The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #728- FRI, JAN 26- (01-26-2018):    #1- A list of indispensable documents and items travelers should carry on their person at all times in their tiny secret hidden pouch. However, under most circumstances, some items most people believe they really must carry with them are truly unnecessary. Today we spell out the guidelines.   #2- The TRUE cost of living for Gringos and Expats: Cost of living is most often all about location location, location. Would you believe some clueless gringos pay double, even triple over and over again and are happy to do so. It depends on their background and point of reference… where they were living in the states. Thankfully we get smarter(usually). In today’s “boots on the ground” story we provide some interesting examples.   #3- More tips on shipping and ordering from USA outfits like Amazon, Ebay and Overstock .com   #4- Moving bitcoins and cryptocurrencies across borders: How to do it safely and anonymously. Tips on how to convert and spend your cryptos once you get to Latin America.       #5- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com    #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.

 #1- Moving money and assets across borders is one of the top 5 questions expats hit me with. Can you move assets and dough down anonomously? What are the restrictions? Do I know expats who have been prohibited from doing so? Just know that certain monetary restrictions are here already and they're gonna get much worse. Today we have an update on what you need to know now…#2- Shipping your guns, ammo, kitchen knives and samuri swords to Latin America: the rules and regs.#3- Lawbreaking gringos and expats:What happens when a gringo/expat living in Latin America finds he's wanted for some crime or offence in the USA. Maybe he even knew about the pending charges but somehow slipped in to Latin America before his stateside SHTF.  Shoud you worry about being picked up and sent back for a stateside court order,  missed court date or grand jury appearance? Or perhaps there are stateside legal judgements pending? What next?#4- A new “heads up” if you’re thinking about bringing physical gold or preceious metal assets through borders and airports.#5- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#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.

#1- The latest “Expat Insider” Seminar just ended, so today we have the highlights along with the high and low points of our big Latin American “drinking from the fire hose” adventure.#2- Flu shots in Latin America;Yes the recent flu or “gripe” has arrived from the states with a bang. Flu shots are available for all clueless gringos who feel the need to follow big pharma’s bad advice. Though it’s not at all advertised or promoted, just ask you Latin physician and he’ll scrounge up a vial or two. Meanwhile, the locals almost never get flu shots. They say “what for”? When they get the “gripe” they just deal with it, almost never taking off work or going to the doctor or hospital. But as for flu shots, the locals WILL hop down to the local pharmacy get a dose as long as USA "do-gooders" are there offering freebees. Its a sad thing to see but the locals are always thinking that if its “gringo approved” it must be good. That’s part of our gringo “disadvantage”.#3- Questions answered about those $100+ “hardware” bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets like the NANO and TREZOR. We discuss everything “practical” that you need to know about those little flash drive devices. How do they work? How to set them up? How is it that are they are advertised as so much better than the free so-called software wallets? You might have thought most everyone into crypto just uses one of those well known (free and so far pretty secure) crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Bitpay and the so-called wallets they provide. Here’s the skinny on all that and more as well as some cool easy tips on personal crypto security measures.#4- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/#5- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#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.

 #1- The “Gringo Advantage” is alive and well in Latin America. Meanwhile, the media reports the whole world is souring on Americans as well as our bullying government. What with constant war mongering, regime change tactics, bankrupt monetary policies, etc., its hard to argue with that logic. But we will do so today with a few boots-on-the-ground stories that will re-enforce the fact that in Latin America at least, the “Gringo Advantage” is clearly here to stay.      #2- What’s with the unbelievable health and stamina of the older Latin American population? However, the phenomena seems to be much more evident in the poor rural areas than in the cities. Seems logical that people who get lots of exercise, don’t drive and live close to the earth live longer and in better health. No surprise there. But the fact is many of the healthy old-timers have never tasted, even heard of, Domino’s Pizza or “Happy Meals”. Even more surprising, many have never been vaccinated. Then again may be that’s not surprising at all.   #3- The recent passing of stiff new banking regulations in Europe has forced loads of cash money to find its way to Latin America.     #4- Venezuela is trying to save its failed-state and broken monetary system by creating its own cryptocurrency called the Petro. But surprise surprise, it looks like its failing right out of the gate.      #5- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/   #6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com   #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.

#1- Beware of gringos and expats who constantly complain about everything. Yes, you will meet the occasional whiney “time vampire” gringo who craves an audience and then proceeds to suck the energy out of a room. There are expert expat complainers and its in your best interest to avoid them. The trouble is we get all kinds, a large cross section, and they're not all fun and nice.  Oops! You’re not one of them, are you?   #2- A top 20 list of gringo complaints as presented by long time expat gringos. Today's “boots on the ground” stories continue in that vein.   #3- Allergy alert! Why is it that Latin doctors report such a very low incidence of allergies as compared to seemingly highly allergic first-world people? You’d think it be just the opposite. After all, Latins endure a very heavy and prolonged rainy season and thus have very high levels of interior mold and humidity. Worse yet, together with tons of pollen and excessive plant growth, Latins have many many unwashed, un-groomed pets living in very close living quarters. What's up with that? Oh but there are some interesting theories..   #4- What’s up with all the Latino guards totin’ shotguns? Yes, you see them everywhere, even  in Costco parking lots and on Coca Cola trucks. The questions is, does their presence leave you calm, relieved, worried or neutral? Much depends on where and how long you’ve been living south of the border.      #5- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to:theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/    #6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com   #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.

#1-Ten things expats need to know about prostitution and sex tourism in Latin America   #2- NEWS FLASH! Nicaragua has imposed new immigration regulations making it mandatory all visitors file a personal itinerary document at least seven days in advance of their arrival. Today we highlight the details of this latest intrusive Nica govt initiative. Note that travel and hospitality personnel are convinced this measure will have a pronounced negative affect on tourism. So far its the only country that has instituted such a stupid bureaucratic measure.   #3- DYK that in 2013, with great fanfare, Ecuador created its own cryptocurrency? Now 3 years later its been a dismal failure and national embarrassment. Here’s the skinny on this latest idiotic government folly.   #4-“Tis the Season”: An update on water, ice, liquor, bacteria and Montezuma’s revenge (and how to avoid it).       #5- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/    #6- Last chance to sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com   #7- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com   #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.

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #722- FRI, DEC 29- (12-29-2017):   #1- An update on O’Vomit care and how it does or doesn’t affect gringos and expats in LATIN America. Today we have the inside scoop and some stark examples how stateside health insurance companies like Blue Cross etc., can and will pull the rug out from under even long-term policy holders. Seems nothing is sacred. Those who thought their insurance benefits were “grandfathered in” as promised are being dumped unceremoniously for the moronic and equally oxymoronic “affordable healthcare” scheme. In today’s real life example we’ll see new cut-down plans are being offered at nearly four times the previous monthly private policy costs and with much higher individual deductibles to boot .      #2-Ten things expats need to know about private Health Insurance in Latin America   #3- Where gringos and expats live and hang, ecological cleanups are soon to follow. That’s a very good thing but begs the question- why is it that us foreigners and visitors care so much more about the Latin landscape and environment than the average Latin person?   #4- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/    #5- Last chance to sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com   #6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com   #7- Check out “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 c

Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW- SUN, DEC 24th- #721, 12-24-2017:#1- Expats living on the water- the truth about having a boat in Latin America:It’s a gringo fantasy for some. Many daydream about such a life but few ever get the chance and think for one its a lot of work, risk and way too expensive. Today we posit a number of “boots on the ground” gringo and expat boat stories along with some excellent advice, tips and wisdom from a guy who has been living on his boat for the last 8 years(since 2010). This guy lives all year round on his very own 40 foot sailboat and claims his total expenses come to no more than $600 a month. How does one live a first-world life on a boat? By being very self sufficient and handy of course. But how do you do it and where do you begin? First by knowing some virtually unknown “marina tricks” and by remaining off the electrical grid about 90% of the time. Here’s the skinny on how that's done..#2-For serious boatmen and sailors the question is:Should one rent a marina slip- which could cost a lot of dough but has all the services and is very secure- or just drop anchor nearby or in a local harbor (usually free but risky)? Today you’ll find out from an expert expat boater who has done it both ways.#3- What every gringo boater wants to know about Latin American boat slips and marinas:How to find slips (with all the first world amenities) for 1/5 of normal first-world monthly rents. Today we have the story on that and more…#4- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/#5- Last chance to sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com#6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#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.

Descriptions for FRIDAY DEC, 22- EXPAT FILES SHOW #720, 12-22-20171-Advice for expat gonnabees and wannabees formulating their Plan B’s- some predictions that will affect expats in the next 5 years:It seems the vast majority of wannabees and gonnabees with a “Plan B” in mind believe the world is definitely headed for a big time reset but at the same time they think it will play out on “their own” particular time line. Funny how their personal "time-lines" seem to coincide with the need to work just a few more years to collect the”maximum” social security payout or pension. The sad news is ....as the world implodes it ain’t gonna follow “your” timeline. Never did, never will. You’re just lucky to have a chance to get a plan together before things get really hairy. Like the man said, “you don’t buy fire insurance after the fire!#2- Why smart expats and gringos much prefer living in poor Latin countries as opposed to living in the wealthy, more organized first-world. Newbee expats often have mild to severe adjustment pains but in time learn its small price to pay for the huge personal and financial benefits realized in the long run.#3-The ironclad reasons why you really should take Social Security at age 62.Not to mention those of you slated to get private pensions should start drawing down as soon as you reach the qualifying age too. Don’t think by working longer to get a few hundred extra bucks a month will pan out. By thinking that way you’ll be taking a great gamble. Today we discuss why.#4- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/#5- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com#6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#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.

#1- Gringos and car repairs:Today we have yet another “boots on the ground” story you really must pay attention to. Why? To be able to make the right decisions when having your car repaired when, not if, it happens to you!#2-Occasionally we all need to buy and/or sell used or new personal items like cars, furniture, tools, appliances. But this is Latin America and the rules of the barter, buy and sell game are slightly different than what you’re used to. For example, how would you arrange a safe meeting place to inspect an item that’s for sale when dealing with someone you don’t know who you found on www.OLX.com (the Latin version of Craig’s list) or in the Lation classified ads? Say you want to buy or sell a bike, cuisinart or treadmill? Here are some tips on how to manage the situation and go about it in a secure way.#3-Latin transit cop stories:Many expat gonnabees and wannabees are worried about possible confrontations with Latin cops. They’ve heard and read second hand stories that sound scary. Fact is you have a lot more to worry about when dealing with your own US cops. Turns out in most all Latin countries SOUTH of the Mexican border, cop anxiety is really unjustified. That said so called “Law Enforcement” is really an oxymoron in Latin America. Enforcement is spotty at best. Sounds bad at first, but is it really? It can either be a pain or a gift depending on circumstances. Today we present more “boots on the ground” evidence and you be the judge.#4- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/#5- Lat chance to sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com#6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#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.

#1- How gringos and Expats in Latin America are making money in the cryptocurrency space. Today we discuss just how even here in Latin America certain gringos and expats are making making good dough with multiple cryptocurrency projects. Some are making money by becoming bitcoin and crypto- currency miners and its not all that hard or technical. In fact, at the January “Expat Insider” seminar we will be featuring the famous Bitcoin Dan as well as “Expat Oscar”, a real-live cryptocurrency miner who’s making good money right now as we speak with his hardware cranking out crypto coins in his little Latin condo complex 24/7. Yes, he knows the ropes in a field that seems both mysterious and virtually unknown to the average  person but man does he have some good news for expats who want to make some money and get in on the act!   #2 – A listener, expat “Insider Seminar” seminar attendee and Bicoin investor tells a few personal stories to backup why he is convinced that most females are generally what he calls,“bitcoin adverse.”   #3-A very green gringo, never out of the states before, hits the low budget (but not backpacker) trail completely on his own and lives to tell about it! At first he encounters a huge culture shockand nearly throws in the towel only to find he came to the right place after all. In today’s “boots on the ground” story we see how a gringo can pay $160 a month rent and get a million (no billion) dollar view.   #5- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/    #6- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com   #7- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com   #8- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. 

#1- A Latin American “Cost of Living” update.Today we discuss the various types of Latin tiendas, stores and markets (mercados) and where you can get the very best deals on food, produce and common household goods.#2- When gringos and expats ask for and get good advice but don’t take it:It’s a recurring theme. Good advice is given and people don’t take it or it doesn’t seem to register. Many fresh green expats prefer to step in the same potholes over and over again intent on reinventing the wheel. That’s one big reason why you’ll hear occasional Latin bad luck stories from gringos. However, if you bother to dig deeper into the facts you’ll likely see some errors and fatal flaws were committed along the way. Gringos were warned but just didn’t heed the advice.#3- When “Gringo Prices” aren’t necessarily gringo prices (say what?)That ubiquitous term generally means paying more for something than the local Latinos do. Though it doesn’t necessarily mean paying first-world prices. Here’s the skinny…#4 The Lost Art of Reading:If you still read the old fashioned way (real books or ebooks) today we have some tips on how you can tap into free online stateside libraries for practically anything in the way of ebooks, movies, documentaries and audio-books.#5- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/#6- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com#7- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#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.

#1- Driving a vehicle through Latin American country borders:Ten tips and cautions to observe (and contemplate) before trying such a  fearless stunt.#2- In Belize the locals speak English. Cool huh? Well not so fast.That also means the locals hear every complaint, comment and slur that gringo tourists and Expats utter about their country, people and culture. In such a hot sweaty country with poor roads and a bad infrastructure, there’s much for persnickety gringos to bitch about. No wonder so many local Belizians really don’t like Americans much and why some take advantage of clueless gringos at every turn.#3- Is Cuba a good “Plan B: choice for Expats?Don’t be fooled by blogs and promotions extolling the pleasures of ex-patting to Cuba. There are some serious problems with the infrastructure, food supply and internet an you’ll never get citizenship and their passport is useless. Unless you like roughing it and don’t mind going 1950’s native, chances are you’ll have a good expensive time on a short vacation visit but will be terribly disappointed if you decide to stay for any extended length of time#4- Get “FAST SPANISH” second edition free! For a limited time you can get a copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/#5- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com#6- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com#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.

 THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #715, 12-03-2017 (SUN): #1- What gringos and expat needs to know about banking in Latin America: going beyond the basics. There are many unanswered questions and lots of misconceptions about Latin banking. Which are the best and safest? How do you open an account? What about on-line banking with Latin banks? How to maneuver through your bank’s website when its in Spanish? What about direct depositing pension, trust and social security checks? In today’s discussion we offer tips and suggestions about things you really have to know well in advance before you even walk in a bank to open a basic account. Plus we discuss some of the common “lost in translation” errors and the things that can go wrong as well as show how to minimize the frustrations that you are certain to encounter with bank personnel and online. #2- For a limited time you can get a free copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated “FAST SPANISH” second edition 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/ #3- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com #4- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com #5- 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.

#1- Will a previous bankruptcy filing affect your Latin American residency application? Might it disqualify you? What about having a DUI on your police or FBI “good conduct” report? Here’s the skinny…   #2- Residency Requirement problems: About those Police/Sheriff vs FBI reports, you’ll need one or the other. Today we explain why in some case its sooooo much better if your Latin country of choice requires a police/sheriff background check and NOT an FBI report for the residency application. Unfortunately more and more countries are switching to the FBI report as a requirement but it’s always much more strict. Soon all the Latin country residency programs will be jumping on the FBI bandwagon so you’d better get started now.   #3- Some people have elected for a “Plan B” in Southeast Asia. Today we discuss the pros cons and differences in that approach versus the Latin American “Plan B” solution.     #4- For a limited time you can get a free copy of Jack Brett’s newly updated “FAST SPANISH” second edition 100+ page pdf book by going to: theexpatfiles.com/fastspanish/    #5- Sign up for Johnny Mueller’s Latin American “Expat Insider” Seminar. The next one will take place on Sat, January 6th  through Thurs, January 11th  2018. Get on the earlybird list and get the info signup details by emailing Johnny at: theexpatfiles@gmail.com   # 6- Sign up for Johnny’s new “Expat Essentials Course”. Its step by step “Plan B”blueprint designed to help kick-start your own plan. See my video intro to the course now at www.ExpatPlanB.com    #7- Set up a one-on-one personal Phone/SKYPE consult with Johnny by first downloading the “Plan B” consult/questionnaire at www.TheNewExpat.com   #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.