RomeGirl is an American expat who splits her time between France and Italy, and here she tells us what she likes and dislikes about living in these two European countries. She also shares useful information about the cost of everyday living and describes some of her plans to become a full-time travel writer.	RomeGirl

-Where were you born?

The Jersey Shore, USA.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I split my time between Rome and Montpellier, France.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my boyfriend, B.

-How long have you been living in Europe?

I've been in Europe since 2002; Rome til 2005; here in Montpel since then.

-What is your age?

I'm in my late 30s. 

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

I visited Rome in '99 and decided I had to live there.  I convinced my bosses to let me do my job virtually and was on my way in 2002.

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

Impossible.  I still don't have one.  I don't have to live in Europe to do my job, so I couldn't get a work visa.  My income comes from working, so I couldn't get a "loafer's" visa.  And my great-grandfather became a U.S. citizen before my grandfather was born, so I couldn't get an EU passport.  I'm hoping that the increase in at-home workers will change the visa requirements.

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

I bought expat's insurance, which was reasonably priced.  I recommend it.  I don't have any now; I just pay full price for healthcare when necessary.  But, it's not nearly as expensive here as it is in the States.

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

At first I worked virtually for an ad agency.  When they lost my client due to a merger, I lost my job.  Now, I'm a freelance writer.

-Do you speak French/Italian 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'm fluent in Italian and French, and can understand Spanish (although I keep responding in Italian!). I think it's crucial to at least have a working knowledge of the language of your new country.  Even if you're going on vacation, learn a few phrases and use them as best you can. 

As for customs, it's extremely important to know the basics - especially greetings and physical gestures.  Making a little effort goes a long way and will help you not to offend your hosts - because remember, you're a guest in that country, no matter how long you live there.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I am actually quite close with my family and friends, and I do miss them; but they are super supportive of me and with technology the way it is, I'm never too far away from a video call or a "phone date."  I try to get home once a year, though. There's very little I miss about living in the States - I mostly get random food cravings and that's about it.

FYI: Don't be surprised when you experience reverse culture shock when returning home to visit.  It's very real, and completely unnerving. 

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I'd like to build up my travel writing portfolio, and eventually be a full-time travel writer (I write, ghost write and edit now for a wide variety of clients).  I'd also like to get back to Rome full time!

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

We rent.  We have a 55sqm apartment that is lovely, and we pay 575 euro, which is a bit on the cheap side but not by much.  We're right in the middle of town. Of course, this is the South - it's another whole ball game in Paris.

 In Rome, an apartment like this in the center would be about 1000 euro minimum.  Further out, about 800 euro.

-What is the cost of living in France and Italy?

France is nicely ahead on the whole tech thing, so we pay only 30 euro a month for Internet, TV and phone with free landline calls worldwide.  Our electricity is about 50 euro a month.  Food and drinks are about average, it all depends on your tastes - you can get a really excellent meal with house wine for 20 euro, easily.  The town is small enough that a car is not necessary; train service is famously good and well-priced if you buy early enough.  Of course, this is the South - it's another whole ball game in Paris.

Rome has more expensive housing, but daily living is cheaper.

-What do you think about the French and the Italians?

I don't love the French.  Isn't that such a wide-sweeeping cliché?  Obviously I know French people who are awesome, but as a whole they really kind of suck.  But, I was spoiled by Italians.  Italians just love living.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France and Italy?

I don't love France or the French, and I love love LOVE Italy and the Italians, so I'm not the person to ask.  But if I had to be objective as possible, I'd say -

Both countries are GORGEOUS.  History out the wazoo, unspoiled areas to die for, amazing food, delicious cheap wine, and decent weather.  Also, it's easy to get around Europe. 

The negatives of both countries is that customer is NOT king and convenience is not in the vocabulary.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France or Italy?

Get ready to live a different life.  It's not America only older, or America only tastier, or America only whatever.  It's Europe.  They've been around a while, and while you'll see modern conveniences and a push toward some American ways, it's just plain DIFFERENT and they're not going to change their ways for you.  You'll have to learn to adjust your daily schedule, read important documents in another language, learn a whole new set of customs, and live a whole new life.

Don't pack your whole life up to come here.  Buy a great laptop and load it with all your pictures, music and favorite movies you can't live without.  Bring hard copy pictures to frame.  Bring clothes, beause they're cheaper in the States.  Get rid of everything else.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France and Italy?

There are no shortage of great blogs out there; find ones you can relate to, and a few you can't.