The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #761- SUN, MAY 27- (05-27-2018):

#1- Today we discuss a few of the major changes that have unfolded for expats living in Latin America over the last decades- some for the better some for the worse.

#2- Gringos and Expats are just unaware that in 99.9% of Latin homes the mothers and maids cook with palm oil and margarine. Unfortunately Latinos are totally unaware of the science behind these two rather ominous cooking so-called food sources. Try to tell a Latino that margarine and palm oil are actually bad for one’s health and you’re guaranteed to get that strange "crazy gringo" look.

#3 – Health Insurance group plans in Latin America:

Latin country insurance companies are just now introducing group health plans for small business employers and their employees. You won’t believe how inexpensive they are per employee (would you believe some start at $25 a month?) and how good the plans really are and how extensive the coverage.

#4-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7th thru Thursday, July 12th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.   

#5- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy 

#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- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com 

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #759- SUN, MAY 20- (05-20-2018):

#1- Notice on your next visit to Latin America that surveillance cameras are starting to pop up all over the place: What’s that all about? Should we be worried?

#2- The lowdown on sending packages and letters to and from friends and relatives up in the states: today we have a snail mail and courier service update.

#3- The truth about Smart Phones and Dumb Phones in Latin America:

My suggestion when you get down to Latin America is to have one of each for specific uses, and here’s why…  

#4- How you and your dats are being tracked, cataloged and sold by your own devices and platforms along with some tips on how to foil those damn data loggers. If you think what they are doing is ok and you're not worried because "you've got nothing to hide" you really are living in fantasy-land...  

#5-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7th thru Thursday, July 12th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.   

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy 

#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- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com   

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #758- FRI, MAY 18- (05-18-2018):

#1- A (not so) funny thing happened to me on the way to my Latin dentist’s office:

Today’s first boots on the ground story is a sad but telling one- on many levels. It’s the story of, love, life, luck (both bad and good) mixed in with a little larceny. 

#2- Now for another amazing story of love and luck. This time direct from Venezuela. 

#3- A bad omen- I used to get a steady trickle of emails from regular listeners in Venezuela but unfortunately over the last few months those emails have stopped cold. 

#4- Latin “Diaper Arbitrage” explained. You can’t make this stuff up. 

#5- What the hell’s happening in Nicaragua? Part 2: Nicaragua used to be such a nice, safe, happy place, a poor man’s Costa Rica... and also continuously rated a top 10 retirement spot by the likes of International living and a host of other expat blogheads who are supposedly in the know. What happened?

#6-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7th thru Thursday, July 12th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.   

#7- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy 

#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- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com   

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #757- SUN, MAY 13- (05-13-2018):

#1- What the hell is going in Nicaragua? Part 1:

Marches in the streets, people dying at the hands of the cops and the military, my how things change. It used to be such a highly touted and peaceful place for gringos and expats retiring and relocating. Why not so long ago International Living and most all of the retirement rags and bloggers gave it a #1 thumbs up (though I never went all in myself) yet they all seemed to forget theirs a killer, rapist, psychopath in charge. Once a psycho always a psycho. Though it’s true that with a cistern it’s always the biggest chunks of crap that float to the top. 

#2- Carrying a piece of gold or silver at all times as a kind of emergency “get out of jail free” survival kit is always recommended: I have done exactly that for the past 27 + years and have been carrying the very same coin(s) that I started with on day one of my adventure. Today we describe how it’s best done and demonstrate my favorite stealthy coin hiding technique 

#3- Today we have a “boots on the ground” walk through the Guatemalan immigration offices. Hear how one of our regular listeners obtained his permanent Guatemalan residency in record time. Definitely expecting the worst, long lines, delays and the usual Latin inefficiencies, our expat gringo was more than pleasantly surprised at how it all turned out…

#4- The latest scoop on the different internet and cellphone plans with various big IT companies like Movistar, TIGO and Claro: The plans vary greatly and are also forever changing- depending on whether you chose a contract plan (usually 18 months long) or non-contract plan.   

#5-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7th thru Thursday, July 12th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.   

#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy 

#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- For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #756- FRI, MAY 11- (05-11-2018):

#1- Are there any Latin countries on the fast track to becoming 1st world or somewhat 1st world? Just what do the terms 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th world mean?

 #2- Plastic, easy credit, high interest loans and extended payment plans are ripe temptations for the Latin public. Most Latinos have no money in the bank… hmm, now where have we heard that one before?

 #3- Argentina is fast becoming an economic basket case once again: Its currency (the peso) is in near free-fall against the US dollar and the inflation rate has been over 25% year over year. But that’s nothing new for Argentina. Somewhat older locals who’ve all witnessed bouts of extreme fiscal mismanagement and monetary chaos say it’s a normal yet very abnormal cycle that occurs about every ten years. Argentine parents actually tell their kids that money (pesos) are meant to be spent quickly... and not to be saved.  

#4- Labor unions and labor organizations in Latin America: Yes, trade and labor unions do exist south of the border. In some of the less developed countries like Honduras, El Salvador and Peru they are mostly benign and toothless, but in other more bureaucratic Latin countries like Argentina and Costa Rica they are strong and have huge memberships that can shut down the country in a heartbeat. Unfortunately they do so regularly or threaten to do so…   

#5- The truth about gringos and expats and pickpockets in Latin America (or anywhere).

 #6-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7th thru Thursday, July 12th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.   

#7- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy 

#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 For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com   

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #754-FRI, APR 27- (04-27-2018):

#1- Gringos and Expats express their greatest regrets in life:

#2- Is it true that Expats and Gringos living NEAR but not ON the tourist trail have more fun?

#3- The DIY (cheap) method of obtaining Residency in a Latin country versus hiring a Latin immigration attorney to assist you in the process

#4- What about daylight saving time in Latin America? Latin countries never signed on to it and here’s why…

#5- When and why tropical birds will commit suicide on your property: Yes unfortunately it does happen and it’s sad. I lose about one or two birds a month that way myself. No I’m not talking about driveway chickens but the Nat Geo quality kind.

#6- How and way narcos are fast switching from drugs to the Mexican oil theft business

#7-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7 th thru Thursday, July 12 th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.

#8- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy

#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.

#10 For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #754-FRI, APR 27- (04-27-2018):

#1- Gringos and Expats express their greatest regrets in life:

#2- Is it true that Expats and Gringos living NEAR but not ON the tourist trail have more fun?

#3- The DIY (cheap) method of obtaining Residency in a Latin country versus hiring a Latin immigration attorney to assist you in the process

#4- What about daylight saving time in Latin America? Latin countries never signed on to it and here’s why…

#5- When and why tropical birds will commit suicide on your property: Yes unfortunately it does happen and it’s sad. I lose about one or two birds a month that way myself. No I’m not talking about driveway chickens but the Nat Geo quality kind.

#6- How and way narcos are fast switching from drugs to the Mexican oil theft business

#7-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7 th thru Thursday, July 12 th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.

#8- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy

#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.

#10 For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #753-SUN, APR 22- (04-22-2018):

#1- Words of wisdom from gringos who left the US a long while back and are now expert expats.

#2- The seedy side of gringos and expats: If you want to see the dark side of gringo life and meet gringos and expats who’ve gone native check out the nearest gringo/expat bar (before noontime if possible). I’ve often wondered how many millions in Social Security and Disability Checks have gone to pay for booze, bar snack and greasy tacos with mystery meat here in Latin America. Welcome to today’s ”boots on the ground” story…

#2- There are basically TWO kinds of backpackers- Gringos and Europeans. There are some very big differences too…

#3- When Gringos go wild, native and illegal- Part 2

#4- Cuba for expats –Part 2

#5- Ever wonder how Johnny packed and prepared for his initial move to Latin America? Find out in today’s show.

#6-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7 th thru Thursday, July 12 th 2018. Get the details and the scoop on the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.

#7- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy

#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 For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #752-FRI, APR 20- (04-20-2018):

#1- 101 reasons why I don’t use Flakebook, Titter Linkedin or any of the other antisocial media platforms, nor do I have a Smartphone: Listen to this rant if you dare. It’s guaranteed to ruin your day and give your stomach that sad, sinking feeling.

#2- A few more words about the ever increasing Latin addiction to anti- social media.

#3- Credit Card fraud is on the increase in Latin America too! Latinos with debit and credit cards are constantly getting scammed. Don’t let it happen to you. Today we have some boots on the ground stories on the subject and some tips.

#4- Just lately, some new English words have been slowly creeping into the Latin vernacular and becoming commonly used. You’ll be surprised which ones. When you hear them you’ll wonder how those particular gems managed to creep into common usage.

#5- Gringos and expats seem to universally hate Reggeton and Latin rock
music: Unfortunately it’s constantly droning and bleating from every house, bar, mall and supermarket… practically everywhere, so we can’t avoid it. Even when making allowances for the fact Latin America is the 3 rd world, there’s really is no excuse for the hugely popular success of such mind- numbing rhythms. Worse yet, they happen to be combined with, misogynist, sexist, crude and grossly pathetic lyrics (sound familiar?) The only possible conclusion is that Latinos set the entertainment bar so low it’s even a step below rap and hip hop- if that’s even possible.

#6-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will take place from Saturday, July 7 th thru Thursday, July 12 th 2018. Get the details and check out the early-bird discounts by going to www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.

#7- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy

#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 For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at: www.TheNewExpat.com

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #751- SUN, APR 15- (04-15-2018):
#1- The brutal truth about persistent bad smells in so many Latin
restaurant restrooms and Latin bathrooms:
Some smells will knock you over though most Latinos don’t seem to mind
or even notice them. That’s just another something gringos and expats
never seem to get used to- why should we? Problem is, if you have a
Latina or Latino significant other you will most surely get invited to the
humble family residence for dinner, like it or not. What if you just cannot
stomach the bathroom, or the man-sized cucarachas in the kitchen?
Knowing what lurks in the shadows, chances are you won’t be all that
comfortable at the dinner table. That’s a common scenario for gringos, so
what do you do?
#2- Expat Eddie plows into a motorcycle and breaks the guy’s ankle. So
now what? It’s the subject today’s “boots on the ground” story.
The fact is that cheap, small, noisy motorcycles have been multiplying like
cucarachas throughout all of Latin America- thanks to new cheap credit
schemes and no money down deals. Problem is that 50% of drivers don’t
have licenses, and 100% of them constantly violate the rules of the road.
#3- How to become an easy target for a snatch and grab motorcycle
robbery/assault
#4- What to do if you’re in a car accident:
Here’s how to handle the cops (and the other guy) immediately after the
accident and well before your insurance guy arrives on the scene.
#5-Announcing Johnny’s next “Latin American Insider” seminar. It will
take place from Saturday, July 7 th thru Thursday, July 12 th 2018. Get the
details and check out the early-bird discounts by going to
www.TheNewExpat.com and clicking on the “seminar” link.
#6- Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course” is a blueprint for your “Plan
B” and the best way kick-start your exit plan before getting boots on the
ground in Latin America. Check out the free intro video to the course
now at www.TheExpatFiles.com/academy
#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 For more of Johnny’s reports, comments, adventures, news, surprises
the famous “Expat Concierge Service” and more, check it all out at:
www.TheNewExpat.com