The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

Expat Files - 08.07.16

#1-Recent history indicates that Gringos of two particular professions are ahead of the curve when it comes to arranging their Latin American plan “B”. Can you the professions and why that seems to be the case? 

#2-Have Latin Americans also fallen onto the first-world political correctness trap?
Latins love everything first-world and try to copy our good and bad habits, so why not the PC thing too? Turns out, because Latins have a macho society, things that might seem PC really aren’t. It’s a bit complicated.

#3- What’s the state of science and technology in Latin America?
Yes, Latins have all the first-world advances and gadgets but they create, invent and patent almost nothing. Its hard to believe that Latin America has almost twice the population of the states, but for every Latin patent filed there are 240 filed in the USA. Latins just don’t have a scientific culture. 

#4-Today we hit on some rarely discussed yet quite important secondary reasons why gringos and expats should avoid Mexico as a permanent plan “B” destination

 #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 discount list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com Attendance will be very limited so do act now. 

Expat Files - 08.05.16

#1- Spotting Latin American “Gringo wanabees”:

Seems as if every Latin American with a little dough eventually jumps on his own Latin version of the 1st world treadmill. The upper 5% are not looking to have more leisure time or even a calmer lifestyle. Just the opposite. Their quest is all about appearing to be more 1st world hip and affulent than their Latin friends and neighbors. The question is, who cares? While we Gringos and Expats snicker, it’s a serious business to them and other Latins playing the same dumb game.     

 

#2-Are upscale, educated Latins into good health and fitness?

They think they are. But as you’ll see once again, its all about putting on a show and appearing to be as gringo-like and as 1st world as possible

 

 #3- How polluted are Latin American waters compared to yours up the states?

Yes, all Latin waterways are polluted and that’s not good, but after hearing you’ll probably still take Latin America’s water over yours and here’s why..

 

 #4-Today we have the so-called educated Latin’s view of Trump’s famous, proposed border wall: Oddly enough, some smart Latins are seriously calling for such a wall themselves. However not one placed anywhere you might think!

 

  #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 discount list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 07.31.16

#1- Have you heard of the term 5 at 50? It’s a diabolical big Pharma game plan the public is absolutely clueless about. It means the goal is to have you on 5 prescription drugs by the time you’re 50. Are you on track with that plan? Don’t laugh. Up in the first-world it’s all but come true. Meanwhile in Latin America, its not even a pipe dream.  

 #2-Are you taking prescription meds? Today we discuss some of the remarkably positive secondary heath effects huge numbers of Expats report after have lived for a time in Latin America. Chances are this will happen to you. 

  #3- When customer service “ain’t” customer service: Today we have another “boots on the ground” Expat gringo story that could only happen in Latin America.  

 #4-Today we visit a Latin America Costco and Wallmart:

Did you know Wall-mart is the single largest employer in latin America with over 3000 stores? Even more surprisingly, far from the low-class Walmart reality up in the states, working a grunt job there "south of the border" is considered a very good, even “class” job. Try to ask yourself why…

 

  #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 January 7th thru January 12th , 2017. To get in the Early-bird discount list email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 07.29.16

Descriptions for THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #580- 07-29-2016 (FRI):

 

#1- Are you a clueless Gringo? The clueless outnumber the smart ones by probably 50 to 1: Why? Because even when clueless ones begin to know the ropes they often take two steps backward simply by hanging with too many of the other clueless gringos:

 

#2-It takes quality time exploring “off the Gringo tourist trail” with real “boots on the ground” (no camping out in 1st world hotels allowed) to realize your “gringo advantage”. You can remain clueless or get off (or somewhat off) the tourist trail... your choice.  

 

#3- Some inside tips and unsaid cautions concerning new car purchases in Latin America

 

#4- If you live in a “gated, guarded” Latin neighborhood, you might want to know in general what your “upscale Latin neighbors will be like:Today we’ll give you some insight on what craziness to expect from them.

 

#5- Why are Latin Public hospitals always in crisis? Yes, they are absolutely medieval, yet studies show they have plenty of funding from local government sources, outside “do gooder” and international agency donors. So then what’s the problem? Today we focus on an actual hospital audit report from an outside agency that says it all..

 

#5-When big time 1st world rock acts tour Latin America:

Today we explain why you just might want to skip the Guns & Roses concert- even if you get free front row seats   

 

 #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 maybe final) “Expat Insider” Plan ‘B’ Seminar will take place on January 7th thru January 12th , 2017. To get in the Early-bird discount list just email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com Attendance will be very limited so do act now.

Expat Files - 07.24.16

Descriptions for THE ExPat Files Show #579

 

#1 Did you know experts claim the first (or second) most beautiful lake in the world is in Central America? However, only about 1 in 10000 Americans have ever even seen or heard of it. Today we'll go there and check it out.. 

 

#2- No OSHA’s or EPA’s exist in Latin America. Though Latin Governments have lazy, blundering, useless staffs that may give lip service to those first world concepts,  in reality they are beyond toothless. In many ways that can be a good thing. But then what happens when Gringos and Expats spot obvious health and safety violations up front and personal? Today we have another true story that will make you both laugh and cringe.

 

#3- Indigenous people are 99% Christian but they practice it with a strange twist. Today we'll visit the drinking, smoking, gambling, womanizing bad boy saint, Maximon. He’s the undisputed patron of misdeeds, bad habits and poor lifestyle choices… and you’ll soon find out why.

#4-A few words about Air BnB’s in Latin America and the future of the hospitality business

 

 #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 “Latin Insider, Plan ‘B’ Seminar” will be in early January, 2017 . If you want to get on the Earlybird Discount list send an email to theexpatfiles@gmail.com

Expat Files - 07.22.16

Descriptions for TheExPat Files Show #578

#1- Your plan “B” involves moving your assets and 401ks to untouchable locations: here are a few tips

#2- Building/Construction and environmental impact studies: Latin countries do require them on certain large and commercial projects. So if you build, what should you expect- besides a few bribes here and there?  

#3- A few harsh words about how people and businesses pollute in Latin America:

#4-Gringo business ideas can come out of the strangest places: today we have some examples 

#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 “Latin Insider, Plan ‘B’ Seminar” will be in early January, 2017 . If you wish to get on the Earlybird Discount list send an email to theexpatfiles@gmail.com 

Expat Files - 07.08.16

Descriptions for THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #576

 

#1- It could only happen in Latin America: Expat Eddie chimes in with another one of his unbelievable but true eye-witness stories

 

#2- Crazy superstitions run rampant in Latin America: so its best not to open your mouth or laugh when you see how nutty and illogical the locals react to that stuff. Never forget that Latins take signs, omens, shamans and neighborhood witches (Brujas) quite seriously. By the way, every burb has a friendly neighborhood “bruja”..and for a few bucks she’ll pull out the Tarot cards, tell your fortune and bring you luck. But can she get a cheating husband back? That’s the #1 request… that’ll take more than one visit and a lot more dough.

 

#3- Things you need to consider if you’re contemplating a trip to the upcoming Brazilian Olympics in Rio

 

#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

Expat Files - 07.03.16

Descriptions for The ExPat Files Show #575

#1- Part 2 of the Mating, Dating, Love and Romance scene in Latin America: Today we hear relationship testimonies from boots on the ground Gringo and Gringa Expats chiming in on their mating and dating experiences in Colombia and Brazil. You’ll be amused and surprised at what they say about Colombian men and women. As the recorded voice on the London tube platform monotonously proclaims, “mind the gap”,.... well in this case it’s the “cultural” gap we have to mind.  

#2-What’s Colombia really like for Expat living? You hear all the big Expat blogs, newsletters and rags push it as the ultimate paradise - like they once pushed Costa Rica and Panama. Today we hear Colombia explained honestly and without hype by long time Expats with years of boots on the ground. They’ve seen and lived the good... and are now lamenting that the bad the ugly have arrived (sex tourism and hoards of partying gringos).  

#3-Colombia is becoming Latin America’s premier “Big Brother” tax and spend state: Here's an eye witness account as to why so many new business startups are doomed in Colombia. If you have a USD dollar income you will be more than OK, but if your livelihood depends on starting a new business- and getting paid in Colombian Pesos(they lost 33% buying power in the last year). Good luck with that! And its gonna bet worse...

#4-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and 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- Visit me Johnny (and expat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

LAST CHANCE SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR
Held in and around Guatemala, Central America- “off the Gringo tourist trail”, Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)
http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Expat Files - 07.01.16

Descriptions for THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #574

 

#1-Things I can’t stand about Latin America- Part One:

We have story about a trip to a Latin horse farm / natural preserve where we confront many of the things I can’t stand about Latin America. There are some of the real Latin touches you just gotta love too.

 

#2-All countries can be rated on a personal 1 to 10 scale:

Amerika for me comes in at around a 3 and slipping daily while my favorite Latin countries come in at around 7 to 8. Why? Mostly because taxes are ridiculously low, people are extra friendly, cost of living is very low, Big Brother’s often non-existent and you really do have the kinds of freedoms that existed in Cleveland way back in the 60’s. Could you ask for anything more?

 

#3-More on the Mating, Dating, Love and Romance scene in Latin America: Today we have a 50 year old Gringo Expat chiming in on his 10 years of mating and dating in both Colombia and Brazil. From his romantic accounts in those two countries, things aren’t looking up. He says Gringos are invading and the general results are not good, however he provides some very good tips for clueless gringos. 

 

#4-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and 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- Visit me Johnny (and expat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 - LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR

Held in and around Guatemala, Central America- “off the Gringo tourist trail”, Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

 http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Expat Files - 06.26.16

Descriptions for The ExPat Files Show #573

#1- Latins tend to mix English and Metric weights and measures with no apparent rhyme or reason. It seems crazy to us. Today we have some common but weird examples of how new Expats can easily get frustrated and confused. Bottom line, you should bone up on kilometers, meters, kilos, liters and centimeters before coming down

#2– Just when you thought Bitcoin was dead.. its back again with a vengeance as Mexico becomes the first country to roll out a phone app that  lets you buy and sell Bitcoin in grocery stores and make store-wide purchases.

#3- Machetes 101: Today we discuss Machetes as fashion statements, Machete Zen, Machete etiquette and the mystique of the female Machete user

#4- Chef schools, Culinary classes and courses are the latest hobby/fad among upscale Latin American ladies of leisure and their entitled kids. Seems every nice shopping all has one or two small but well-equipped culinary schools. However there’s a big turnover and most places don’t last a year

#5-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and 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- Visit me Johnny(and expat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 - LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR
Held in and around Guatemala, Central America - “off the Gringo tourist trail,” Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)
http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/