, but starting a business wasn't as hard.  Residency and Visas are probably the biggest sticking point for most would-be expats and it's just not easy in Costa Rica.  Panama was slightly easier because I was more established and qualified for an investors' visa.  But like most expats with startups in CR, I just "winged it" for the first few years.  Luckily, laws weren't so tightly enforced then.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

I didn't have medical insurance for my first 6 or so years, then I was stabbed in a robbery and my business partner coerced me into getting coverage.  Getting international or local coverage in Costa Rica is quite easy and it's not terribly expensive.

-How do you make your living in Costa Rica? Do you have any type of income generated?

I operate an online travel agency that serves Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.  Our clientele are primarily from the U.S.

-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

YES YES YES.  You must learn the language and culture or you'll get nowhere.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

Of course.  I really miss my family (in addition to my parents I have two sisters) but do my best to keep in touch via email, Skype and occasional visits.  I even went so far as to open a B&B with my retired parents in Panama, mostly as an excuse to see them more often.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Plenty of plans...yes.  Hoping to at some point return to the U.S. for a stint as I've now spent 14 of my 15 post-grad years abroad.  I'd like to raise my family for a period in the U.S.   But who knows, I might be too far gone now as an expat to reintegrate into my native culture?

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I've owned and rented.  I like renting better.  Loans are not easy to come by for foreigners and prices in both Panama and Costa Rica for newer homes are on par, if not more expensive, than most places in the U.S.  So right now, I prefer to rent. 

-What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica right now, very expensive.  I'd estimate it's on par with a mid-size U.S. city.  Panama is about 30% less.

-What do you think about the locals?

We're generalizing here, of course...but Costa Ricans are very kind people.  The drawback would be that they aren't big on planning and have a tough time with large projects and infrastructure.  It's holding the country back, but it's the "live for today" attitude that also makes the place great.  "Ticos" are mostly very nice to foreigners.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Costa Rica?

 Pros:

- fantastic weather
- kind people
- wonderful tourism destinations
- lots of business opportunities
- affordable healthcare

 Cons:

- rising cost of living
- terrible roads, increasing traffic
- high taxes
- plenty of scams
- petty theft, break-ins

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Costa Rica?

Prepare to spend 2x what you thought.  Try before you buy.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Costa Rica?

www.vacationscostarica.com
www.costaricapages.com

-Where were you born?

Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

 -In which country and city are you living now?

Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica 

-Are you living alone or with your family?

Alone

-How long have you been living in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica in the San Jose area permanently for five years.

-What is your age?

Just turned 48!

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Costa Rica?

I had business in Costa Rica back in 2001 and that is what first brought me to Costa Rica.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

I am still using a tourist visa. My residency is in process and it has been ridiculously difficult to obtain.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

I have none.

-How do you make your living in Costa Rica? Do you have any type of income generated?

I started my own travel agency and I also broker real estate and do consulting for real estate transactions.

-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

I am conversant in Spanish and working always towards fluency. While one can get by without it here, it helps tremendously to integrate into the local culture if you speak the language adequately. Ticos are very proud of their culure, so yes it is important to respect local culture.  Many expats come here and seclude themselves in "expat" communities and refuse to learn the language or assimilate into the culture. Those expats usually don't last, or become very bitter and unhappy.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Yes I miss my kids who are all in the U.S. and visit me from time to time. I keep busy building my business and enjoying the natural wonders of Costa Rica.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I will remain in Costa Rica, but would like to travel to other countries more, especially in South America.  I frequently travel to Nicaragua and Panama.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I am still renting a nice home in a very tranquil neighborhood in Santo Domingo de Heredia for $700 per month (4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths).  This home could be purchased for around $250,000 to $300,000, I suppose.

-What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?

The cost of living depends on your peferences. 

If you stick with local goods, it is fairly cheap (although prices have risen this year). If you buy imported goods, you will pay a hefty price.  In Costa Rica, if you buy local you can live comfortable for, say, $30,000 per year (or even less).

-What do you think about the Costa Ricans? 

I love the Ticos and consider myself one of them (mas tico que gallo pinto as we say....more tico, or local, than gallo pinto). The culture here is warm and very friendly, and that includes their attitudes towards "most" gringos.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Costa Rica?

In San Jose the traffic is a negative and crime has been on the rise. Outside of the city there aren't many negatives, except maybe the roads, which can be horrible.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Costa Rica?

I would come here and live for three months before deciding to move here. You also need to get a good idea of what it is like to live in the city, versus the mountains, or the beach as each has a vastly different climate and culture.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Costa Rica?

My sites, of course...

www.packagecostarica.com
www.realestatecostarica.biz
www.costa-rica-guy.com
www.packagecostarica.com/blog
www.costa-rica-guy.com/blog

- Where were you born?

United States

- In which country and city are you living now?

Costa Rica

- Are you living alone or with your family?

Family

- How long have you been living in Costa Rica?

12 years

- What is your age?

48

- When did you come up with the idea of living in Costa Rica?

I read a book about living and retiring in Costa Rica and felt the country magically called to me. I began my research with a few vacations and developed a list of questions to ask those who had already made the choice...much like this interview series! I explored the Costa Rica Residents Association and connected with others who had gone through the process of relocation and residency. I also subscribed to the local English-speaking Newspaper "The Tico Times" for about 1 year before the move to catch the headlines. Today, there's also "AM Costa Rica" and "Inside Costa Rica" (daily on-line newspapers).

Most importantly, I just did not review the single option of Costa Rica. If you have only 1 option, make a longer list. We put other countries on our list of possibilities and then began checking them against our criteria.

What criteria were important for our new home? We came up with a list of 10 critical factors including the 3 C's: Climate, Community, and Cost of living. Costa Rica won the contest.

- Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Not at that time. It has grown increasingly more difficult. As a permanent resident, I can now work here. The option is more the norm, i.e., many expats who move to Costa Rica work as entrepreneurs or in virtual offices where their work is outside of Costa Rica.

- Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Not at all and still very accessible and affordable through INS. My healthcare in Costa Rica is better and much less expensive than in the U.S., which is why we have a boom in medical tourism.

- How do you make your living in Costa Rica? Do you have any type of income generated?

I am an author and independent training consultant and teach around the world on leadership, communication and customer service. I also started a Corporate Retreat Business "Business Meetings Costa Rica" and "Retreats Costa Rica." We host business groups and individuals on learning vacations and creativity retreats. You can even explore living here for two weeks by attending one of our retreats.

- Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Yes, I speak Spanish, but not fluently. I recommend no matter where you live that learning the basic language will improve the quality of your life as a guest/resident in another country. There is theatre, social events and arts you will miss without it. Also day to day navigation of your world is important and when you don't have language skills, you increase your dependence on others. Are there people that do fine living here without the effort of learning the language? Certainly, but you see their frustration because life is just harder when you don't have the words.

- Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

The Internet has made communication so easy--you can see your family every day with web cams! I also travel around the world so arrange to see my family whenever I can on a stopover and of course they come to Costa Rica.

As for recreation: Costa Rica is paradise: Hiking, Birding, Wine & Gourmet Clubs, Bridge, Latin Dancing. I could go on and on and be busy every second in my adopted country.

- Do you have other plans for the future?

I now consider myself a citizen of the world. This past year I have taught in South Africa, Canada and the U.S and attended coursework in Paris. I am currently on a writing project in the Netherlands. I hope to spend 2 months next year in Argentina and continue my work training internationally.

- What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I have both rented and owned homes here. Pricing depends on what part of country you are in (luxury beach areas or city addresses or countryside). We have done well in our real estate projects here as Costa Rica continues to grow as a destination for both living and tourism.

Rentals can be as low as $500 per month - $4,000 plus.

Almost impossible to give a range for housing...readers should check out for Sale By Owner Listings.

- What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?

Not what it used to be, like everywhere, but still reasonable if you do not need pampered imported goods. A car is a luxury good with heavy taxes but transportation is quite accessible.

You can still eat cheap, but dining out in non-local establishments has gotten much more expensive. Labor is very inexpensive and therefore domestic help is affordable for we "working women."

- What do you think about the Costa Ricans?

The Costa Ricans I have met are warm, friendly and family oriented. I believe you get what you give and have found Costa Rica not to be an exception to that rule. There are exceptions of course in every society.

- What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Costa Rica?

Positives: Scenery and Nature, Convenience (Wireless on my Deck with Parrots overhead), Active Expat Community, Proximity to the United States/Major Airport Hubs, Cost of Living, Quality Healthcare, Safety and Security, Living outdoors year round at 72 degrees.

Negatives: Driving our Roads and Lack of Street Signs is one of my stressors. While Costa Rica is quite safe, the need for security precautions has always been present. For us it's like living in New York City...you just keep street smart.

- Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Costa Rica?

On arrival, women should find the "Newcomers Club" in the Tico Times--it's a great social group that welcomes new arrivals and serves as a social hub and resource center. Sign up for Spanish when you first arrive--begin the right way by learning the language. Please don't complain constantly to other expats or particularly Costa Ricans that things aren't like home. This isn't Kansas! When I meet expats who go down that road, I just ask one question. "Who invited you?" If you have decided to live in another country, experience and accept that country for what it is and if it's not to your liking, move on which is why I recommend exploratory trips before one big relocation. While of course we are all honest and talk about the country's imperfections--indeed all is not perfect in our tropical paradise--you will be living in a community, who think it's pretty close.

- Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Costa Rica?

You can read my blogs about daily life in Costa Rica at www.dreamincostarica.com and www.costarica.org.

-Where were you born?

Battle Creek, Michigan, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?

Brasil de Santa Ana which is West of the city of San Jose, Costa Rica

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my husband of 22 years and our (2) street dogs Topo and Ratatouille. We own a Bed & Breakfast so we also live with our guests

-How long have you been living in Costa Rica?

Just over one year.

-What is your age?

Kind of personal but I'm 52.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Costa Rica?

I wanted to retire from the restaurant business as I was burned out having been an owner and operator for over 25 years. We couldn't afford the health care in the States and we were against the war and didn't like cold weather. I also didn't want to be 70 years old and say to myself that I had wished I had done something different in my life. We knew we still wanted to work and the opportunity to buy a Bed & Breakfast in the Central Valley came up when we were ready to move.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

We are living here on tourist visas so we go away every three months either together or alone.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No, that was easy. I became sick when we moved here and had to have my gall bladder removed. Clinica Biblica was great and the insurance paid for it all. It was a deal at $3,000.00. I need to have a torn rotator cuff repaired next and my insurance should cover all of that also.

-How do you make your living in Costa Rica? Do you have any type of income generated?

We own and operate Casa Bella Rita Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Brasil de Santa Ana. We do very well considering we started from the bottom up. The house is beautiful, we do tours and travel reservations and entertain our guests. We don't have any long-term plans at this point so this is a good place for us to be. I also teach at a gym once or twice a week and I believe I will start doing some volunteer work to get me through the slow/rainy season as I prefer to stay busy.

-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I only speak a little Spanish but my husband speaks very good. I am still learning and find when I make myself go places alone it forces me to learn it faster. We are guests in Costa Rica and treat the locals with respect and respect the local laws and customs. When we come across the "ugly American" it is very embarrassing for us. I tried Spanish lessons for a short time but I found on-line courses for the language worked as well for me at this point.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Oh my God, I miss my family and friends to the point that it hurts. I don't miss the cold weather but I do miss the good roads and my car. There is much to do and see in Costa Rica and it's pretty close to South America and many other countries. My nephews and daughter were just here for almost an entire month and it was awesome.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Not at this point. I would like to build up our business, sell in a few years and move on while I'm still able. We still get offers to sell as it really is a cool house in a great location. I see the city of San Jose growing and growing and I'm not sure if the infrastructure can handle it and that scares me a little. When San Jose catches up with Santa Ana it will be time to move on.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We bought a place that was formerly "The Canyon House" that came with quite a history. We changed the name and started from scratch and we are now Casa Bella Rita Boutique Bed & Breakfast. We have six beautiful rooms and do very well on Trip Advisor. We work very hard at what we do. It really doesn't cost a lot less to live here than in the States any longer as far as we are concerned with the cost of gas, water and food but the health care is so much cheaper. We were paying over $1,000.00 per month for health care and only $300.00 per month here - big difference and it's world wide care.

-What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?

A little less than the States but inflation is fast catching up.

-What do you think about the Costa Ricans?

They are warm and wonderful and we have made many friends that will be lifelong friends.  We have been invited to many family holidays with our new friends.  Only one time did I feel discrimination and was called a name.  I have to remind myself that he was drunk but it made me feel a little sick to my stomach. Other than that I have had no problems but it is like any other place in the world and it takes time to build relationships. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Costa Rica?

Positive - weather, beautiful country, restaurants, my dogs, new adventures, fruits, warm people, no army, health care.

Negative - petty crime, lack of lanes on streets, barb wire, razor wire, justice system (lack of), no TJ Maxx!

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Costa Rica?

Rent first! Do not make a complete move unless you are sure. Keep an open mind and learn the language. Things don't move the way you might be used to. Hire a good attorney that speaks English. Get out and make friends or you will go crazy. Volunteer if possible, teach a child to speak English and they will help you with your Spanish.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Costa Rica?

Trip Advisor is a great place to gather information.

www.ticotimes.net

 amcostarica - an on-line newspaper

Only www.casabellarita.com

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