The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

Expat Files - 10.13.17

#1- Shipping Container Houses in Latin America- Part 2:

With basic container homes now available on Amazon, with complete packages (starting at $36k plus shipping), could it be a good idea to just have a unit sent to your lot in Nicaragua or Honduras or wherever? Sounds like a nice plan right? Today we have the dope on that option..

 

#2- When in Latin America, what you need to know when ordering online from Amazon, Ebay, Alibaba or any commercial website:

Yes things can go wrong, and you can pay way too much or worse. So today we’ll show you some easy steps that will make it all a breeze, as well as offer some tips regarding shipping your items down from the states.

 

# 3- Some late breaking info for gringos and expats interested in residency programs, 2^nd nationalities, multiple passports along with a discussion how just this week Bitcoin is starting to shake things up by entering into the 2^nd nationality equation.

 

#4- 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.

 

#5- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

 

Expat Files - 10.08.17

#1- Shipping Container Houses: everything you wanted to know about planning such projects in Latin America- the pros the cons, the good the bad and the ugly.

Its odd that there are containers galore “south of the border”. They’re everywhere yet Latins are not constructing container homes or even thinking about the possibilities. If you try to bring up the subject locals don’t know what you’re talking about. However, neither are many Expats actively building container homes, though they are certainly showing plenty of interest. Even so, container homes just might be the best and least expensive expat housing alternative by far. That's especially true you happen to own a cheap piece of land (with a wasted a million dollar view) that’s not easily amenable to traditional construction techniques due to perhaps steep slopes acute angulation or just odd orientation. For example, land on the side of a mountain or on the slope of an inactive volcano could be a difficult and expensive building site for standard construction techniques, though a perfect fit for a container home or hotel.

 

#3- A word about neighborhood “herreros or soldadores” – that is, your neighborhood Latin metal-working pro. They're the guys who can custom make, fix and repair just about any metal fence, door, railing or lattice work detail you might have. Most Latin have metal doors and metalwork around the house and so will you. That means you’ll call on him once in awhile for sure.

 

# 4- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com 

 

#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.

 

#6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

 

Expat Files - 10.06.17

#1- When “do gooders” and other good- hearted “people helpers” get scammed and don’t even know it: Today’s “boots on the ground” story in the aftermath of devastating hurricane Maria that hammered Puerto Rico  

 

#2- Some cool Spanish language tips along with some gringo observations and nuances that one can only appreciate (or detect) after living in Latin America for a few long decades   

 

#3- Spanish speakers and their “regional accents”:

Can gringos adapt? Can we even tell the difference? As you learn your Spanish, what will your regional Latin accent be like because you definitely will have an accent you know.

 

# 4- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com 

 

#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.

 

#6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

 

Expat Files - 10.01.17

#1- True or False:
You may have heard if you want to teach English, work in a call center or trans-national company in Latin America you might need a TEFL certificate. No matter what you may have heard or read on the web about the subject that’s just not true. Today you’ll hear the skinny on the TEFL. By the way, what’s a “TEFL” anyway?

#2- An new update on details concerning those pretty easy to get Call Center and English teaching jobs:
These jobs are really are viable options for newly arrived gringos whose Spanish sucks. However generally you’ll have to show the school or company that you have either temporary or permanent residency, or have applied for such.

#3- “No good deed goes unpunished”- or at least “some” good deeds anyway. Yes even in Latin America that cliché holds true, though I’ve seen it in action I've never heard it uttered quite that way in Spanish.

#4- Today we have a new structural and architectural engineering update showing exactly why so many apparently structurally sound buildings were damaged in the very recent 7.1 Mexico City earthquake.

#5- What you should but didn’t know about earthquake and hurricane insurance along with some good reasons why you should think twice about living, or working, in a building located on a corner lot.

# 6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#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- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

Expat Files - 09.29.17

#1- Some real surprises await Johnny as he visits a big Latin American music store:

The “Gringo advantage” strikes again. When you are off the tourist trail and enter almost any retail store, you just might be the only gringo that has ever stepped into the place. Even if you aren’t he first you still are a rarity and can expect some extra special treatment… often as if you were a “B grade” rock star. With today’s” boots on the ground” story, hear how these things can go when you’re the only gringo around.   

 

#2- Come on down to Latin America and watch your gringo friends and acquaintances unwittingly permit their own young children to adopt many bad habits of “entitled” Latin rich kids.

Don’t think it can’t happen in your family? Even though gringo parents complain about the behaviors of wealthy Latin kids, their own kids are often programmed to walk down that same path. You won’t believe how common (and truly ironic) it is. Unfortunately it’s hard to control, especially when your young kid(s) will be “helicopter” schooled alongside hoards of entitled Latin kids. Worse yet, gringos hire maids and nannys that further exacerbate the little “prince and princess” syndrome. One easy way to avoid such problems is to home-school kids as many gringo families do. Hurrah!

 

#3- Some very simple tips that could very well save your phones, computers and electrical devices in the event of a solar mass ejection or EMP. Few people are aware of these easy steps that could very well be lifesavers

 

# 4- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com 

 

#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.

 

#6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at

Expat Files - 09.24.17

#1- (Anti)Social Media in Latin America and how its negatively affecting the local population:
Yes, a certain small percentage of middle and upper-class Latins are addicted to Twitter and Facebook (who’d a thunk?) They have even invented a new vocabulary word for those particular stupid addictions. That said, about 80% of Latinos with little or no discretionary income have found the “whats up” app virtually all they need- and its virtually free too, that’s the point.

#2- An important update on the big Mexico City 7.1 earthquake, with some surprising details no one in the media wants to talk about

#3- Mormons converge on Johnny and try to convert him:
Hear today's “boots on the ground story”. This could happen to you.

#4- Ten great tips for gringos and expats when dealing with the often stifling Latin bureaucracy:
You can expect things to take much much longer than originally planned and expect to get bad or dated info on blogs and English and Spanish websites as well bad or dated info on so called “official” govt sites too. Today we have a primer on what can go wrong on that count and how to be prepared for those eventualities.

#5- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place in and around Guatemala, Central America on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and signup, details at www.TheNewExpat.com

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#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- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#1- (Anti)Social Media in Latin America and how its negatively affecting the local population:
Yes, a certain small percentage of middle and upper-class Latins are addicted to Twitter and Facebook (who’d a thunk?) They have even invented a new vocabulary word for those particular stupid addictions. That said, about 80% of Latinos with little or no discretionary income have found the “whats up” app virtually all they need- and its virtually free too, that’s the point.

#2- An important update on the big Mexico City 7.1 earthquake, with some surprising details no one in the media wants to talk about

#3- Mormons converge on Johnny and try to convert him:
Hear today's “boots on the ground story”. This could happen to you.

#4- Ten great tips for gringos and expats when dealing with the often stifling Latin bureaucracy:
You can expect things to take much much longer than originally planned and expect to get bad or dated info on blogs and English and Spanish websites as well bad or dated info on so called “official” govt sites too. Today we have a primer on what can go wrong on that count and how to be prepared for those eventualities.

#5- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place in and around Guatemala, Central America on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and signup, details at www.TheNewExpat.com

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#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- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

Expat Files - 09.22.17

#1- Expat Eddie outlines a few of his own pointed Latin learning experiences as a gringo boss, including interviewing, hiring, firing, managing and training Latin workers.

#2- When gringos get into car accidents.
What if a gringo didn’t know Spanish, had an expired driver’s license and no insurance. On top of that, what if he totaled the other guy’s car, the passengers were injured and two different types of cops showed up? Oh.. and it was obviously the gringo’s fault and he admitted it?
Hopeless huh? Not quite, today's true “boots on the ground” story actually has a somewhat happy ending.

#3- Skinflint Gringos in Latin America. How are they perceived and  received by the locals? Yes cheapskates are down here by the millions, many having had a Peace Corps or college backpacking experience that so impressed them as young adults that they are driven back down to recapture the feeling and  excitement as middle-aged or retired cheapskates. Even Expat Eddie, a highly successful guy, says he’s got a skinflint backpacker gene on his blood that he just can’t shake. But luckily, a cheapskate’s budget (in the states) often buys a 3rd world banquet.

#4- The “real” life expectancy figures in Latin Americans.

#5- DYK there are 3 types of Latin police?
Today we explanation of what each is supposed to be doing, versus what they are really doing (besides eat, belch, breath, fart, waste money and time while taking up valuable space).

#6- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place in and around Guatemala, Central America on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and signup, details at www.TheNewExpat.com

# 7- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#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- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

Expat Files - 09.17.17

#1- Latin driving tips:

What to watch out for and what NOT to do- or, how to kill a nice new vehicle in three easy steps.

 

#2- Buying a used car in Latin America: things you certainly would never have considered, along with my own best and worst vehicle recommendations for Latin American driving.

 

#3- Car dealership vehicle warranties and guarantees in Latin America. Yes they actually exist and are mostly honored by sellers(sometimes). But there are some important caveats you should be aware of.  

 

#4- When Expats have motorcycles: no its not recommended but some gringos still buy and use them. Yet another strange but true “boots on the ground” story.

 

#5- More surprising news about vaccines in Latin America: this is a truly amazing “boots on the ground” story

 

#6- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place in and around Guatemala, Central America on Sat, January 6^th through Thurs, January 11^th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and signup, details at www.TheNewExpat.com

 

# 7- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com 

 

#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- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

Expat Files - 09.15.17

#1- Living in earthquake territory; Mexico just had an 8.2- the strongest there in 100years. Today we have some tips, advice and lessons learned  about living working playing and/or retiring in earthquake country

#2- The many problems involved in owning a beach house or island property: a cautionary tale. It can be great fun (with bragging rites) at first, but in the end it boils down to you and your property versus mother nature. She always wins but you do have a fighting chance if you follow today’s simple tips. Unfortunately, often when gringos fall in love with a beach property they fail to plan for the corrosive saltwater, tempests and hurricanes

#3- More US imposed Big Brother restrictions. Get ready for more intrusive data retrieval and collection when traveling overseas: yet more reasons to get that “Plan B” underway

#4- Can you trust that your Latin home or apartment is well enough constructed to withstand hurricanes, earthquakes and tropical storms? How can you tell? Today’s “boots on the ground” story.

#5- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and signup details at www.TheNewExpat.com

# 6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#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- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com

Expat Files - 09.10.17

#1- Buying vintage, antique and classic cars in Latin America- Part 2  

 

#2- Latins are Leather and cloth upholstery experts. They do the work for amazingly low prices. Upholsterers work for approximately $20-25 per day, not per hour. That means, feel free to buy junk furniture, sofas, etc., and get them redone. The'll be showroom new. Yes, there are some pretty tacky upholsters out there too, you just need to know the difference.

 

#3- A consumer warning and some bad news about buying certain used cars when you are down in Latin America

 

#4- Hurricanes and tropical storms in Latin America.

Should gringos and expats be worried? Yes there are places where you can be absolutely safe from the brunt of any tropical storm. Its that thing about location, location, location.

 

#5- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6^th  through Thurs, January 11^th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

# 6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. See the three video intros to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com 

 

#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- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire atwww.TheNewExpat.com