A change of pace and environment was what Kerri and her husband wanted, and that's what they got when they moved from the USA to Santa Ana, Costa Rica. For Kerri, the place is a tropical paradise that isn't too far from home. Here, she talks a bit about things like the slower pace of life and the benefits of speaking Spanish.	Kerri Butler

September 28 2006

-Where were you born?
Maui, Hawaii, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?
Santa Ana, Costa Rica

-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my husband and our two beagles.

-How long have you been living in Costa Rica?
Since January 2006.

-What is your age?
27

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Costa Rica?
We just wanted to move somewhere tropical for a chance of pace and environment. Costa Rica's proximity to the US was a factor, as well as the fact that my husband was fluent in Spanish.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Somewhat--we used a lawyer here to expedite the process.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
It was somewhat slow (every part of business is slower here than the US), but we are now covered with an international plan that covers us here and wherever we travel in the world.

-How do you make your living in Costa Rica? Do you have any type of income generated?
My husband was offered a job here while we were living in the US--a recruiter contacted him about the position.

-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Yes, it is important to speak Spanish in Costa Rica if you are going to live here. As a tourist, many of the Ticos (native Costa Ricans) speak English, but in the grocery stores, markets, and in business, they mostly speak Spanish.

Customs to understand - Ticos do not like to say "no"--even if they cannot accomplish what you need; they will say "that will be very difficult" instead of telling you it can't be done. Ticos love to make small talk and can do that all day long as the speed of life here is so much slower than the US. "Pura Vida" or "pure life" is the way of life here in Costa Rica--it's a phrase that many Ticos use instead of "good, great, or cool".

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Yes we do! Fortunately, we travel to the US and Canada at least once a month or more to get our "American fix." We do take advantage of the benefits here on the weekends by planning trips to the beach or the mountains. In town we eat out at the many wonderful restaurants and see a movie!

-Do you have other plans for the future?
We plan to stay in Costa Rica for a few years and maybe start a family here!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We are renting a home in Santa Ana that is approximately 3000 sq. ft. - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a large backyard, and maid's quarters, for $1500 a month.

-What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?
Mostly much lower than in the US. Services here are incredibly inexpensive (a manicure is $6, a plumber for the day is $10, etc.) as well as the food at restaurants (very hard to spend more than $20 a person at the nicest restaurants). But there are some items in Costa Rica that are more expensive than in the US, such as cars (which can be 40-60% more than in the US), and financing is not offered to expats.

-What do you think about the Costa Ricans?
Ticos love Americans in particular--they have the same sense of humor and are very agreeable with the American culture!

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Costa Rica?
Positive - You can live in a tropical paradise with rainforests and incredible beaches for half the cost of that in most cities in the US.

Negative - Without speaking Spanish, daily objectives can be difficult and cars can be cost prohibitive.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Costa Rica?
Come down to visit Costa Rica first and meet with a real estate agent for rentals or purchase (I can recommend an excellent, honest one who speaks perfect English) to see where you could live. Take a Spanish course and pack a lot of books and magazines to read!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Costa Rica?
Kerri's Big Beautiful Days - My blog