The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

 -More stories of failed charitable freebee attempts by first-world “do gooders” to save the poor… -How “do gooders” team up with corporate monsters like Mcdonalds to use so-called acts of charity. The secondary effect is simply to program poor kids into becoming future “Happy Meals” consumers.    -More unique traditions that show up during Latin holiday season (most of these totally unknown by first-world people)    -Reports on two criminal Latin Ex-Presidents: one (from El Salvador) under house arrest for stealing $15 million plus and the other (from Panama) now holed up in Mijami awaiting extradition from the USA.     -Today we discuss the root causes of the massive Latin real estate bubble and why deceptive advertising looks as if it’s keeping parts of it somewhat afloat (but not for long)                -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format.  -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber  -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-Latins celebrate the Christmas holidays for virtually months and months at a time. That said, if you yourself are obsessed about the Christmas season you’ll be in great company down here. -Because Latins go all out for Christmas, most of them are dead broke before the big event even arrives which, oddly enough, is why the local cops are ever so vigilant as the day approaches. Cops love the holidays. “Tis the season” for the cops to squeeze extra cash out of unsuspecting drivers who are perpetually late and in a hurry to get somewhere (it’s a manana society you know). Today we talk about what to do if you get stopped or pulled over. Right off the bat there will be definite signs that indicate a bribe request is forthcoming. We’ll also explain a few tricks you can use to try to get out of it.   -Today I’ll describe my own very recent traffic stop- Christmas bribe/extortion story. Not to worry, it does have a somewhat happy ending. Listen now to hear how it took me a half hour to wiggle my way out of a sticky situation, when confronted with some crooked cops. -In a late breaking email, a gringo listener (with a Colombian wife) describes some of the more common and clever new neighborhood extortion schemes that have been popping up in working class residential areas in Colombia, specifically in and around Barranquilla. Could it happen to me, you, or other Expats to? Should we be worried?Listen and find out…              -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

- Which Latin currencies are the strongest and most stable? Which are apparently good risks to hold, and why?-More news on the very high interest rates Latin banks are offering in both US dollar funny money and local funny money accounts too.    -What Latin banks are conservative, strong and worth dealing with? How do clueless gringos search them out?   -How to take advantage of subtle local variations in currency exchange rates.-Which Latin countries have the fastest growing fat-ass government bureaucracies, and why?  -A sad but true Latin holiday story..  -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

- Examples how a corrupt congress and O’vomit are making it harder and harder for us citizens to become Expats. Examples how the US State Department is also making it more and more difficult for Expats to get residency in a foreign country. Time is running out on the options, the doors are slowly closing so you must get your plan B in motion now.   -Do you need a work permit to get a grunt service job in Latin America? Technically and officially yes. Today we discuss the “real’ Latin work permit situation (for gringos) as well and some workplace tips if when working for the man (off the books of course).  -Expats in Latin America can live nicely on a measly SS check- but only when they’re off the gringo tourist trail. That system works fine for now. But what will happen to those same Expats when the US dollar is finally taken down (as it must be) on the international economic stage? What will happen to Expats in Latin America who depend on a govt check? What  happens to their dollar purchasing power?-Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser:http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

- When a few Latins have small casual business meetings they often meet up in the local greasy spoon or McDonalds. However, when a first-world person is involved in a meeting suddenly the climate changes. The Latin contingent will do a ridiculous “upscale” shift to Starbucks or the I-Hop. Why might that be? Could it be the “gringo advantage” or I-Hop disadvantage?   - Authorities might close down an airport for a few hours during a crisis or emergency. Last week such a shutdown happened at Tucuman airport in Panama (Central America’s busiest airport). You’ll never guess why, not in a million years…-More on the teetering Latin real estate house of cards. Concerning Central America: it looks like the coming collapse will start with Panama…  -Argentina’s got a new President, and the old thieving one (Kirchner) is being a very bad sport about turning over the reins. Meanwhile the currency is collapsing and many Airlines are no longer accepting their steadily devaluing peso.  -There are 100 reasons why Chicken bus drivers have the most dangerous jobs in Latin America.-What happens to gringos and expats when they get issued parking tickets and/or moving violations? Naturally the transit fine system is on manana time too, even so, should you be worried?-What happens when Latin businesses try to copy first world businesses?   -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

- When stateside celebrations and national holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s come around, what do Expats do? Do they feel sad, nostalgic, remorseful, dislocated or are they happy to get away from them? Do they try to replicate those events in their new Latin surroundings? A lot depends on location, whether you’re on or off the tourist trail.    -There are many thousands, of US government slugs posted in Latin America; contractors, embassy personal, military support, security people, clandestine operatives and more. Most of these govt drones seem to be clueless about the severe problems within the Big Brother police state they are part of. In fact , most are just putting in their time waiting it out for that fat pension (while they bury their classist snouts deep in the public trough). But what about those few enlightened govt. insiders living and working in Latin America who know the system can't last and is about to implode? Today we have a story of one such guy…   -Vigilante groups: occasionally Latin citizens get so pissed off at their lazy ass cops, they the law into their own hands…-We all know people stateside who live day to day on their credit cards and are absolutely terrible with money. Unfortunately, today Latin America today, credit card mania has arrived with a vengeance (within the middle classes and above) and now the whole individual and family society seems to be on the edge of insolvency.     -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go to www.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to:theexpatfiles@gmail.com

 - How to determine if gringos have invaded or permanently spoiled yours or some other expat’s Latin Paradise -Bad first- world trends that are slowly forcing their way into Latin America  -When clueless gringos (joiners) find comfort in mush-brained, pin-headed organizations like Democrats or Republicans abroad, it’s time to pack your bags and find another more sane Latin Paradise. Why people like that listen to this show I'll never know. I get emails form them so I know that some do!   -Guess what? Under-educated, brain-washed gringos on the tourist trail in Latin America(and their wired, AD kids)  can now get their multiple flu vaccines and Ritalin down here too.       -Some tips and suggestions regarding medical tourism in Latin America   -New, fresh  expats are known for gathering good info well before they come down, but some are stubborn and just don’t follow good advice. Often excessively frugal gringos (former backpackers and do-gooders?) come down and make really stupid, life-altering, mistakes. Today we have some stark examples…-Latin Restaurants: the Good, the Bad, and the moderately Filthy -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

- Some things you never knew regarding Latin American beaches and beachfront properties… -An update on the Latin real estate bubble. Looks like the first place it’s going to pop in is Panama so get ready to scout out the deals..  -A discussion of Latin Airport departure fees. There seems to be a frantic race by Latin government pin-heads to gouge foreign air travellers      -In Latin Countries virtually no one has clean municipal tap water. 50% of the population has water pressure only part of the day and another 15% of Latins have no running water in their houses at all(they bathe and pull water from a river or lake). So what does all that mean for Expats living down here expecting flawless first-world water delivery systems? Should we be worried?For example: Panama is #5 in the world for total yearly rainfall (out of 200 countries) yet half the population doesn’t have 24/7 access to water. Why? It’s just normal Latin lazy-ass corrupt government again: what else is new?-Is Costa Rica the next Greece? Sure looks like…   -Ecuador has decided it wants to be a Big Brother state just like the USA.You won’t believe what kind tough of BB surveillance laws they have been passing lately. But can or will they be enforced?Well… this is Latin America, and technology and cameras do need maintenance. And the “M” word is not yet in the Latin vocabulary. So at first maybe there’ll be a kind of crack down while everything works, but after some months it may just revert to Latin business as usual. We’ll see…      -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…     -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

- Today we visit to a massive Latin lumberyard where once again the “gringo advantage” comes in very, very handy.-After settling in Latin America you will have a lot of extra time on your hands, maybe it should be used for your unrealized dreams and hobbies. That said, if your hobbies involve woodworking, making custom gifts and/or arts and crafts you really need to pay attention to this segment.    -An email from a very sane regular listener who lists some good reasons why he has decided never to move to Latin America… followed by my somewhat sane rebuttal.-More advice to Gringos bringing down their school age kids as well as to Expats who plan on having families in the future. Some parents might be wondering what will become of their expat kids as they grow to become adults in Latin America. What of them and their future generations? Surrounded by all that Latin mediocrity and superficiality, will those Expat kid’s brains eventually get watered down? Well, my crystal ball has a nice crack in it, but I’ll give that teaser question a shot……     -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format.-Newsflash!]Be sure to check  www.TheNewExpat.com where we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…   -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go to www.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser:http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar - CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-The scoop on how lazy, corrupt, fat-ass Latin politicians and their malignant Latin Governments are now trying to levy a new kind of tax on high earners. It’s meant to finance a new “public security” bureaucracy that "promises" to make citizens more secure and safer.Such a law has just been passed in El Salvador. Its a 5% tax on high earners ostensibly to shore up the country’s failed law enforcement branch and broken judicial system. Well now…even an idiot could predict where those new tax dollars will end up… in SUV’s, private planes, yachts, beach houses, mistresses and trips to Mijami.But don’t worry, as you’ll see, Expats will not be paying that tax.             -Though fluoride’s being touted by pinheads and clueless government talking heads, it has not been added to Latin water supplies. True, have been a few failed experiments and they were abandoned.But look out! Certain clueless food companies have stepped up to the plate. They’re not only putting fluoride in table salt, they’re spiking milk and dairy products with it too…buyer beware!    -More on doing business and the high cost of opening bank accounts in Chile -Today an email from a Canadian expat (non-US citizen) explaining how the long sweaty arm of the USA tax system and the IRS is making his life miserable even though he has no US bank or brokerage accounts and has nothing to do with the USA at all.     -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go to www.TheNewExpat.comand click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-Police road blocks with cops stopping certain vehicles are a common site in Latin America. Today we have a roadblock story you just won’t believe. In this story those pesky first-world “do gooders”are at it again. -By the way, don’t be afraid or be worried if you get pulled over at a roadblock. The cops are generally nice… nice and lazy and nonthreatening, especially “off the tourist trail”. Cops really do like to bond and talk to gringos. You might even get asked nicely to a buy them  coke or a gallon or two of gas. Note: none of that niceness is certain if you’re stopped in Mexico.               -A road trip story and some driving tips for gringos and expats who chance driving their car through Mexico and/or parts further south.  -The nuances of the famous “altiplano” areas explained. Yes, there are many more altiplano regions than you might think- and some are much better suited for Expat living than others. You really need to know these details… -Today an email from a Canadian expat explaining why he can no longer  live in his own corrupt first-world country… and why he much prefers the ever so predictable small-time corruption of Mexico to the big time corruption of first-world states like his.        -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go to www.TheNewExpat.comand click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-Answers to many questions that Expat Gringa gonnabees and wannabees have been asking over the years regarding beauty treatments, beauty salons, first world cosmetics, pricing and cosmetology in general as well as possible business opportunities for Expats in the field. YOU’LL SEE THAT THIS IS NOT FLUFF!!               -How “lag time” affects the Latin fashion and beauty industry. -More lies and misinformation coming out of yet another Costa Rican government agency. Did you know that the Costa Rican public is now poised to pay the highest electric (kwh) rates of all the 20 Latin American countries? How is that possible when the CR government’s been bragging in the last year the country is totally energy self-sufficient and now operating 100% on “clean” renewable energy? Yes, you’ll find it’s the same old thing again… government corruption, nepotism, cronyism and extreme mismanagement.     -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go to www.TheNewExpat.comand click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-Thinking of exploring or travelling long-term through Latin America? If you’re moving around, how can you get your snail- mail and packages from friends, family delivered as well as stuff from outfits like Amazon.com? Can you get that stuff shipped from up north? Yes, and it’s easy secure and inexpensive, that is, if you know the ropes ahead of time.            -Coming down to Latin America affords you a second lease on life in more ways than you can imagine. For one, if you plan correctly (and from the beginning) you can start your life in your new Latin country with a very small, nearly anonymous, footprint as well as a clean slate. Yes, you do have a chance to start fresh, so don’t blow it…              -With regular gasoline prices in the states averaging about $2.30 a gallon, how does that translate to local gas prices in Latin America? -More about the most recent barrage of hotel-salon, one-day seminars promising slick diplomas, guaranteed to make attendees experts in something or other: though really designed to part gullible Latins from their hard-earned pesos.  -Today an email from a former Mormon asking for a few of my own weird Latin American Mormon tales. Of course I will oblige…   -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and become a subscriber  -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go to www.TheNewExpat.comand click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-Today we discuss the peculiarities of Latin household help: specifically certain quirks of the maids, gardeners and maintenance men. You’ll probably hire one or more so it’s about time you find out certain things that gringos and expats should always be aware of… well before you start interviewing.            -Petty thievery and how it affects us Gringos and Expats.            -More great tips on building your own home in Latin America. -Discussing Latin lawyers: the good, the bad and the ugly.Should you worry if your lawyer has signature authority over your S.A. corporations and/or bank accounts?    -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format. -Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel -and be a subscriber -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go towww.TheNewExpat.com and click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-Today we have some eyewitness stories concerning thoroughly BAD gringos who’ve come down to Latin America to practice their perversions. Unfortunately, what makes Latin America good for us freedom lovers-those chaotic, weak, lazy, inefficient governments- also allows the few bad first-world apples that do make it down here to get away with murder.        -A discussion about gringos with good, solid US university degrees of value (no psychology, business, art or drama degrees, please) who hope to use those skills to get jobs in their particular career or field in Latin America. Once they come down, what are the job prospects?           -A few stories to illustrate other aspects of the “gringo advantage”. This time we have examples of how Latins constantly hit on Gringo for jobs. They assume we all must have thriving businesses and are hiring… -Observing Latin holidays with strange customs like eating “Pan de Muerto” which literally translates to “bread for the dead”. Yes, Latins traditionally eat “dead bread” on Nov 1st and Nov 2nd. What’s that all about… is it safe? -Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . Its where you’ll get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and reports. It’s a work in progress so please be patient. We’re continually improving and expanding the format.-Be sure to check out my "Expat Files" YouTube channel and be a subscriber  -NEWS FLASH!At www.TheNewExpat.com we have a new feature: a blog written by a very trusted Latin lawyer friend and colleague (with great credentials). He will be blogging regularly from Central America touching on everything you want to know about Latin Legal issues such as residency, passports, contracts, S.A. corporations, banking, Trusts, courts, lawsuits, and much more. He’ll stress all manner of Latin Legal issues as they pertain to Expats. Better yet, you’ll be able to contact our Lawyer and email him your own legal questions too…    -Johnny’s Jan 2016, LATIN AMERICAN “Boots on the ground”  SEMINAR: the next Latin American “Insider” Seminar will begin Sat, Jan 9 thru Thurs, Jan 14th. Just go to www.TheNewExpat.comand click on the Latin Seminar link, or paste this link below into your browser: http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-jan-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar  CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like a 1 on 1 personal Skype or phone consult with me? Set up a time when we can talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans. Just put the word “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com