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A guide to moving to Latin America, finding work, and settling in.
Episodes
Sunday May 05, 2019
Sunday May 05, 2019
#1- PART SIX of Power Grid Independence for Expats and Gringos living in Latin America:
The majority of well-built Latin American buildings and houses have flat or nearly flat concrete roofs. Today we discuss specifics on selection and mounting of your solar panels and what details you really should to pay extra special attention to.
#2- Solar Power System Component Guarantees:
Solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and controller/charger units come with 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 year guarantees. There’s so much variation it seems like guarantees are all over the place and impossibly complicated. What do they really mean and do the companies stand by them? More importantly, will the companies or installers (or you) be around in 10 or 25 years to find out?
#3- Sign up is open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#4- The easiest way to steal electric power in Latin America: The Mexican example.
#5- How to piss off an easy going, normally happy Latino:
That's what happens when too many Venezuelans (legal and illegal) migrate to another Latin country. But it doesn't start out that way. At first, when it’s a small controllable human trickle, the locals have big hearts and a large helping hand for their Latino brothers and sisters-in-arms. But when the new visitors suddenly seem to be everywhere, and start straining the local neighborhood social fabric, those formerly “welcome” new arrivals soon become objects of scorn and “personas non-grata.
Hmmm… sound familiar?
#6- Ten more surprising reasons why you should buy a PRIVATE healthcare insurance plan and NEVER sign on to the National Healthcare plans:
Even if the government, or gringo rags like International Living and AARP, market the country’s National Health System as cheap and efficient, don’t do it. Today we bring you yet more recent National Healthcare horror stories, this time direct from the bankrupt Mexican system. This you won’t believe.
#7 Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#8- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#9- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#10- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Friday May 03, 2019
Friday May 03, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #853 -FRI, MAY 03 (05-03-2019):
#1- PART FIVE of Power Grid Independence for Expats and Gringos living in Latin America:
Today we discuss specifics on how to size your solar system for living-off the-grid in Latin America. DYK- when it comes to solar power products like solar panels and batteries, you’ll not get a great deal by purchasing last year’s stuff, even if it’s been marked down substantially. It almost always pays to get the latest models and panels possible, and here’s why…
#2- Buying and assembling your ideal solar power system in Latin America:
What parts of a solar system should be ordered online and shipped from the states, Canada or China etc., and what portion should/can be purchased in your own chosen Latin destination. How much of the assembly and setup work should (or can) you do yourself versus how much you should leave for your gardener, maintenance guy or professional installers?
#3- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#4- What other Expat podcasts and radio shows can you trust for good and current info?
#5-Solar power system tip #1: When “NO MAINTENANCE” actually means “NO MAINTENANCE”
For the latest and greatest Lithium-Ion solar power setups there really is ZERO maintenance…. for years on end too. The only thing you or your gardener will have to do is sweep and hose down the dust and bird poop off the panels every 3 months or so or you'll lose a bit of power daily. However, if there’s any more required maintenance than that.. you probably didn’t do your homework and picked the wrong system or bought an older system “cheap” (perhaps even new in the box)that you may have been got suckered into...
#6- Latin governments jump on the “ban the plastic bags and straws” gringo wanabee bandwagon and screw it up as usual:
It’s mostly just another half-ass governmental attempt to be first-world like- but with little foresight or planning, as usual. This is Latin America ya know. Why do you think the call it the third world?
#7 Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#8- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#9- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#10- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
Sunday Apr 28, 2019
#1- Power Grid Independence for Dummies- Solar Power and going off-grid in Latin America for Expats and Gringos- PART FOUR
Today we discuss highly recommended Solar systems for gringos and expats living in Latin America and how to by the equivalent (clone) of the “gold standard” Tesla Powerwall 2 (13.5 kw) clone for half the price of that name brand.
#2- Buying and assembling a solar power system in Latin America:
What parts of a solar system should be ordered online and shipped from the states, Canada or China etc., and what portion should/can be purchased in your own chosen Latin destination? How much of the assembly and setup work should (can) you do yourself versus how much you should leave for professional installers?
#3- A “bug out” portable solar power setup for all occasions:
After witnessing what’s been happening in Venezuela, you’d have to be nuts not to have a small portable solar package- one that can be thrown in the trunk of your car at a moment’s notice. But there are so many portable solar systems to choose from its more than confusing for even the above average gringo. Just have a look on Amazon! The fact is that most all of them are “cute” but under powered for a real emergency and unfortunately will fall short under bug-out conditions and when you need them the most. The good news is that there are some near perfect systems. You’re gonna love this!!!
#4-Some killer time and money saving tips you’ll never know about until you’ve put together two or three a solar power systems- like I have ...
#5- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#6- US Embassy Jobs- there are job openings all the time but should gringos and expats consider applying? After all, it’s your embassy and they speak English.
In a word.. NO! And here’s why…
#7 Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#8- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#9- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#10- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Friday Apr 26, 2019
Friday Apr 26, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #851- FRI, APR 26 (04-26-2019):
#1-More Latin American Electric Company Scams and Hacks:
You’d think people living in a nice high-end residential towers would be on the straight and narrow up, on the up and up... not all gringo!
#2- AMAZON for gringos in Latin America:
Tips, insights and hacks..
#3- Everyone hates the electric company. People try to get over on them if they can. Aren’t you shocked!
How to tamper with Electric Meters in Latin America
#4- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#5- The truth about Latin American neighborhood power outages and what to do about them
#6- Solar Power for Expats and Gringos- PART THREE
Latin America is absolutely ideal for solar energy setups and getting off the grid, or supplementing your grid power. Think of what you’d have to pay for quality off-the-grid system in Cleveland, now divide that number in half. That’s about what you’ll pay for such a system south of the border. We’re not talking about high maintenance DIY system cobbled together from spare or surplus parts from Craig’s list either.
#7- Why does Colombia keep doing this Shi%^&$#*!!!
Here’s yet another nail in Colombia’s “Plan B destination” coffin as it quickly slips off our list of top destinations. DYK that Colombia lawmakers are seriously considering banning private god sales and mining? All in the interest of the catch all pseudo-crime of money laundering of course! It probably won't pass but just the idea they're considering it is a very bad sign.
#8 Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#9- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#10- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#11- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Monday Apr 22, 2019
Monday Apr 22, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #850- SUN, APR 21 (04-21-2019):
#1-Electric Company Scams and Hacks in Latin America
#2-Electric Power for Nuthin’:
How so many Latino’s do it and seem to get away with it forever... and we’re not talking about Solar or Wind installations here!
#3- You’ve heard that Air Conditioning (A/C) and Solar power setups don’t mix because A/C units are big power suckers right?
WRONG! Today we have the dope on that conundrum..
#4- Solar Power for Expats and Gringos- PART TWO
Today you will learn more in PART TWO of how to get off the electric grid in Latin America. Five years ago going solar was a hit and miss proposition and mistakes and miscalculations were made with irritating regularity. But now, in just the past 1 or 2 years, getting a super small and efficient solar system installed on your property has become incredibly easy and here’s how…
Latin America is absolutely ideal for solar energy setups and getting off the grid, or supplementing your grid power. Think of what you’d have to pay for quality off-the-grid system in Cleveland, now divide that number in half. That’s about what you’ll pay for such a system south of the border. We’re not talking about high maintenance DIY system cobbled together from spare or surplus parts from Craig’s list either.
#5- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#6 Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#7- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#8- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#9- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Friday Apr 19, 2019
Friday Apr 19, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #849-FRI, APR 19 (04-19-2019):
#1- Solar Power for Expats and Gringos- PART ONE
Latin America is absolutely ideal for solar energy setups and getting off the grid, or supplementing your grid power. Think of what you’d have to pay for quality off-the-grid system in Cleveland, now divide that number in half. That’s about what you’ll pay for such a system south of the border. We’re not talking about high maintenance DIY system cobbled together from spare or surplus parts from Craig’s list either.
Today you will learn how smart gringos and expats are starting to get off the electric grid in Latin America. Five years ago going solar was a hit and miss proposition with many mistakes and miscalculations. But now, in just the past 1 or 2 years, getting a super small and super efficient, zero maintainence solar system installed on your property has become incredibly easy, and cheap. What a feeling! However, logically all bets are off if you happen to live on the 6th floor of a 10 story residential tower, right? That means solar is out if there’s no land or place for the necessary PV panels, correct? Wrong on both counts! It’s totally doable and here’s how…
#2-Windpower for gringos and Expats:
Such a good concept right? And there plenty of wind in the tropics and throughout Latin America. Unfortunately, it’s not a good or practical idea on an individual homestead basis. For a variety of reasons wind power is best left to experts and the commercial wind-farm guys.
#3- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#4- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#5- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#6- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#7- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Monday Apr 15, 2019
Monday Apr 15, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #848-SUN, APR 14 (04-14-2019):
#1- Colombia is the next Costa Rica, right? What a terrible thought:
I lived in CR for almost 3 years, had a city house and a beach house and a going business there. I left 25 years ago while going was good. Why? Because I saw the storm clouds of the gringo invasion on the horizon. There was a feeling of trouble in paradise. Yet today there’s talk in gringo expat circles and International Living followers that Colombia is the next CR… as if that were a great thing! Well today we have some comments and analysis from a listener with 9 years of living in Colombia. He is seeing the invasion first hand. Guess what? He’s packing his bags and looking for another Latin country location untainted by gringo hordes. And when he finds it, he promises he won’t tell a soul...
#2- Once upon a time stateside kids and families lived in their own kind of paradise, even if by fate they happened to have lived in Dodge, New Jersy or Cleveland:
The best advice is that when good old memories become painful to recount, that’s when it’s time to get out of Dodge. Yes, we all have good memories of how things use to be. Remember that old friendly neighbor support system that just doesn’t exist anymore? Today we’ll hear a vivid story from an “expat insider” seminar attendee. He has a sound but completely different theory as to why things have gone so wrong in Dodge (and Cleveland) starting back in the late 1950s. You probably haven’t hear this take on first world entropy before…
#3- Cryptocurrency Update:
What to do and who to trust if you have, hold or trade bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies while in Latin America
#4- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#5- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#6- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#7- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#8- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Friday Apr 12, 2019
Friday Apr 12, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #847-FRI, APR 12 (04-12-2019):
#1- “Boots on the ground” in a Latin American hospital ER:
Here’s a very recent story from an expat wanabee in Guatemala who had the occasion to visit a private first-world style hospital ER after experiencing a self-inflicted facial cut. Find out the kind of attention and treatment he received and the costs involved. BTW: he was a walk-in with no insurance coverage.
#2- More on my own personal safety and security items:
Here’s what I (Johnny) always travel with along with some of the little hacks I have discovered after having continuously lived in Latin America for almost 30 years. DYK that I have NOT been robbed or assaulted in 20+ years (since the late 1990’s when I was still naïve and clueless)? Could that mean I’m just lucky or maybe that I'm doing something right.
#3- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#4- IKEA comes to Latin America:
Welcome to the newest gringo wanabee hangout, IKEA. That's a good thing, right? Well yes, if you like laminated particle board, “made in china”, junk furniture that will look like poop in a few years. Though its true they do have some good stuff too, but its all at gringo prices so only upscale Latinos actually shop to buy there. Unfortunately, the food court is the only draw for the average Latino who makes 300 to 400 bucks a month.
#5- “Dummy” fanny-packs, why you should get one, and why they are so useful:
Which one(s) you should consider using, and how to set yours up. Of course I always carry one. Here’s the dope on that hack…
#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#7- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#8- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#9- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Sunday Apr 07, 2019
Sunday Apr 07, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #846 -SUN, APR 07 (04-07-2019):
#1- Johnny gets injured due to Latin negligence, and there’s no one to sue;
Today’s “boots on the ground” story
#2- A case of Trouble in Paradise:
It interesting how, as more and more gringos pile in, paradise turns sour. Whose fault is that? One guess…
#3- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will be in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#4- There are two kinds of gringos; those that wine and complain and those who complain about those who whine and complain- Part 2
#5- The downside of living “off the gringo tourist trail”:
I always recommend living off the trail as a final “Plan B” destination but there are always a few initial downsides. However, if you can stuck it out a few months the negatives will soon fade away and you’ll see it’s all amazingly positive from then on in.
#6- (Besides chickenbus driver) What are the most dangerous “legit” jobs in Latin America?
#7- Ubiquitous Latin neighborhood noise pollution ‘ruido” and what you CAN’T do about it
The truth about Latin cops (insert laugh track here).
#9- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#10- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#11- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#12- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Friday Apr 05, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #845 -FRI, APR 05 (04-05-2019):
#1- Some gringos and expats have so-called unconventional reasons for moving to Latin America. But these days the unconventional is becoming more common place:
A professional data miner speaks of his intention to move to Latin America in order to reduce his IT footprint and gain back some of the privacy he has lost by living in the USA. Today he gives us his step by step plan.
#2- Sign up is now open for Johnny Mueller’s July 2019 “Expat Insider Seminar”:
The week-long event will take place in Central America from Saturday, July 6th through Thursday, July 11th. The early-bird discounts are in effect. Just go to: www.thenewexpat.com and click on the “seminar” link.
#3- You can get Botox at $5 a unit from a certified plastic surgeon in Latin America:
Unless you are a self-conscious lady, waging a war against time, that $5 figure might not mean much to you. But since the going rate at a legit USA Plastic surgeon’s office is more like $20 a unit (and I was told by a formerly wrinkly Gringa lady that the average treatment is 50 units or $1000). You can see why the Latina anti-aging business is booming.
#4- Sex, Lies and Tears- when Latino men cry:
Yep Latinos can get teary eyed on cue, especially when caught two-timing the ladies. And the sensitive remorseful male angle works on them for a while. BTW: DYK the number one tear jerker movie of all time for Latina ladies is “Titanic”? (translated in Spanish of course) Who’d a thunk?
#5- Picky, Picky, Picky- When Gringos and Expats whine and complain:
It’s embarrassing to watch gringo shout-outs and tantrums. Unsurprisingly, they’re almost always triggered by episodes of crappy Latin customer service. It’s a fact that incidents mostly occur in restaurants and hotels on the gringo tourist trail- why would it be otherwise?
#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.theexpatfiles.com/academy
#7- For your copy of JOHNNY MUELLER’S- 100 PAGE “LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT” go to the following link:
http://theexpatfiles.com/healthcare/
#8- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
#9- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check out: www.thenewexpat.com