The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

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/

Expat Files - 06.24.16

Descriptions for THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #572

#1- In Latin America you should not only be on the lookout for counterfeit dough, but be on the lookout for counterfeit concert tickets too! Today we have another true boots-on-the-ground story this time regarding fake “Judas Priest” tickets in Colombia. BTW: most all of the big first-world acts swing through big cities in Latin America these days even many moldy dinosaurs of rock like Arrowsmith, Metallica, America and Jethro Tull

#2–Latin America is the land of excessive kissing, hugging… not to mention diminished personal space. It can put you off, or be great fun. In either case, get used to it!

#3-How to get motivated Latins (who are forever on “manana time”) to value time and scheduling the way we gringos do (kinda).

#4-More solid proof of why Belize can be a nice place to visit but you wouldn’t want to live there… not permanently anyway(unless you are young, stupid and invincible)

#5- A personal walk-through and first hand report on how to authenticate your necessary FBI police or Sheriffs report at a local Latin Consulate / Embassy in the USA. Remember, you must have these reports certified and authenticated to obtain your permanent or temporary residency in any Latin country

#6-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

#7- 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/

Expat Files - 06.19.16

Descriptions for The ExPat Files Show #571

#1- Details on Panama’s new “Friendly Nations” residency program: Since 2014 Panama has designated fifty so-called “friendly” nations whose citizens now get a preferential fast-track to permanent residency. Sounds great but there are still many unforeseen hoops to jump through and a lot of red tape. BTW: what idiot still believes the US is a “friendly” nation?

#2–Tips on contracting maids and cleaning ladies:

Number one- you just don’t hire one, give her a mop and a bucket and let her get cracking. That can be a recipe for disaster.

#3-Tips on Gold/Silver purchases and metal shipping in Latin America:

Some Gringos and Expats think it’s difficult and nearly impossible to have a backup stash of precious metals in Latin America. Many also think the logistics of moving their metals from the states to the 3^rd world insurmountable. Its simply not true…  

#4-Metals storage vaults outside US are all the rage with people who consider themselves alternative thinkers. Today we have first hand stories regarding foreign country vault and safety deposit storage. Tales that just might scare you into burying your goods in your own back yard(still a good idea)

#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 9^th thru Thursday July 14^th. 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 - 06.17.16

Descriptions for The ExPat Files Show - 06-17-2016

#1- Tricks, diversions and scams used by “cambio guys”... those ever present street-corner and land-border money changers in Latin America. How to get a fair deal if obliged to trade with them.

#2– How to get the best bank exchange rate when changing US dollar funny money to Latin funny money- and vice versa. 

#3- How to avoid looking and acting like a clueless gringo at those famously chaotic and confusing land borders. Note, they’re bustling with people and street commerce, fertile ground for hustlers who love spotting out clueless gringos

#4- Counterfeit dough in Latin America: Massive amounts counterfeit bills are floating around Latin America. That’s why so many mom and pop shops have samples of counterfeit dough taped up at the check-out register…especially in the small towns out in boonies. When the music stops, you don’t want to be holding or passing any of that bad script. How can you tell if the Latin dough in you pocket is real or counterfeit? There are ways...

#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 9^th thru Thursday July 14^th. 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 - 06.12.16

Description for THE ExPat Files Show - 06-12-2016

#1- More of the latest info on the Latin American residency process: People don’t realize that if you don’t have permanent or temporary residency in a particular Latin country and wish to remain, you must leave the place every 3 months and spend at least one 24 hour day out of that country before returning again. You must repeat that process indefinitely. There are some minor exceptions but the Bottom line is: you must start the residency process as soon as possible since it’s not getting any easier to obtain

#2– More late breaking info on offshore banking in Latin America. It’s become a tortured path. The USA has made it so. Expats living in Latin Countries definitely need to get accounts and will need help along the way

#3-No doubt about it, if you insist on eating street food (and tortillas) you will occasionally get a dose of Montezuma’s revenge. Yes, it will happen even if you eat (tortillas) at safe and sanitary upscale restaurants. Here are a few reasons why..

#4-Today we have another unusual story. This time its a comment about the living conditions of the lower middle-class and poor Latins who will most certainly be working in and around your house

#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 9^th thru Thursday July 14^th. 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/