Expat Files – 06.19.16

Descriptions for The ExPat Files Show #571

#1- Details on Panama’s new “Friendly Nations” residency program: Since 2014 Panama has designated fifty so-called “friendly” nations whose citizens now get a preferential fast-track to permanent residency. Sounds great but there are still many unforeseen hoops to jump through and a lot of red tape. BTW: what idiot still believes the US is a “friendly” nation?

#2–Tips on contracting maids and cleaning ladies:

Number one- you just don’t hire one, give her a mop and a bucket and let her get cracking. That can be a recipe for disaster.

#3-Tips on Gold/Silver purchases and metal shipping in Latin America:

Some Gringos and Expats think it’s difficult and nearly impossible to have a backup stash of precious metals in Latin America. Many also think the logistics of moving their metals from the states to the 3rd world insurmountable. Its simply not true…

#4-Metals storage vaults outside US are all the rage with people who consider themselves alternative thinkers. Today we have first hand stories regarding foreign country vault and safety deposit storage. Tales that just might scare you into burying your goods in your own back yard(still a good idea)

#5-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and sort out your own specific Latin American “PLAN- B”. Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Visit me Johnny(and expat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 – LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR

Held in and around Guatemala, Central America- “off the Gringo tourist trail”, Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)

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

Expat Files – 06.10.16

#1- When Gringos apply for residency and/or citizenship/passport in their new Latin country- do they really need to be fluent in Spanish? Well the forms are all in Spanish, as well the questions immigration authorities will ask. To get through it ok, at what level of Spanish might you reasonably get by? Remember, there‘s no such thing as press #1 for “Ingles”, in Latin America!

#2– Here’s a question: how would your morale stand up if you were a public school teacher/professor and your government’s dept. of education was 6 months in arrears on your paycheck? Nope, nothing new down here. Par for the course for all things public in Latin America

#3- Even the most “average” stateside gringo knows there’s something bad coming in the USA. Though right now its like the calm before the storm. Meanwhile 95% of Americans keep their heads down and continue to spin endlessly on the treadmills. Oh, but when asked what they’ll do when TSHTF most say they’ll have a plan by then. For now they’re mostly thinking about planning to get a plan. But you’re not one of those types, right? Your plan “B” is well under way, correct?

#4- You can buy the latest computers and smart gadgets in Latin America, especially if you live near a decent sized city. When you purchase electronics you’ll get the ususal guarantees/warranties too. However, except for US store branches like Sears, Office Depot and Costco, etc., Latin warranty service is only fair to dismal. Bottom line, don’t assume your flat-screen TV warranty is as advertised. So then, should you buy big ticket items at Sears or Costco so just for the sake of the solid warranties? Today we tackle that theme and more..

#5-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and sort out your own specific Latin American “PLAN- B”. Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- Visit me Johnny(and expat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR
Held in and around Guatemala, Central America- “off the Gringo tourist trail”, Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)
http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Expat Files – 05.29.16

#1-Will you be rich in Latin America? In Latin America just what is the definition of rich? What income is considered middle class? ….or upper-middle class?

#2–Sad but true, IQ’s in the states, Latin America and around the world have been deteriorating steadily since the 1960’s. Meanwhile, we are all perennial optimists and think we’re smarter and better off financially than we actually are…

#3-Some current examples of how Latin TV and the media are thoroughly brainwashing their youth

#4-Solar hot water heating, phasing out LP gas and getting off the grid in Latin America

#5-Why is it that most all “Do-Gooder” organizations and other non-transparent so-called “charities” don’t pass the smell test? Meanwhile “good hearted” gringos keep getting fooled and sucked in again and again…

#6-Consult with Johnny- Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and sort out your own specific Latin American “PLAN- B”. Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#7- Visit me Johnny(and expat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR
Held in and around Guatemala, Central America- “off the Gringo tourist trail”, Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)
http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Expat Files – 05.20.16

#1- Working “Off the Books” in Latin America: The poop on gringos and Expats working under the Latin tax radar.

#2– In their home countries, local Latins are experts at evading taxes – It’s a region where tax evasion is the national sport.

#3- Don’t believe it when a web search reveals certain tax rates – Personal or otherwise – In any particular Latin country. In reality they are much, lower and here’s why…

#4-In Latin America, Labor unions have not gone the way of the dodo like they’ve done in the states – In fact quite the opposite. Here’s the scoop…

#5- For many years poor Nicaraguans have been slipping illegally into Costa Rica looking for jobs and a better life. Working class Costa Ricans don’t like it one bit (Sound Familiar?) and are actively seeking them out and having them deported

#6- Be sure to check out “The ExPat Files” You Tube Channel: become a subscriber (it’s free!)

#7 – Consult with Johnny – Schedule a cell or Skype call: Set up a time to talk and sort out your own specific Latin American “Plan – B.” Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#8- Visit me Johnny (and ExPat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR
Held in and around Guatemala, Central America- “off the Gringo tourist trail”, Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)
http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Expat Files – 05.08.16

#1 – What you need to know about water and your own personal water supply in Latin America

#2 – Decades ago, many young gringos came down to Latin America for a month or two, determined to save the world. Now Flash forward to 216: They’re older and wiser but still have traces of that “Do gooder instinct.” After years stress and slogging away on the US treadmill, They’ve had it and want to retire back in Latin America – Hoping to recapture the simple, rustic life they recall from so long ago. But 30 years is a long time… It’s not colds showers, coconuts, campfires and coleman lanterns anymore

#3 – Language dunces unite!! Some lucky Expats (Maybe 10%) pick up foreign languages with ridiculous ease… Damn, don’t you just hate people like that? Unfortunately most gringos, like yours truly, are born language dunces. So until someone invents a language pill, we continue to struggle on. However, the good news is that I’ve personally stumbled on some great, simple, unorthodox tips for language blockheads like me. So today you’ll be hearing about some big time and aggravation savers that I wish I had discovered decades ago.

#4 – Be sure to check out my “ExPat Files” You Tube Channel: become a subscriber (it’s free!)

#5 – Consult with Johnny – Schedule a cell or skype call: Would you like to set up a time to talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans? Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6 – Visit me, Johnny and (ExPat super blogger John Galt) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR
Held in and around Guatemala, Central America- “off the Gringo tourist trail”, Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)
http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Expat Files – 05.06.16

#1–SOME EXPAT GONNABEES ARE CONSIDERING URUGUAY AS THEIR “PLAN B” EXIT STRATEGY. TODAY WE’VE GOT THE DOPE ON WHAT IT TAKES TO GET URUGUAYAN RESIDENCY. YES, IT USED TO BE FAST, CHEAP AND EASY BUT AFTER LISTENING TO TODAY’S SHOW YOU MAY CHANGE YOUR MIND

#2- BY NOW YOU PROBABLY KNOW GRINGOS AND EXPATS NEED A CLEAN POLICE/SHERIFF/OR FBI REPORT TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY IN ANY LATIN COUNTRY. WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW IS AFTER THAT TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY PERIOD RUNS ITS COURSE YOU’LL NEED ANOTHER POLICE REPORT TO MOVE ON TO THE PASSPORT AND NATIONALIZATION STEP. YOU’LL NEED TO GET ONE FROM YOUR CHOSEN LATIN COUNTRY. NORMALLY NOT A PROBLEM. BUT WHAT IF SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE YOU END UP WITH A STAIN ON THAT POLICE RECORD(LIKE A DUI)? WHAT THEN?

#3 – GRINGOS AND EXPATS DO GET BORED WITH LOCAL LATIN ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTED SOLELY IN SPANISH. AFTER A WHILE MOST OF US DO GET CRAVINGS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TALENT, FOR EXAMPLE: FIRST RATE STAGE PLAYS IN ENGLISH AND GOOD OLD-FASHIONED “ROCK CONCERTS” IN ENGLISH. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THESE DAYS, ORIGINAL ARTIST ENGLISH SPEAKING GROUPS DO TOUR LATIN AMERICA RATHER FREQUENTLY. THAT SAID, TODAY WE HAVE THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY IN THE ENGLISH LIVE MUSIC CONCERT CRAVINGS DEPARTMENT…

#4- BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY “EXPAT FILES” YOU TUBE CHANNEL: become a subscriber (it’s free!)

#5- CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like to set up a time to talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans? Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#6- VISIT ME JOHNNY(AND EXPAT SUPER BLOGGER JOHN GALT) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

SIGNUP FOR JOHNNY’S JULY 2016 LATIN AMERICAN “INSIDER” SEMINAR:
It will be held in and around Guatemala, Central America “off the Gringo tourist trail”, from Saturday July 9th thru Thursday July 14th. Click the link on top of the www.TheNewExpat.com main-page or email: theexpatfiles@gmail.com or, or click on the link below (or paste it in your browser)
http://thenewexpat.com/johnnys-july-2016-latin-american-insider-seminar/

Expat Files – 04.29.16

#1 –TIPS FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THE SYSTEM IN THE STATES (O’VOMITCARE?) AND WHO WISH TO VOTE WITH THEIR FEET AND RELOCATE TO LATIN AMERICA

#2-HAVE A LATIN BUSINESS STARTUP IN MIND? YOU”LL WANT TO HEAR THESE QUICK, EASY AND VERY CHEAP WAYS TO PROMOTE AND MARKET IT

#3 – “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT…THIS COULD NEVER HAPPEN IN THE STATES”… I HEAR SIMILAR EXCLAMATIONS FROM NEW EXPATS AND GRINGOS ALL OF THE TIME

#4- “SEX SELLS”.. YOU’LL BE SURPRISED AT THE TRUE EXTENT OF THE LATIN MACHO SOCIETY AND WHAT ADVERTISERS CAN GET AWAY WITH

#5- “SICARIO” IS THE NAME OF A MUST SEE MOVIE FOR ALL WHO STILL THINK MOVING TO MEXICO IS A GOOD PLAN “B”

#6-DID YOU KNOW THAT MOST PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THE LATIN MEDIA BUSINESS STILL LIVE WITH THEIR PARENTS? HERE’S WHY…

#7-BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE “EXPAT FILES” YOU TUBE CHANNEL: become a subscriber (it’s free!)

#8- CONSULT WITH JOHNNY- SCHEDULE A CELL OR SKYPE CALL: Would you like to set up a time to talk and sort out your own specific Latin American plans? Just write “CONSULT” in the subject line with a short list of questions/talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

#9- VISIT ME JOHNNY(AND EXPAT SUPER BLOGGER JOHN GALT) at www.TheNewExpat.com where you get real “boots on the ground” info, experienced expat blogs and terrific one-of-kind reports.

Expat Files – 04.15.16

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN EXPATS VOTE WITH THEIR FEET AND DECIDE TO BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY ALONG?:
– It’s true that most Gringos and Expats who vote with their feet and make the move to Latin America are either young, single (usually men), empty nesters, or retirees. However a there is a small, determined and growing percentage of Gringos and Expats who decide to bring their whole family down. That means very young kids and sometimes grandma and grandpa too. Today we talk about some concerns that parents of young children have as they piece together their own “Plan B” – the eventual permanent relocation of the family to Latin America.

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? IN LATIN AMERICA A FIRST-WORLD STYLE HOUSE CAN BE BUILT FOR $25 TO $35 A SQUARE FOOT, WHEREAS IN THE USA THE AVERAGES IS ABOUT $125 A SQUARE FOOT.
– You can build your Latin American dream house for a quarter of those stateside prices too… and today we’ll discuss the how’s and why’s…

INTERVIEW WITH AN EXPAT TAX PREPARER- PART THREE:
– Today, April 15th we have Part Three of our interview with a professional Expat tax preparer. He lives in Medellin, Colombia and knows the peculiarities of Expats and US taxes. Today we’ll ask more Expat tax questions.

Expat Files – 04.10.16

CAUTION!! EXPATS ARE BUYING INTO A REAL ESTATE BUBBLE AT IT’S PEAK- MOST WILL LOSE AND NEVER CASH OUT:

Unfortunately, a good percentage of Gringos and Expats in Latin America have bought (or are buying) into the peak of the Latin Real estate bubble. How would they even know? Yes, everyone wants their little piece of paradise and as long as Latin vacation properties are remain cheaper than US vacation properties (not necessarily so) they think they’d better buy in now. A few short years ago buying Latin real estate seemed like such a no brainer but all things must end.., and this one will end badly. Bubbles that over-expand will deflate, bottom out and burn the last suckers in. Sure, some Gringo buyers who got in early found they could flip properties over and over at nice profits… and those stories help drive the bubble as greater fools rush in. Few if any recognize the ominous signs even now (bubble sign in itself). Even this late in the game fools still trickle in but NOT rushing in like they used to. Meanwhile, many fools are find they’re stuck, cash poor, in too deep, with too many properties and too few new suckers…

-INTERVIEW WITH AN EXPAT TAX PREPARER- PART TWO:

Today we have Part TWO of an interview with a profession Expat tax preparer who has over 600 Expat clients. He lives in Medellin, Colombia and knows the peculiarities of Expats and US taxes. We’ll ask him the tax questions that most concern Expats.

When it comes to Expats and US taxes, the most knowledgeable and best equipped tax preparers are generally long term Expats who advertise in the local Latin country they live in and thus provide face to face service. Caution! Your neighborhood tax guy in Cleveland probably hasn’t a single Expat client (except you maybe?). You don’t want to be his guinea pig.

Expat Files – 04.03.16

SOME GRINGOS AND EXPATS NEVER LEARN:

A high percentage of Gringos and Expats living in Latin America still believe in the American Republi-Rat political system. Talk about clueless Gringos! It’s a good thing most of those “brain lost” types are found living “on the gringo tourist trail”…and for me its reason number 4536 why I recommend living “off the tourist trail”. Here’s the scoop on that travesty…

-HOW LATIN AMERICANS VIEW AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:

Historically, Latins couldn’t care one frijole about US politics. However, for the first time ever local Latins are paying extreme attention to the race. The only issue for Latins here is immigration of course and today you’ll find out the crap the Latin media is spreading and hoe the locals are reacting…

-NOT ALL LATINS HATE TRUMP:

You’ll be surprised to hear that most upscale and wealthy Latins American secretly hope Trump wins. Why? Because they’re embarrassed and shamed by the negative stereotypes created by those who have slipped into the US illegally. Many Latins with dough and education actually want Trump to build a wall to keep then sweaty masses out. Wealthy Latins are very classist and hate that white-bread US citizens seem to paint all classes Latins with the same negative brush.

-BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE “EXPAT FILES” YOU TUBE CHANNEL: become a subscriber (it’s free!)

-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 write “CONSULT” in the subject line and send a short list of your questions and talking points to: theexpatfiles@gmail.com

-Visit me Johnny (and Expat super-blogger John Galt) at our new joint website www.TheNewExpat.com . It’s 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.