The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

Expat Files - 10.16.16

#1-They have heavily guarded industrial parks in Latin America called Free Trade Zones and Zona Francas. What’s that all about?

#2- Forget about airport duty free shops. They don’t have the deals they used to. So today we explain how you can get really great deals on thousands of items and pay no VAT (IVA) taxes or import duties. However, do skip the airport duty free.

#3- TEN GOOD REASONS why I much prefer being an Expat/Gringo in Latin America over anywhere in Asia

#4- Latin America is perhaps one of the only regions in the world where one can have a house worth $200,000 (or much more) and yet pay just a few hundred dollars a year in property taxes. How does that happen? How is it  done and is it legal?

#4- Ripped off in the central market... almost: today’s “boots on the ground” story has a mixture of the good, bad, ugly and the great.

#5- Gypsies, tramps and thieves: yes, there’s competition and creativity at the street urchin level too.

#5-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “Plan B”. Just send an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com
or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/
Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

#7. Announcing the new “Podcast by Phone” feature. You now have a way to listen to the past 5 Expat Files programs over the phone rather than downloading or streaming from the PRN archives or other sources. The phone number for this free service is: 1-701-719-0893

Expat Files - 10.14.16

#1- Announcing a new “Podcast by Phone” feature. If you’re on the run, you now have a way to listen to the past 5 Expat Files programs over the phone rather than downloading or streaming from the PRN archives or other sources. The phone number for this free service is: 1-701-719-0893

#2- Many Expat gonnabes and wannabees use “google translate” as the next best thing to having a live bilingual translator – but it does have errors and can be quite rough. Things do have a way of getting lost in translation.

#3- As if you needed another good reason to get your Latin American “Plan B” in high gear: now we have proof that corrupt US lawmakers are lining up with the likes of Monsanto to hide GMO labeling by legislative stealth. If you’re on the fence about starting your own “Plan B” this could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

#4- More and more regular workaday people (and of course the rich) are considering giving up their US citizenship. Today we have a story that illustrates the things you always wanted to know about renouncing. Is it worth it or not? Listen and check it out..

#5-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “Plan B”. Just send an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com
or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/
Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 10.09.16

#1- What fresh new Expats need to know about first-world style healthcare and insurance coverage in Latin America: how to sign up, the costs, coverage and types of plans to choose from.

 

#2- The use and abuse of air conditioning in Latin America

 

#3- More Gringo/Expat driving tips and a new heads up on car repair scams.

 

#4- Are you using the email 2 step password verification process? You should if you want to minimize the possibility of getting your email hacked or spied upon. However, after using it for over 2 years I’ve discovered a rather disturbing Big Brother connection no has mentioned before. 

#5- While developing a “Plan B and moving to Latin America, you may not know it but in doing so you have a once in a lifetime chance to lower your profile dramatically and create a much smaller internet footprint. Get started now by using an anonymous email service like www.Startmail.com

      

#6-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “Plan B”. Just send an email to:theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

#7- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 10.07.16

 #1- Today a minor milestone: This is Expat Files Show #600. We now have almost 6 years of twice-weekly shows, every last one of them originating from somewhere “south of the border”.

#2- Internet connections and reliability in Latin America: whether you’re a personal internet user or totally dependent on the net and IT connections for your future Latin business needs, you’ll want to hear this

 #3- Yes, there are times when Latin Customer service is not all pure crap: like when 1st world companies partner up with Latin companies(govt utilities example). When that happens customer service does improve dramatically but almost never to the complete satisfaction of gringos and expats. We still see errors and find fault.

#4- In restaurants, homes and elsewhere Latins will always ask if you would like some “agua pura” (meaning pure H2O), as if maybe you wanted to live dangerously and drink some toilet or sewer water instead. Gringos think it's funny the have to add the "pura" part and don’t get the how and why… but there is some logic to it and it goes as follows...

#5- Deconstructing the typical Latin restaurant menu: today we explain basic food ordering“101” (in Spanish) for gringos and expats

#6- Introducing Johnny’s new nine hour, thirty-five video “Expat Essentials Course” designed for people contemplating their own Plan “B” but can’t quite afford to get “boots on the ground” or can’t attend an  “Expat Insider” Seminar in Latin America. Yes it’s just what the doctor ordered, a great way to get your ducks lined up for your own Plan “B” and the next best thing to coming down yourself. Go to www.ExpatPlanB.com for the 3 video intros to my new “Expat Essentials” course.

 #7-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “Plan B”. Just send an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 #8- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com
or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/
Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 10.02.16

Descriptions for THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #599- 10-02-2016 (SUN):

 

#1- Shipping things to and from Latin America- PART #3: Just when you thought we’d covered it all in the last few shows ... we didn’t!

 

#2- You’ll never guess what’s the fastest growing business opportunity (and legal too) in all of Latin America. It has grown an astounding 600% in just one year!

 

#3- Christopher Columbus is still the ever-admired conquering hero in Latin America. However “lag time” is as certain as death and taxes- so he will eventually be villainized down here as well for the genocidal path he paved. However for now he still represents the pure European bloodline most Latin families think (and boast) they possess.         

 #4- Unfortunately, simple paperwork errors can cause your temporary or permanent residency application to be rejected: Don’t let that happen to you.

 

#5- Introducing Johnny’s new nine hour, thirty-five video “Expat Essentials Course” designed for people contemplating their own Plan “B” but can’t quite afford to get “boots on the ground” or can’t attend an  “Expat Insider” Seminar in Latin America. Yes it’s just what the doctor ordered, a great way to get your ducks lined up for your own Plan “B” and the next best thing to coming down yourself. Go to www.ExpatPlanB.com for the 3 video intros to my new “Expat Essentials” course.

 

#6-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “Plan B”. Just send an email to:theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

#7- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 09.30.16

#1-Confessions of a professional Gringo “do gooder” in Latin America: AKA: Dirty deeds done dirt cheap.    

 

#2-The unintended consequences of giving poor Latins what "we" think as a helping hand

 

#3- More thoughts on crime, violence and avoiding danger in Latin America

 

#4- The latest tips when going for temporary and/or permanent residency in Latin countries

 

#5- What is an “Antecedentes Penales” report? Its a Latin “good conduct” Police Report or criminal background check. If you live in Latin America you can request one on yourself at any police station for a cost of about five bucks. You’ll need one if you apply for any kind of “on the books” legit job in Latin America.   

 

#6- Introducing Johnny’s new nine hour, thirty-five video “Expat Essentials Course” designed for people contemplating their own Plan “B” but can’t quite afford to get “boots on the ground” or can’t attend an  “Expat Insider” Seminar in Latin America. Yes it’s just what the doctor ordered, a great way to get your ducks lined up for your own Plan “B” and the next best thing to coming down yourself. Go to www.ExpatPlanB.com to see 3 videos that explain the new “Expat Essentials” course.

 

#7-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “Plan B”. Just send an email to:theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

#8- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 09.25.16

#1-Did you know that 16,000 Latin American refugees will soon be relocated to Australia? How well will they adapt to a country where almost no one speaks Spanish, no English /Spanish bilingual public schools and worse yet no Spanish language TV or soap operas?   

#2- Why such an unprecedented explosion of illegal Latins migrating to the states? Is it the usual suspects: poverty, gangs, violence and narcos? Meanwhile stats show Latin country poverty has actually decreased significantly over the last decade (except in Venezuela). Well, we can lay much of the illegal immigration rush on Uncle Sam, cell phones and the internet.

#3- Have a look at the US Gov website known as “Welcome to the USA”. 
www.uscis.gov/tools/settling-us
Once there, foreigners (illegal or otherwise) can download forms and instructions (in Spanish) and get step-by-step advice on how to obtain refugee and special residency status in order to avoid deportation as well as qualify for any number of the more than 1000 + US Govt aid programs. Do check out this website, what a revelation.           

#4- Introducing Johnny’s new nine hour, thirty-five video “Expat Essentials Course” designed for people contemplating their own Plan “B” but can’t quite afford to get “boots on the ground” or can’t attend an  “Expat Insider” Seminar in Latin America. Yes it’s just what the doctor ordered, a great way to get your ducks lined up for your own Plan “B” and the next best thing to coming down yourself. Go to www.ExpatPlanB.com to see 3 free videos and more details on the new “Expat Essentials” course. 

#5-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “PLAN- B”. Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to:theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com
or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/ 
Attendance will be very limited so do act now. 

Expat Files - 09.23.16

#1-Food shopping at a big, chaotic, outdoor Latin market is a real adventure. Contrary to what these places look like- blind alleys, weird sights and smells- they really are totally safe and fun. So don’t worry if you’re the only gringo/gringa in a sea of a hundred plus short, brown faces. You’ll always be treated like a special visitor. However, your bags and booty can get very unmanageable and heavy. So do hire a porter(a dollar or so) and he’ll (nope, no females in that business) even do your bartering for you if you like (don’t forget to barter, its expected)

 

#2- Some great up to the moment “cost of living” examples along with some Latin style shopping tips  

 

#3- Today’s off-the-tourist-trail “boots on the ground” story takes us on a trip to the Pacific Ocean to analyze the rumored impending worldwide coconut supply shortage- which doesn’t seem to be visible in Central America. Some 1st worlder's are saying we are at peak oil(coconut oil that is) and that it will surely raise the price of coconut products.  

 

#4- A bit about surfing and surfers in Latin America  

 

#5- When, why and how Gringos go native..

 

#6- Introducing Johnny’s new nine hour, thirty-five video “Expat Essentials Course” designed for people contemplating their own Plan “B” but can’t quite afford to get “boots on the ground” or can’t attend an  “Expat Insider” Seminar in Latin America. Yes it’s just what the doctor ordered, a great way to get your ducks lined up for your own Plan “B” and the next best thing to coming down yourself. Go to www.ExpatPlanB.com wher you can see 3 free videos and more details on the new “Expat Essentials” course.

 

#7-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “PLAN- B”. Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

#7- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 09.18.16

#1-Latin American homes are plagued by Cucarachas. They seem to have a sort kind of unavoidable symbiotic relationship. While gringos and Expats cringe and squirm, Latin locals don’t seem to notice them. Will you become accustomed and eventually not notice them either?
Fact: I’ve personally only see three cucarachas in my place in the last year(and they died horrible deaths). Contrary to the norm it’s a Cuca free zone and without the use of a single toxic chemical. How is that possible? Today we talk about how you can easily accomplish what Latins just cannot. 

#2- Tips on shipping your Pets down to Latin America. How easy or hard will it be for your pets to adapt to their strange new environment and climate? Listen and find out… 

#3- With today’s “boots on the ground” story we’ll take a trip to a Latin veterinarian   

#4- Vitamins and Supplements in Latin America. Can you get what you want or need? No not all of them, but there are fast and inexpensive ways to order what you need from the states… 

#5- Introducing Johnny’s brand new nine hour, thirty-five video “Expat Essentials Course” specifically designed for people contemplating their  own Plan “B” but can’t quite afford to get “boots on the ground” or unable to attend one of my “Expat Insider” Seminars in Latin America. Yes it’s just what the doctor ordered, a great way to get your ducks lined up for your own Plan “B” …and absolutely the next best thing to coming down yourself. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com to see the 3 free videos and more details on the new “Expat Essentials” course. 

#6-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “PLAN- B”. Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to:theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#7- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com
or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/ 
Attendance will be very limited so do act now. 

Expat Files - 09.16.16

#1-Shipping and moving items to and from Latin America- PART 2:
Stuff breaks right? What if you have to ship something back to the states for warranty repair? The fact is that most Expats get nailed TWICE for import taxes when they return an item. They're hit once when the item was first bought and shipped down via Amazon.com or Alibaba.com order (or whatever) and again when it arrives back in the chosen Latin country after stateside warranty repair has been accomplished. However, that just won’t happen if you use the following tips… 

#2- Thinking of bringing down a 1st world franchise to Latin America? What happens when Expats (and local Latins) try it? About half of all Expats who arrive say they eventually need to work, make some money (some to just keep busy) and why so many end up starting a businesses or bringing down a USA franchise. Today some pearls of wisdom on that subject.  

#3- Introducing Johnny’s brand new nine hour, thirty-five video “Expat Essentials Course” specifically designed for people contemplating their  own Plan “B” but can’t quite afford to get “boots on the ground” or unable to attend one of my “Expat Insider” Seminars in Latin America. Yes it’s just what the doctor ordered, a great way to get your ducks lined up for your own Plan “B” …and absolutely the next best thing to coming down yourself. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com to see the 3 free videos and for more details on the new “Expat Essentials” course. 

#4-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and I’ll help you sort out your own specific Latin American “PLAN- B”. Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to:theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#5- Johnny’s next (and perhaps final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 7th thru Thursday, January 12th , 2017. To get in on the Early-bird list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com
or click on this link: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-anuary-2017-latin-american-insider-seminar/ 
Attendance will be very limited so do act now.