The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

EXPAT FILES - 01.26.20

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #924 SUN- JAN 26 (01-26-2020):

#1- TEN things you need to know before selecting a Latin American Bank for your dollar and local funny-money account(s):

If you have a “Plan B” you will eventually need a Latin Bank account or two. And with each Latin country having a dozen or so banks (some being quite iffy…) today we discuss how to choose a solid bank for our purposes.

#2- Certain Latin banks offer US dollar CD’s that pay 5% yearly interest and have local funny money CD’s that pay 10%. Sound’s good… but should you bite?

#3- Lost in translation- PART 3:

Is it “Tontos polticos” or Tontas politicos”.. or both? One phrase means “many” politicians, and one means “stupid” politicians. It would be nice if gringos and expats knew the difference (if there is one)…   

#4- Living with broke and bankrupt Latin governments (sound familiar?)

#5- Cell phone and internet insecurity in Latin America

#6- Russian hackers in Latin America:

Ruskies have recently discovered- and are now exploiting- Latin America’s “Lag Time” effect as it applies to piss poor internet and cell phone security. Should gringos and expats be worried? In a word… YES! 

 

#7- Be sure to pick up my "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT":

It's the new edition for 2020 (and beyond) including the latest "Stem Cell" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.   

#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.

EXPAT FILES - 01.24.20

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #923 FRI, JAN 24 (01-24-2020):

#1- Guns and Gringos in Latin America:

What you absolutely need to know about owning guns and ammo in Latin America. DYK that the laws in 4 out of the 20 Latin American countries make it nearly impossible for you to own a gun. However, in the 16 other Latin countries it’s a completely different story…      

 

#2- The two largest countries in Latin America have some of the highest murder and gun crime rates in the world:

They also have some of the strictest gun laws. If you think Mexico has idiotic gun laws you haven’t studied what they are like in Brazil…

#3- Valuable lessons learned in Latin America concerning Guns and Ammo that North Americans deny or don’t want to hear about.

#4- Be sure to pick up my "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT":

It's been revised for 2020 (and beyond) including the latest "Stem Cell" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

#5- 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.

EXPAT FILES - 01.12.20

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #922 SUN, JAN 12 (01-12-2020):

#1- When Gringos commit crimes against other Gringos:

You’d be surprised how often it happens, especially when on the gringo tourist trail, and today we have all the dope  

 

#2- Do Latinos feel the same about their day jobs as gringos do?

Polls say 27% of gringos hate their jobs and 67% tune out and just go through the motions like zombies. Its called “sleepworking”. Is it similar with working Latinos too? You’ll be surprised…

 

#3- What you didn’t know about Latin American Factories and Sweatshops:

 

#4- Latinos working “on the books” don’t make much dough, but they do get TWO extra monthly salaries a year:

It’s one of the odd things you have to plan for if you have Latino employees, but that’s not all…there’s more..  

 

#5- Should you put your Latino or Latina employees “on the books” and register them with the government or is it better to just pay them in cash?  

 

 #6- Be sure to pick up my "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT":

It's been completely revised for 2020 (and beyond) including the latest "Stem Cell" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the "Latin Healthcare Report”.

#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.

EXPAT FILES - 01.10.20

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #921 FRI, JAN 10 (01-10-2020):

#1- What you really need to know about Socialized Medicine and “free” National Healthcare plans in Latin Countries:

Yes, most all Latin countries have National Healthcare programs.  In many countries gringos and expats are eligible. The question is, are they acceptable and good enough for our discriminating tastes? The fact is, internet blogs and rags like International Living promote certain of those plans to gringos and expat wanabees saying they are just fine and virtually free (what a deal!). But the truth is they ain’t free and they can offer decent services one month and terrible service the next. Presently, they are sometimes used as marketing tools (and gringo bait). Today we have the real dope on the subject…

 

#2- Bernie and AOC are dead set on copying the Canada and the UK National Health plans because certain reports give them good marks for success:

Well, today we have a “boots on the ground” report from a British reporter (and mother) whose family uses the UK NHS system regularly. Today we get to see what first world socialized “National Healthcare” is really like..  and it generally sucks unless you are healthy and only need periodcheckups and labs.    

 

#3- When the SHTF worldwide, what will happen to the people of Latin America?

In whatever manner the SHTF... be it ecologic, economic, blackout, internet or banking systems down, the fact is that the vast majority Latinos and Latinas will survive as they always have. Every Latino and Latina has what we’d call an intrinsic “Plan B” but somehow they don’t know it.

 

#4- When it comes to your own “Plan B”, is taking Social Security at 62 a good idea, or is it best to hold off till 70 and get the maximum payout?

Today we explore those ideas and offer the best solution.

 

#5- There’s no FDA in Latin America;

Is that a bad or a good thing? Well, it can be a negative if you don’t do your homework, but having no FDA also means you can get umbilical Stem Cells and other cutting edge hi- tech treatments in Latin America. Here’s the story…

 

 #6- Be sure to pick up my "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT":

It's been completely revised for 2020 (and beyond) including the latest "Stem Cell" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the "Latin Healthcare Report”.

#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.

EXPAT FILES 01.05.20

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #920 SUN, JAN 05 (01-05-2020):

#1- The good the bad and the ugly regarding the Latin Music scene:

Why it sucks and is getting worse (as if the US music scene is any better):

DYK there is a Mexican rock group “Mana” the Latino locals call the Latin Beatles? Although by US and British rock standards their talent and songs are of strictly Holiday Inn "lounge lizard" quality. However, since they were the first on the Latin rock scene with original (though terribly derivative) rock music,  they became immensely popular.

 

#2- DYK that there are TWO different kinds of “lag time” in Latin America?

There’s Central American “lag time” and South American “lag time” and there’s a big difference that needs explaining

#3- Of the 20 Latin countries, can you guess which 4 have the populations with the highest educational level and cultural acuity?

#4- A “startling boots on the ground“ report from Chile:

#5- US military bases in Latin America:

What you didn’t know about this revolting development will certainly surprise you

#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- Be sure to pick up my "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT". It's been completely revised for 2020 and beyond including the latest "Stem Cell" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the "Latin Healthcare Report " link.    

EXPAT FILES 01.03.20

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #919 FRI, JAN 03 (01-03-2020):

#1- What the hell is the “Canasta Basica” or “Canasta Familiar”, why the papers and media mention it all the time and why to Latinos make such a big deal of it;

What’s it got to do with gringos and expats and why should we care?  

#2- Weekend Universities, useless degrees, and ten reasons why 4 out of 5 Latinos in college never graduate:

#3- How and why gringos and expats always negatively affect the cost of living: 

#4- A “boots on the ground” trip to the dentist and an 80 dollar root canal:

#5- Fences, walls, razor wire and property boundaries:

Everything you need to know about protecting and guarding your yard and perimeter without creating an eyesore

#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.

EXPAT FILES 12.29.19

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #918 Sun, DEC 29 (12-29-2019):                                                                                                                                                    

#1- Registration is now open for Johnny Mueller’s Jan 2020 “Expat Insider” seminar:

The week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 10th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020. Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B”. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the seminar link, or email me at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com. 

 

#2- The “Zona Rosas “ and “Zona Vivas” explained”:

They’re NOT red light districts but party and upscale hotel and restaurant districts. Practically every big Latin city has one…

 

#3- Reason #3245 why you DON’T want to ride the chicken bus:

A “boots on the ground” story

#4- The problem with trying to find Latina of your dreams on Latin American Cupid and/or Tinder:

#5- Crime, Security and Clueless Gringos:

#6- Well-polished turds and photo-shopped Air B&B’s:

#7- The truth about backpacker hotels and youth hostels:

#8- The confusing state of Uber in Latin America:

#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.

EXPAT FILES 12.27.19

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #917 FRI, DEC 27 (12-27-2019):

#1- Registration is now open for Johnny Mueller’s Jan 2020 “Expat Insider” seminar:

The week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 10th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020. Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B”. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the seminar link, or email me at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com. 

 

#2- Ever wonder why Latino houses don’t have basements?

It’s probably a good thing and here’s why…

 

#3- Building moisture, humidity, infiltrations are the rule not the exception in in Latin America:

You’d think after 500 years of building and construction Latino architects and contractors would have figured out how to manage moisture problems but they haven’t. Today we have real dope an irritating subject …

 

#4- The Latino architect and builder’s motto might well be “We don’t have time to do it right, but we have time to do it over”:

It doesn’t make sense but that’s life here in Latin America

#5-Teaching English online for 20+ bucks an hour- PART 2

#6- Ugly Americans, how to find them and avoid them:The snobbish 10% “know it all” complainers give gringos and expats a bad name with the locals. And they are often the impetus behind gringo gouging and gringo prices(can you blame them?).

#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.

EXPAT FILES 12.22.19

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #916 SUN, DEC 22 (12-22-2019):

#1- Registration is now open for Johnny Mueller’s Jan 2020 “Expat Insider” seminar:

The week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 10th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020. Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B”. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the seminar link, or email me at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com. 

 

#2- EMF- Dirty Electricity- a situation when ignorance is NOT bliss:

Today's discussion concerns everything you need to know about protecting yourself from something that almost no one ever thinks about but can permanently damage and shorten your life. We discuss the 3 different electric fields you need to measure, the best most simple and most economical EMF meter to buy, the EPA (environmental protection agency) maximum safe limits (are they really safe?) and a list of the worst and most surprising offenders around the home and office. You’ll also find out how to easily protect yourself without becoming a retrograde technology Luddite.

#3- What you really need to know about Smart Meters and how to block their daily dirty energy spurts:

#4- A very interesting walk through my own house with an EMF meter:

The ten surprising things I discovered..

#5- Stem Cells- Update number 7  

#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.

 

EXPAT FILES 12.20.19

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #915 FRI, DEC 20 (12-20-2019):

#1- Registration is now open for Johnny Mueller’s Jan 2020 “Expat Insider” seminar:

The week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 10th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020. Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B”. Just go to www.theexpatfiles.com and click on the seminar link, or email me at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com. 

 

#2- Climate change and global warming in Latin America:

A boots on the ground investigation

 

#3- “Es en los manos de Dios” or “Dios permite” :

Those are the universal catchphrases when something, or some event, goes wrong or bad in some Latino or Latina’s life. They will invoke God as they hope for a positive outcome. However when something goes well or excellent in their lives it’s a different story, suddenly “Dios” has nothing to do with it….

 

#4- Baby names and stupid parents:

How a cute name can make a kid’s future life miserable

 

#5- it’s a fact that many, many US govt. employees opt for a “Plan B”

and secretly (or not so secretly) long to get the hell out of Dodge:

It seems counter-intuitive. However, they are on the inside and see how the sausage is made. So then, what do they know that we don’t know?

 

#6- Joe six-pack don’t care about having no “Plan B”:

As long as he still can afford beer, the minimum payment on his credit cards and his monthly Netflix bill, Joe don’t wanna hear bout no “Plan B”…

#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.