The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

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: [email protected]

 

#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 [email protected]

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:[email protected] 

#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 [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

#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: [email protected] or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

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: [email protected]

 

#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: [email protected] or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

 http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

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: [email protected]

#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: [email protected] or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

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: [email protected]

#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: [email protected] or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

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 3rd 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: [email protected]

#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: [email protected] or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

 http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

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: [email protected]

#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: [email protected] or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

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: [email protected]

#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: [email protected] or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

 http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/