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A guide to moving to Latin America, finding work, and settling in.
Episodes
Sunday Apr 19, 2015
Sunday Apr 19, 2015
-We’ve been getting conflicting reports on the situation in Argentina. Some long term expats living there say it’s deteriorating rather slowly while others say its in the fast lane heading for a nearby cliff. Some say its heaven and other say hell. The answer all depends if one is flush with US dollars or stuck dealing day to day with the local peso. Though all agree there has to be an all-out economic calamity of sorts, what with a 40% yearly inflation rate and near general prohibition of US dollar use. Even if Argentina faces somewhat the same fate as Venezuela (they’ve been through it many times before) it’s still a land of opportunity for expats … but not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. At least for now, it can be recommended only for more adventurous chance-taker expats- and of course the wealthy folks who can buffer themselves in exclusive areas far from the maddening crowds. Note, they’re getting madder and madder by the day.
-Drones in Latin America: glimpsed my first Latin American drone last week, it flew right over my head- and you’ll never guess where. Because they’re so very rare down here (at least as of now) it’s amazing how Latins just go ga ga over them. So even when it comes to drones the “gringo advantage” rides again.
JULY 2015 -LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com and Johnny will help you sort out your Latin American plans.
Friday Apr 17, 2015
Friday Apr 17, 2015
-Part 2: Obtaining Residency in a Latin country (as of April, 2015):
Today we finish our discussion on the complete, unabridged, very up to date, step-by-step process of applying for and receiving temporary and permanent residency in Latin America… leading to naturalization, citizenship and a passport.
Here’s the tail end of the complete process describing the hoops and hurdles a gringo must go through… to get residency. In this, our real-live case study, Guatemala is the country selected specifically because many prospective Expat Wisdom seminar attendees have been inquiring (and wondering) if they can come down for the seminar this July and apply for residency immediately afterwards. Some want to get started and forgo a second trip down to avoid taking yet more time off their treadmill. Yes, it’s possible to do the Expat Wisdom seminar and start the residency process all on the same trip. And here are the remaining steps one needs to accomplish before coming down….
JULY 2015 -LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com and Johnny will help you sort out your Latin American plans.
Sunday Apr 12, 2015
Sunday Apr 12, 2015
-Part 1: Obtaining Residency in a Latin country (as of April, 2015):
Perhaps for the first time anywhere, today we discuss the complete, unabridged, up to date, step-by-step process of applying for and receiving temporaryand permanent residency in Latin America.
In fact we go through the complete process in great detail and all the hurdles big and small a gringo must go through to get said residency. In our real-live residency case study, Guatemala was the country selected, specifically because many Expat Wisdom seminar attendees and prospective attendees have been inquiring (and wondering) if they can come down for the seminar this July and apply for residency immediately afterwards. Yes they sure can, and here’s how….
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JULY 2015 -LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com and Johnny will help you sort out your Latin American plans.
Friday Apr 10, 2015
Friday Apr 10, 2015
Today we hear from two different ER trauma doctors: one who works in a busy, standing room only, free PUBLIC government crapola hospital (I won’t describe the smell)…. and another doctor who works the ER at a PRIVATE, 1st world style hospital where 18 of the twenty seats in that pristine ER waiting area are routinely empty!
-You’ll never guess the top 10 reasons why Latins walk (or crawl) in to their own hospital ER’s. They’ve slightly different list of routine problems and symptoms than first world US doctors are used to treating at common ER’s up in Davenport or Cleveland.
-Unfortunately, Latin doctors get to see many of the sad, first-hand effects of spousal abuse. Today we hear a Latin doctor’s take on what he sees as a sick societal problem that cuts through all social barriers. He often tries to offer suggestions to women patients who suffer that fate. But to leave a Latin husband is much more difficult (and complicated) in a macho society than it is up in the states.
-Hear an Expat gringa’s take on her own jealous Latin husband’s macho habits… and how, since her marriage, she caught him spying on her at the local gym.
JULY 2015 -LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com and Johnny will help you sort out your Latin American plans.
Sunday Apr 05, 2015
Sunday Apr 05, 2015
The descriptions for... EXPAT FILES SHOW #448-04-05-2015 (SUN):
-Today we have a great report form a Latin country we haven’t discussed much, namely Bolivia. You’ll hear from two of our favorite world traveler “Expat Wisdom” seminar attendees as to what it’s like for Expats who might wish to visit or expat to Bolivia. In short, it’s still very much off the gringo tourist trail which means it’s still quite inexpensive. In fact, in many ways it’s even more laid-back and calm than many other Latin destinations
-Unpredictable gasoline, LP gas, and electric energy prices in Latin America:
The general thinking is that energy prices will always go up in the long run. But since many Latin countries subsidize their fuel and electricity costs (to capture the poverty vote naturally) it can be hard for brick and mortar businesses to make any far-reaching plans.
-An update concerning the tightening up of the traditionally automatic Latin American “90 day” tourist visas for gringos. This topic highlights the importance of you applying a.s.a.p. for residency in one or more Latin American country. Note the doors are closing and the application process is becoming more difficult all the time.
-Worried about Big Brother encroachment in Latin America? Then listen to this true story of 41 year old, lower middle-class Latin American male and decide for yourself if you think BB will ever get a toehold…
JULY 2015 -LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com and Johnny will help you sort out your Latin American plans.
Friday Apr 03, 2015
Friday Apr 03, 2015
-With so many retired seniors and aging gringos looking to become expats, it’s not surprising the subject of Latin funerals, cemeteries and the disposition of fresh corpses (yours) should come up. Not something people like to talk about… but today we’ll do so out of necessity. Yes, south of the border there are many related options to consider… and some not insignificant differences big and small to think about. Sure, you can opt for a stateside funeral and burial if that’s what you’ve got worked out, but for some expats it’s simply out of the question.
-Visitors always wonder why public transportation in most all of Latin America is so run down, horrid and crappy. Even when a fleet of buses are bought brand new, after a year or so they’re always reduced to soot-belching rattle traps. This situation’s been discussed by every gringo and expat with half-a-brain. The problems are quite easy to solve too. So then why do things never change? Are the Latin government slugs in charge hopeless or just plain mental midgets? Well, here’s what you didn’t know…
JULY 2015 -LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com and Johnny will help you sort out your Latin American plans.
Sunday Mar 29, 2015
Sunday Mar 29, 2015
-When off the gringo tourist trail, one can’t help but notice the truly positive attitude Latin American doctors have toward not only their work, but their patients too. They actually seem to like the job (how refreshing is that?) In fact, any time you want to speak with a Latin doctor you need only show up at his/her office, hospital or clinic- no appointment necessary. Even if you’re not a patient, almost all Latin doctors will make the time and the effort to talk to you personally… especially if you’re a gringo. No clock watching or bum’s rush with them- they’ll do it with a smile. Yup, just like the docs up in Cleveland, right?
-Today, some very good reasons why you might not want to become a permanent expat in either Chile or Colombia. They’re nice places to visit but you wouldn’t want to live there. You’ll be quite surprised and disappointed to hear why.
-More on those big Latin Produce markets
To be organic, or not to be organic… that is the question!
Expats concerned about health issues want to know if all that great fresh produce they see at those huge Latin outdoor markets is organic or tainted with inorganic fertilizers and/or pesticides. Good question…
JULY 2015 -LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com and Johnny will help you sort your plans, thoughts and ideas on living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America.
Friday Mar 27, 2015
Friday Mar 27, 2015
-Timely tips on dealing with (non-medical) Latin professionals like lawyers, architects, accountants, engineers, bookkeepers
-There are many ways to find a very good first-world trained medical doctor or dentist in Latin America. And one of the easiest fastest and very best ways to go about it is to come down to an Expat wisdom seminar. I mention this because a good percentage of my past seminar attendees had made me aware (before they came down) that they’d like to somehow work in an appointment to see an English speaking dentist, physician or specialist for either a workup, second opinion, or treatment plan. Of course I know some of the best medical people and can easily make the proper introductions for first-world care at 3rd world prices. I’m not referring to so-called organized medical tourism- Costa Rica or Mexico style- that seems to be the latest gringo tourist-trail racket. Though it can be a good alternative to outrageously expensive USA care, it’s also loaded with pitfalls. Bottom line: it’s definitely preferable to get your Latin medical/dental references and recommendations from long-term Expats. Unfortunately, searching the net for medical tourism ads, talking to tipsy gringos in expat bars, and throwing darts at the Latin yellow pages are not very reliable ways to locate good, inexpensive high-level healthcare providers.
LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: Make your plans now for the next Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and get in on the early-bird discount). Just go to the www.ExpatWisdom.com main page and click on the Latin Seminar link for full details. The seminar will take place from Saturday, July 11th through Thursday July 16th, 2015.
-SCHEDULING A PHONE OR SKYPE CONSULT WITH JOHNNY: Follow the consult link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to sort your plans, thoughts and ideas on living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America.
Sunday Mar 22, 2015
Sunday Mar 22, 2015
-Just like in the US, Latin governments are terribly corrupt... so the next duly (or unduly) elected chief thief nearly always finds the coffers empty. But no matter.... the next scumbag party chief thief in power does as every careless spendthrift government does and floats a new bond issue to cover the debt of the previous bond issue. Meanwhile, the earlier bond issue that was floated by a previous corrupt administration never quite covered an even much earlier bond issue, etc., etc., ad infinitum. The fact is, old bond issues are always out of sight and out of mind… and all part of the bigger fool theory- on an international scale.
-Everyone with a brain knows the employment situation in the USA is dismal and getting worse. If so, why are the monthly “remisas” (i.e., the small amounts money sent back to Latin American households by relatives by mostly illegals living in the USA) at absolute record high levels? How can one explain it- what’s wrong with this picture?
-You might be aware that the US government federal debt burden per US citizen works out to about $59,000 each. So then, what might be the equivalent debt burden per capita for citizens in the various Latin countries; like for example Peru, Panama, Mexico or Costa Rica? Well, the answers are so surprising I’m not gonna tell… you’ll just have to listen and hear it for yourself.
LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: If you’re interested in attending the next, week-long, Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and to get in on the early-bird discount) copy this link http://expatwisdom.com/?p=7230 orsend an email to theexpatfiles@gmail.com or johnny@expatwisdom.com. The next adventure will take place in the second week of July, 2015.
-SCHEDULING A PHONE OR SKYPE CONSULT WITH JOHNNY: Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to sort your plans, thoughts and ideas on living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America.
Friday Mar 20, 2015
Friday Mar 20, 2015
An update on the Latin real estate bubble… it just keeps getting bigger. Every middle and upper-middle class Latin’s dream is to buy or build a new house in the “burbs”. Doesn’t that sound like a line from your grandparent’s book? By the way, living in the “burbs” is just one of the latest middle and upper-middle class Latin measures of success. That means with Latins, the “living in the burbs thing” has a lag time of only about 40 years!
-The muddy truth about getting and keeping liquor licenses in Latin America. If your dream is to have a typical brick and mortar business; a bar, restaurant, hotel, or bed and breakfast… you’ll need a liquor license. With all licenses, as with most things in Latin America, there are two different and very flexible standards. There’s one standard when “on” the tourist trail and a very much more relaxed standard when “off” that trail.
-There happens to be a severe bathtub shortage in most all Latin American households. Actually it’s more like a bathtub dilemma. So how’d that happen? The subject has always been a bit complicated and it’s not generally about the money either.
LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR NOTICE: If you’re interested in attending the next, week-long, Latin American Expat Wisdom seminar (and to get in on the early-bird discount) send an email to theexpatfiles@gmail.com or johnny@expatwisdom.com. The next adventure will take place in the second week of July, 2015.
-SCHEDULING A PHONE OR SKYPE CONSULT WITH JOHNNY: Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to sort your plans, thoughts and ideas on living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America.