The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

-Some words about the new Pope. He’s a huge star here… all over TV and in the press daily. And here in Latin America he’s bigger than Elvis (gaudy outfits and all, but alas he can’t sing). His election has revitalized hoards of non-practicing Latin Catholic folks who might have jumped ship completely - but are now out rooting for their papal homeboy (very smart move by the Vatican) -Now for some totally un-PC comments about the new breed of Evangelical snake oil salesman (with their limos, bodyguards and helicopters) who pattern themselves off of successful 1st world TV preachers. They promise a stairway to heaven as they suck hard-earned centavos from gullible under-educated Latin lower and middle classes. Yes folks, these guys have found their own twisted version of the “gringo advantage” and its pretty disturbing. -When and how does the realization finally strike the average expat that he or she might actually be fluent in Spanish? -Speaking of the “boot camp” method of learning Spanish (meaning, learning good conversational Spanish in a very accelerated period of of time like 2 months)… now here’s an email from a gringo who is has been doing just that. With boots on the ground and suffering through his own Spanish “boot camp” in Xela, Guatemala he offers some very good tips on how to get the best out of the experience and how to avoid the worst. -Announcing the latest plans for the next Expat Wisdom “Latin American Insider Seminar” which will of course be off the tourist trail. It’ll be coming up in the next few months so stay tuned for more info… -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on on

-Announcing the latest plans for the next Expat Wisdom “Latin American Insider Seminar” which will of course be off the tourist trail. It’ll be coming up in the next few months so stay tuned for more info… - If most of the river and lake water in Latin America is polluted due to runoff, raw sewage, mining, factory and farm sludge, then where can an expat actually locate and be free from the worries of all that? -More comments about the water situation in Latin America. -Never, never, never, use a public jacuzzi or wet sauna in Latin America- unless you don’t mind bathing in the rancid bacterial soup from the last 50 people who used the thing! -A report on the awful Eco-destruction that’s happening along the so called “Mayan Riviera”- that really beautiful length of white sand beach that stretches a few hundred miles, from Cancun, Mexico to Belize -An update on that great (lifetime guarantee) Sawyer water filter reported on a few shows ago -Most of the news about the water in Latin America is bad but the good news is that for some very good reasons the municipalities don’t fluoridate (yet). However, get this… you can buy salt that’s actually got fluoride added at the grocery store! And as usual the locals think that since its endorsed by so called 1st world experts it must be ever so good and healthy. Duh! -While driving through Honduras on his latest road trip, Expat Eddie found after being stopped four separate times by the Honduran cops, that his Gringo Advantage was not exactly working the way he’d planned. But he did observe another advantage that under certain circumstances even trumps being a gringo! -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on on

-What will happen in Latin Countries that use the US dollar as their sole currency (i.e. Ecuador, Salvador and Panama) when the next inevitable next financial crisis comes along, the dollar crashes, and the rest of the producing world realizes all the US really has left is (1) a massive military and weapons industry, (2) Disneyland, (3) Hollywood, and (4) Cleveland? -ATM’s in Latin America spit out US twenty dollar bills. Sounds good so far especially if you’re in a US dollar denominated country like Salvador or Ecuador. But the trouble is that seventy five percent of small businesses, mom and pop stores and restaurants won’t have change for your Jackson’s… so forget about carrying Grants and Franklins! And that, by the way, smells like an excellent expat business opportunity… -If you see sign that says “Nightclub” its not gonna be your US style dance, jazz or blues club, but a combination strip joint and bordello. And yes, prostitution is technically illegal in Latin America, but as usual the laws are as flexible as a slinky. -Some new cases of credit card cloning have been popping up throughout Central America and the Carribean. And ninety percent of the cases have been linked to persons trying to make a cash withdrawal using a particular Latin bank’s ATM machine. Here’s the poop on that and how not to get sucked into that black hole…….. -What happens when glitzy international newsletters and travel magazines select their best Latin retirement destinations of the year? Well, just like in Panama and Costa Rica, in a few years later they become contaminated by gringos and the gringo dollar, the crime soars and the whole area becomes more expensive. Can you guess what destination is next in line for the honor? - If you are interested in attending a short, one-day,  Expat Wisdom “Expat Fast Track” seminar guaranteed to jump-start your eventual move to Latin America then just email me Johnny@expatwisdom.com. And tell me what city you are living in or living close to. The Expat Wisdom crew just might be heading to a city near you! -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-I’ve recommended a few portable travel water filters before, but now I’m introducing what should be the very last portable water filter that you and your family will ever need. I know this sounds crazy, but this little filter cartridge is guaranteed to last for a million gallons, that’s enough pure water for thirty average American lifetimes! What’s even more amazing is that its only 50 bucks and you can attach it it to any kitchen faucet or use the gravity feed method, or you can do the annoying backpacker straw-sucky slurp thing. And here’s the full scoop on this little wonder (and as usual, I have no financial interest and do not make one cent from this at all) -Want to know the present and future state of the Latin American water supply? Its pretty depressing if you are crazy enough connected to be connected to a municipal water supply. But its not a problem at all if you have a well or collect your own rainwater in a big cistern -Some more bad news about the rivers, lakes, lagoons and aquifers in Latin America; more reasons why you really need to purify your own water -Breaking news about the most contaminated countries in LA. Does it surprise you the Brazil tops the list and China is getting on on that Brazil action because they know environmental laws are so lax? -Examples why you must not believe everything you read on those newbee expat blogs that have been sprouting up. Not only can they mislead you with incomplete info, they might also lead you on a path that could be bad for your health - If you are interested in attending a short, one-day,  Expat Wisdom “Expat Fast Track” seminar guaranteed to jump-start your eventual move to Latin America then just email me Johnny@expatwisdom.com. And tell me what city you are living in or living close to. The Expat Wisdom crew just might be heading to a city near you! -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-Some words about gringos keeping a low profile and trying to stay under the radar. -Beware of so called “expert expat” bloggers who are really green tenderfoots in disguise. They’re all over the internet and can give you some very misleading and incomplete info on the real scene down here. How do I know many of these tenderfoot expats are full of it? Because when I was a green expat I did what they do. I hung around with gringos and snotty latin Latin upper classes myself for my first two years down here- then I saw the light and started spreading my wings and started observing the ways of the common folks. And because of that experience, I can spot a tenderfoot expat (like I once was) a mile away! -Here’s the scoop on buying brand name and/or designer cloths in Latin America; specifically the brands being made in factories all around Latin America. What about the knockoffs and the pirates? -How’s the availability of vitamins, suppliments, herbs and natural remedies? Do you have to order them from the states and pay a premium? How much of that stuff can you get down here? - If you are interested in attending a short, one-day,  Expat Wisdom “Expat Fast Track” seminar guaranteed to jump-start your eventual move to Latin America then just email me  Johnny@expatwisdom.com. And tell me what city you are living in or living close to. The Expat Wisdom crew just might be heading to a city near you! -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-An update on the ever-spreading Latin American real estate bubble. Though the bubble has been around, first-world style, for some years in “tourist trail” places like Costa Rica, Panama and anywhere else the Disney or Carnival cruise ships toss anchor, its now spreading to all medium, large and even many small Latin cities. -If the Latin real estate bubble is ridiculously obvious to common expats who saw it unfold in the US and Europe, why don’t people (Latins) notice the elephant in the room?  Or a better question might be, who keeps feeding the monster? No doubt its being pumped up like a Macy’s float. -Some solid advice for expats and wanabees who are looking to buy, build or rent. In spite of the bubble in progress, there are good deals to be found down here…always desperate sellers in any market. You just have to know how to spot them. - The myth of the ever growing “middle class” in Latin America and the flawed logic behind that oft-quoted phrase. -Tips on how to get the best possible rental agreement when house or apartment hunting -And finally; some more depressing news out of Brazil; where inflation and the basic cost of living are now nearly out of control. But as usual, that’s not the “official” government line. - If you are interested in attending a short, one-day,  Expat Wisdom “Expat Fast Track” seminar guaranteed to jump-start your eventual move to Latin America then just email me, Johnny@expatwisdom.com. And tell me what city you are living in or living close to. The Expat Wisdom crew just might be heading to a city near you! -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on on

-Some words about gringos keeping a low profile and trying to stay under the radar. -Beware of so called “expert expat” bloggers who are really green tenderfoots in disguise. They’re all over the internet and can give you some very misleading and incomplete info on the real scene down here. How do I know many of these tenderfoot expats are full of it? Because when I was a green expat I did what they do. I hung around with gringos and snotty latin Latin upper classes myself for my first two years down here- then I saw the light and started spreading my wings and started observing the ways of the common folks. And because of that experience, I can spot a tenderfoot expat (like I once was) a mile away! -Here’s the scoop on buying brand name and/or designer cloths in Latin America; specifically the brands being made in factories all around Latin America. What about the knockoffs and the pirates? -How’s the availability of vitamins, suppliments, herbs and natural remedies? Do you have to order them from the states and pay a premium? How much of that stuff can you get down here? - If you are interested in attending a short, one-day,  Expat Wisdom “Expat Fast Track” seminar guaranteed to jump-start your eventual move to Latin America then just email me  Johnny@expatwisdom.com. And tell me what city you are living in or living close to. The Expat Wisdom crew just might be heading to a city near you! -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-By popular demand...some brand new plans and ideas for a short, one-day,  Expat Wisdom “expat fast track” seminar that just might be coming to a first world city near you -The scoop on Medical Insurance for Gringos and Expats in Latin America. -Healthcare is so cheap, even without insurance coverage, that some first world folks just prefer to go without. They decide to pay as they go. Down here, unlike in the states, I’ve never heard one expat lament that a hospital bill wiped him out or even come close to breaking the bank. -Most Latin countries have mandatory car insurance laws but only about 5% of car owners have actual coverage. What does that tell you about the people's respect for the law down here? What does it tell you about the cops and law enforcement? -Expat wannabees often ask if Latin based healthcare policies for gringos and expats have international coverage, or is coverage it just local or regional? Depends on your plan and its bit complicated so here's the skinny on that subject … -What do “Hostess Twinkies” have to do with Latin America? Well, they were just bought up by the huge Mexican company “Bimbo”…. the biggest bakery in the world (they also own Wonder Bread). Which proves once again that Latins love everything and anything gringo so much that they’ll snap up even the very worst of our crap and try to make it their own. -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-Since roses, and exotic flowers like orchids and bird of paradise are in the top 5 of Latin exports to the first world, their sheer abundance makes them beyond dirt cheap down here. And with long-stem roses at $4 a dozen, Valentine’s Day (“Dia del Carino” in Spanish) is one huge event… and roses are only two bucks a dozen the other 364 days a year! -A huge percentage of my emails are from expats wannabees who want to do business in Latin America… once they finally arrive of course. Though many of these folks put together some very good ideas while up there in Cleveland, after doing their long distance internet research, they come down here only to find some gaping holes and fundamental errors in what seemed like a great business plan on paper. -You really need “boots on the ground” to determine what will and won’t work in the local Latin markets....and in today's show I have some good examples of why.  What might seem to be a business "no brainer" to a first worlder’s who sees a slam-dunk Latin American business opportunity from a distance (like from Boston or Cleveland) could easily be stillborn if you don't quite understand the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the Latin culture (that you don't read about on the internet) . -You can have a great idea in Cleveland and crunch all the positive numbers you want, but do realize that expats who really expect to do gangbuster business here need to have at least a passing knowledge of the Latin psyche to make their ideas work. The “gringo advantage” is a godsend of course, but it won’t help a bit if Latins don’t think they need what you’re selling. -Here’s an example of how sometimes, when Latin locals decide to take the the law into their own hands, it can be a beautiful thing(depending entirely on your point of view). -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-More answers to your most common questions regarding Medical and Dental treatment in Latin America -Is there a Latin American equivalent to the AMA or ADA? Do they have professional licensing and monitoring boards? If so, what are their roles and what kind of power do they have... -Tips on how to find a very good first-world dentist in a sea of less than mediocre to just plain horrible hack dentistry -What you need to know about getting orthodontic treatment in Latin America (both for adults and children) -Some of the more important details on the quality and standards of Latin doctors and private hospitals and clinics -Before you consider Belize as a permanent expat destination …here’s some news on that small unpopulated country that you surely have never heard before. You're not gonna like so you’d better take note. -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on on

-Based on the number of emails I get, here are the top three Latin American topics expat wanabees are concerned about: #1- Starting, owning and operating a business #2- Safety and security issues #3- Healthcare and health insurance issues -Botox invades Latin America. If Botox is your thing (and don't lie) here’s how to make sure you are getting the fresh, undiluted first-world stuff every time. -What’s this big-butt implant thing all about? Down here its impossible not to notice the occasional gravity-defying backside…. especially when you're out and about at an upscale restaurant or high-end shopping mall. You can look, but don’t stare. So what up with that popular type of cosmetic surgery? -In the last few years, laser hair removal clinics have taken Latin America by storm. And its so cheap that even middle class Latinas can get it done on a payment plan. -More on dentistry in Latin America. Is it worth it to come down to get your mouth in shape? Will they do a decent job that will last a good long time? Well its like this…. -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-A very interesting comparison of murder and gun homicide rates in Latin America versus the closer to home murder stats up in Cleveland and other scary places in your neck of the woods -With an estimated 30% annual inflation in the last year alone, Argentina is now on the brink of descending into an inflationary spiral. It is NOT a good place for any expat to consider and here are a few more reasons why… -Almost everything you want to know about having a swimming pool in Latin America, including the high cost of owning one. -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on on

-Gambling, betting and games of chance in Latin America -How certain astute expats, relying on solid betting odds, make consistent money by betting against gullible Latins in certain nationalistic sporting events, namely football(soccer). Why? Because so many Latin men are extreme in their nationalism and irrational faith in the home team (sound familiar you Cub fans?) no matter what the calculated Vegas odds -Throughout Latin America there are gambling casinos everywhere. Many big international hotels have them on the premises. And though you may hear that gambling of this type is illegal in many Latin countries (and it is) still, casinos are ubiquitous and don’t get raided. Here’s why……… -Lottos, lottos, everywhere. In poor countries the two biggest games in town are the lotteries and religion. And both promise…. er, well we know what they promise. But the problem is that they’re both rigged. -New car raffles are all the rage down here too. But are they legit? Here’s the scoop on that racket….  and it is a racket! -Some more info from the horse’s mouth about cops and corruption in Mexico.This news just might get apologists for Mexico to stop drinking the Kool Aid. -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one

-An update on inflation and the cost of living in Latin America. -A report on which Latin countries are still ridiculously cheap: which ones aren’t such bargains any more and which places are cheap for now but won’t be much longer. -Occasionally I get an email or two saying that the so-called“gringo advantage” is all about carpet-bagging first worlder's taking unfair advantage of poor uneducated Latins. I say they’re wrong. Its more about us expats providing more, better, cleaner and more consistent products and services. For example: expats create nice, hygienic restaurants we would like to eat in. Bottom line; if the locals can’t or won’t provide we want, some expat eventually will fill the niche and make a nice profit doing so. -Would you like to know how to learn enough Spanish in just one month to get around quite nicely down here… and speak confidently in Spanish when you’re way off the tourist trail where practically no one speaks English at all? Well, there us a guaranteed learning method I personally developed and use myself. I dubbed it, “Johnny’s Spanish boot camp method”. and here's how it works.......... -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on on

-People often send me email questions I just can’t answer. Here are a few examples and you’ll see why... -Believe it or not, I get a lot of emails about guns, gun ownership, gun laws and enforcement (or not)in Latin America. So here’s a nice long answer for those of you who want to know the details. -I also get a lot of questions from green gringos who’ve been down here just once or twice. They’re shocked by the number shotgun toting guards they see; guards posted at banks, hotdog stands, hardware stores.... even guards riding shotgun in Coca Cola trucks! (Hey, whats wrong with guys with shotguns riding shotgun? Err..that seems right, huh?) -On street crime in Latin America: the three main ways common criminals and gang members make their hits, and why those three types of crimes rarely involve expats. -The state of game and sport hunting in Latin America -What happens if you actually shoot someone down here? Does the “Gringo Advantage” kick in somehow too, or are you going to be the star of the next episode of “Locked Up Abroad”? -Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one