Scott is an American expat who has made San Jose, Costa Rica, his permanent home. Read about The Costa Rica Guy's thoughts on learning the language and the culture, and why he considers himself as one of the locals.	Scott Bowers (aka...Costa Rica Guy)

-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