The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

Expat Files - 02.24.17

 

#1- When your rough Spanish really kicks into high gear:

There are unpredictable good a bad things that happens when you finally start understanding bits and pieces of what’s being said around you. How and when that hallelujah moment of clarity finally does happen comes differently for all of us clueless expats. Even so, after that it’s not “damn the torpedoes” full speed ahead either. Confidence will build and then overconfidence will disappoint along with some noticeable backsliding…

 

#2- At the Movies in Latin America. Yes, the big Latin cities have 3-D and  the I-Max. Most also have the latest first-run US and international features flicks too. In fact most movies are premiered on the same day as in the first world, however…

 

#3- Did you know about the insanely popular new type of Latin soap operas called Narco-telenovellas? Well they are under fire from the Mexican government, treatening censorship or outright prohibition. Here’s why…

 

#4- Make a note: Saturday July 8^th thru Thursday July 13^th 2017 will be the dates for my next “EXPAT INSIDER SEMINAR”. Get on the earlybird mailing list by sending an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

#5- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your own plan before coming to Latin America. See the three video intros to the “Expat Essentials” course at www.ExpatPlanB.com 

 

#6-Try the “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

 

#7- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel to see all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 100 shows posted on my You Tube channel so have a look.

 

#8-Try the “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

Expat Files - 02.19.17

#1-Spanish is not the only language the local Latins speak. Chances are that your cleaning lady/maid and the small shopkeepers will speak one of the 25 or so indigenous languages as well- nope, not to you but to each other. Yes, the sounds they make will confuse and baffle, but they’ll also speak Spanish to you (and maybe 20 words of English too).

#2- Today we have the final installment (Part 2) in our “Decameron Club” signup adventure - as told by a gringo and his Colombian wife who went through the process at a Colombian Decameron resort complex.
They had the sales pitch, got hooked, and dumped $6000 into an “all inclusive” resort package point system only to get a nice case of buyer’s remorse the day after . So today they tell the saga of what its like to cancel the contract and get their dough back.

#3- Latin American businesses and sellers do have money back guarantees, also return and exchange policies but there are many many “conditions” and hoops to jump through… so look out!!

#4- Spas and Jacuzzi: Latin America would be the perfect place to have one, right? Well not so fast..

#5- Make a note: Saturday July 8th thru Thursday July 13th 2017 will be the dates for my next “EXPAT INSIDER SEMINAR”. Get on the earlybird mailing list by sending an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

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

#7-Try the “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

Expat Files - 02.17.17

#1-Extortion, crime, drunken bus drivers and 101 more reasons expats should not ride the chickenbus: today a report from an organization loosely translated as “The Latin Widows of Chickenbus Drivers” (I kid you not)

 

#2- Some recent unbelievable examples demonstrating the extreme incompetence in Latin Governments: though it sounds crazy stupid and very bad at first, on closer inspection its really a good thing for freedom loving gringos and expats (in sort of a backhanded way). Monumental screw ups like these demonstrate further proof that a Big Brother state (as we’ve come to know it in the states) can never really take off in Latin America(not in our lifetimes anyway).  

 

#3- Thinking about Bolivia as a “Plan B” destination? Then you should know about some f the strangely odd and expensively narcissistic quirks of Bolivia’s President Evo “EGO” Morales  

 

#6- Make a note: Saturday July 8^th thru Thursday July 13^th 2017 will be the dates for my next “EXPAT INSIDER SEMINAR”. Get on the earlybird mailing list by sending an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

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

 

#8-Try the “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

Expat Files - 02.12.17

#1-How to get great real estate deals when “off the tourist trail”

 

#2- Today’s “boots on the ground” story: a gringo Real Estate hunting and buying adventure in and around beautiful Lake Atitlan: we’re talking about a very special region considered by most travel experts to be most beautiful lake in the world (or 2^nd most beautiful if the travel reviewer happens to be of Italian descent)

 

#3- Ten common real estate errors and traps that gringos frequently fall into: real estate hunting for expat gonnabees and wannabees, the do’s and dont’s

 

#4. A seasoned former USA Realtor warns about realtors and shady real estate biz practices in Latin America

 

#5- Chemtrails in Latin America? Here’s the eye-witness “boots on the ground” dope on the subject

 

#6- Make a note: Saturday July 8^th thru Thursday July 13^th 2017 will be the dates for my next “EXPAT INSIDER SEMINAR”. Get on the earlybird mailing list by sending an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 

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

 

#8-Try the “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

 

Expat Files - 02.10.17

 #1- Can you still get 2nd Passport elsewhere if your home country (like the US or Canada) blocks your original one because of a glitch like govt debt, a felony, IRS involvement, etc., etc? Yes you can still get another country passport and nationality but it’s not easy. There are legal ways to get a 2nd passport but they are quite expensive. …

#2- Solar Power: solar H2O heating and getting off the grid in Latin America.

#3- What are the gringo business opportunities in Latin America for solar power and solar H2O heating

#4. The truth about plumbing and water systems in Latin homes: what you definitely need to know if you plan on buying, building or renting anywhere in Latin America.

#5- Make a note: Saturday July 8th thru Thursday July 13th 2017 will be the dates for my next “EXPAT INSIDER SEMINAR”. Get on the early-bird mailing list by sending an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B”. The best way kick-start your own plan before coming to Latin America. See the three video intros to the “Expat Essentials” course at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#7-Try the “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

Expat Files - 02.05.17

 #1- The USA is not the only country who wants to build a wall.
Talk of Trump’s proposed border wall has suddenly made it somewhat acceptable for other Latin countries-also plagued by inflows of illegals- to initiate their own such immigration barriers.

#2- Is Colombia to be your permanent Expat “Plan B” destination? Today we have ten new reasons to stay clear. Sure it’s a nice place to visit- with some “perfect spring weather” altiplano regions too - but after this report you’ll probably do well to scratch Colombia off your permanent expat “Plan B” destination list.…

#3- A few words about first, second, third and even fourth world countries.
There’s a lot of confusion with the terms. It’s now considered un-PC to use the terms second, third, and fourth world(but first world is ok). That said, the term “underdeveloped”… which was used for a long while too, is now frowned upon as being demeaning. These days media talking heads are stuck on the term “developing country”.

#4. Tens of thousands of somewhat educated- but gullible- Latins keep falling for so-called “fast track” US and Canadian Visa scams being advertised all over the place . Latins play into the hands of a lot of other slick scammers too... (but not us, right?Hmmm…)

#5- Make a note that Saturday July 8th thru Thursday July 13th 2017 are the dates for my next EXPAT INSIDER SEMINAR. Get on the early-bird mailing list by sending an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B”. The best way kick-start your qwn plan before coming to Latin America. See the three video intros to the “Expat Essentials” course at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#7-Try the “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

Expat Files - 02.03.17

Descriptions: for THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #630, 02-03-2017 (FRI):

 #1- Making a vehicle purchase at a car lot. You will probably need a car sooner or later. Generally a new car is not recommended in Latin America. Unless you don’t mind repeated dings and scratches, provided you are not finicky, and as long as your new vehicle is a common, non-luxury model and doesn’t stand out from the others on the road….

#2- Suddenly there’s brand new Latin government tax form that must be filled out by buyers of large items like houses, cars, businesses, boats or land. Today we have the scoop on the latest Latin Big Brother effort that was surely instigated by your evil Uncle Sam. It appears to be aimed directly at curbing Latin govt corruption and Narco money laundering, even sounds reasonable at first glance, but is it really gonna help? Is it just another failed effort that will simply place another useless layer on top of already lard-assed Latin bureocracies? Duh? Take a guess…

#3- Is Belize your permanent Expat “Plan B” destination? Well here are Ten solid new reasons to stay clear of the place. Sure it’s nice to visit- with plenty of sun, fun, white sand beaches, scuba, snorkel and water-sports galore- but after this report you’ll probably scratch it off your “Plan B” list.…

#4- A few words about blending in and getting comfortable in your new Latin America shoes. That’s the object isn’t it? Though it’s a mistake to continually try to maintain a solid 1st world existence and attitude while in Latin America, its just as crazy to try to go rustic or “native” and tr to hang out with people who live in shacks with dirt floors. The best solution by far is to have a foot in both worlds and remain flexible. That's the key and that’s when that famous Latin “happiness factor” really kicks in.

#5- Jot down Saturday, July 8th thru Thursday, July 13th, 2017. Those are the dates for my next EXPAT INSIDER SEMINAR. Get on the early-bird mailing list by sending an email to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B”. The best way to get kick-started before coming to Latin America. Come see the three video intros to the “Expat Essentials” course at www.ExpatPlanB.com

#7-Try our “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dialing: 1-701-719-0893

Expat Files - 01.29.17

 #1- Ever wonder about those big black bow-ties one occasionally sees being tacked to a Latino’s door, business, taxi or chicken bus? That means someone near and dear has just passed away.

#2-Gringo jerks and how to spot them:
If you’re anywhere on or near the tourist trail you’re bound to run into the occasional blowhard Gringo (usually on vacation from a govt job or retired and on a govt pension). Yes, unfortunately there are some incompletely educated flag-waving nanny-state fools like the ones you used to take pains to avoid back in Cleveland. However, when “off the tourist trail”no worries- since there are so few gringos around you’ll rarely  encounter that personality type.

#3 –Thinking of starting a businesses in Latin America? Know what kind of business competition you will be up against.

#4- A few words about swimming, oceans and hurricanes in Latin America

#5- Sex tourism Latin style seems to be headquartered in Brazil, though Costa Rica, Panama and Argentina are also in the running

#7-Try our “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone. Just dial: 1-701-719-0893

#8- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your Plan B. The best way to get it kick-started before coming to Latin America. At www.ExpatPlanB.com see the three video intros to the “Expat Essentials” course.

Expat Files - 01.27.17

 

 #1- Ten things you definitely need to know before hiring your Latin maid, cleaning lady or domestic.

 

#2- Taking your scratched and dented car to the local hole-in-the-wall body-shop: Today's “boots on the ground” story. A few tips and things you’ll need to keep and eye out for.. but then again, ignorance is bliss..

 

#3 –More new Gringo business ideas and tips on doing business in Latin America  

 

#4- A few words and some real estate tips when homesteading in the boonies- if that's your thing

 

#5- Going off the power grid in Latin America: How feasible is it for the average Joe?(Expats are anything but average, right?)

 

#6- Funerals and cemeteries in Latin America: If you plan on living forever- you can skip this part

 

#7-Try the new “Podcast by Phone” feature. Lsten to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone. Just dial: 1-701-719-0893

 

#8- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your Plan B. The best way to get it kick-started before coming to Latin America. At www.ExpatPlanB.com see the three video intros to the “Expat Essentials” course.

 

Expat Files - 01.22.17

#1- Pornography in Latin America:
How much porn can there be in a 98% conservative Christian Culture and its pernicious environment? You’ll be surprised.

 #2 When Preppers finally get a brain:
In time, the more intelligent of the prepper contingency do finally figure out hunkering down in the basement just ain’t gonna cut it. That's when they get serious and occasionally decide to vote with their feet. Today we have a lady’s viewpoint on the subject and her own transition from prepper to  serious “Plan B” advocate.

#3- Johnny gets his share of hate mail from Latinos up in the states:
Latinos have a severe inferiority complex and they don’t like to be reminded of it. Think of it. How would you like to be told over and over again that you are a 3rd world person(and all it infers)? That said, today you will hear a sample of some choice name calling from a seemingly nice young, but ill informed, 2nd generation Latina who is living up in the states.

#5-Use the new “Podcast by Phone” feature. Listen to the last FIVE Expat Files programs over the phone by dilaing: 1-701-719-0893

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your own Plan B and the next best way to get started without actually coming to Latin America. At www.ExpatPlanB.com see the three video intros to my new “Expat Essentials” course.