The Expat Files: Living in Latin America

THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #1520 FRI, AUG 14 (08-14-26): 14.08.2026 28นาที

Johnny announces his next one-week Latin American Insider seminar in Guatemala and El Salvador (November 14–20, 2026). He observes that most small tiendas, mini-marts, and wholesale businesses across Latin America are owned by Chinese and Koreans. Large chain stores like La Torre, Costco, and Walmart are owned by wealthy Latino families, while smaller scruffier shops are Asian-owned. Hardware stores (ferreterías) are a rare exception rarely owned by Asians due to the specialized product knowledge required. Asians are described as highly industrious, frugal, and work long hours, rarely spending on restaurants, bars, or vacations except for nice cars. Latinos generally do not resent Asian business dominance and would not trade places with them because of cultural differences in spending and lifestyle. Johnny strongly recommends using the “hidden wallet” feature with an extra passphrase on Ledger or Trezor cold wallets for better security after recent hacks. He reviews median fixed broadband speeds in Latin America, with Chile leading at 335 Mbps and Cuba at the bottom with only 4 Mbps. Prescription drugs (including Viagra, pain meds, opioids, and now GLP-1s) are widely available without a prescription at many mom-and-pop pharmacies despite official rules. Ecuadorian authorities have seized over 20,000 motorcycles since 2021 for lack of plates, registration, or licenses, which Johnny celebrates. Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "2026 - LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1519 FRI, AUG 07 (08-07-26) 12.08.2026 28นาที

· Avoid Facebook expat groups — they create a dependency bubble full of know-it-alls, sellers, and political ranting. · WhatsApp is essential in Latin America; without it you’re basically cut off from daily life. · Machetes are common and rarely used for crime except crimes of passion. · Cleaning staff often salvage useful items from your trash and may open their purses for inspection when leaving. · Most toilets are cemented rather than properly bolted to the floor to save time and money. · Cheap steel screws rust rapidly in the tropics; stainless steel is rarely used by local contractors. · Peruvian flute bands mysteriously appear in every tourist-heavy park around the world selling CDs no one will ever play. · Boa constrictors almost never kill people, but venomous snakes still cause several hundred deaths a year in Latin America, especially in rural areas. Be sure to pick up my newly updated, “2026 – LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT”: The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest “Stem Cell Clinic” info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

Expat Files - #1518 FRI, JULY 31 (07-31-26): 31.07.2026 28นาที

#1- More on that crazy Guatemalan Jade mining story: #2- Proof why Latin American governments can never be trusted: Oh, and the US govt is even worse…. #3- The problem with Miami mailbox forwarding services: #4- What you never knew about your Latin American electric bill: #5- Why buying a hybrid car is NEVER recommended: #6- How newbee green gringos are easily misled by woke Fakebook gringo expats sites: #7- More proof that only corrupt people need run for Latin American political office: The question is… are the candidates just a little corrupt or a lot corrupt? #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "2026 - LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1517, FRI, JULY 24 - 07-24-26: 24.07.2026 28นาที

#1- DYK that severe Air B&B restrictions are in the works in most all Latin American countries? So, as govts. crack down, Gringos and expats must be aware that owning an Airbnb is NOT a long term good or sure investment anymore... #2- DYK Costa Rica has double the minimum wage of most all other Latin American countries, and they enforce it: That means in the rest of Latin America you can get 2 cleaning ladies for the price of a single Costa Rican maid… #3- What laws do Latin American cops actually crack down on or seem to enforce? #4- Homeowner’s insurance policies in Latin America: #5- Emotional support animals and their whimpy owners in Argentina: #6- About that rat's nest of wires you're seeing on the nearest power pole: #7- My Book Review of a brand new must read called, “ THE GRINGO ADVANTAGE” Finally… there is an actual no BS step by step guide to getting out of dodge... #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "2026 - LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1516, FRI, JULY 17 (07-17-26) 17.07.2026 28นาที

#1- Dumb and dumber in Latin America: #2- A word about physical books and bookstores in Latin America: #3- What you really need to know about phone and internet plans in Latin America: #4- What the Narcoculture influence has done to women in Mexico: #5- Emotional support animals and their wimpy owners in Argentina: #6- The downsides of having a Latina GF: #7- Latino male complaints about American Gringas: #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "2026 - LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1515, FRI, JULY 10 (07-10-26): 10.07.2026 28นาที

#1- To be fat or obese in Latin America: #2- Ozempic and GLP-1’s have arrived in Latin America: Is that a good or bad thing? Do the locals even understand it? #3- Brownouts, blackouts and power outages in Latin America AND the USA: Are you prepared to suffer or will you just put up with it? #4- Why its absolutely time to go solar and off-grid no matter where you live: Why the payback time period is worth the initial cost… #5- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "2026 - LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

The Expat Files: #1514, FRI, JULY 03 (07-03-26) 08.07.2026 28นาที

Descriptions - #1- When your rudimentary Spanish suddenly allows you to hear things you are not supposed to hear: #2- Living super cheap in the Latin American boonies: #3- The govt in Ecuador is more corrupt than you can imagine: #4- So many little daily irritations have such simple solutions that are never addressed: #5- The #1 crime (by far) committed against individuals in Latin America is..... #6- What do most American women who fly down to Latin America for plastic surgery (BBL’s, etc) have in common- besides wanting an improved butt and a thinner waist #7- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "2026 - LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1513, FRI, JUNE 26 (06-26-26): 26.06.2026 28นาที

#1- The preponderance of hacks and data breaches in Latin America and how they affect gringos and Expats: #2- Scammers impersonating me trying to sell crap in my name: #3- The Latin American / Miami real estate connection is real: #4- Envy, jealosy and snobbery in Latin America: #5- The simple thing that most all successful Expats have in common: #6- You don’t ever want a Latino, or especially a Latina, to refer to you as a “papa sin sal” #7- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "2026- LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com

The Expat Files: #1512, FRI, JUNE 19 (06-19-26): 19.06.2026 28นาที

#1- What do Expat Files listeners have in common? #2- When legal Latinos living in the USA throw in the towel, get out of dodge, and move back to their home country: #3- Latin American “sweatshop” realities; #4- Lotteries in Latin America: Who wins? #5- DYK that Ecuador is on its 7th round of curfew lockdowns, all of that in just the last two and half years? Meanwhile, Ecuador is forever touted by so-called USA retirement experts as a top choice for retiring expats… how do you square that? #6- Why does every scumbag Latin American politician say he loves El Salvador’s Bukele and his measures yet none of these other shit-bag politicians has yet to implement any Bukele’s ideas: #7- The rapidly accelerating sad fate of Latin America’s 2.5 million call center workers: #8- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #9- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1511, FRI, JUNE 12 (06-12-26) 12.06.2026 28นาที

#1- What about becoming an Expat in Portugal? Yes, if you've noticed, in the last few years expat rags and social media have been promoting Portugal as a great Plan B. Well, sorry to say, unless you have a nice fat nest- egg or great pension above and beyond social security you will never make ends meet. #2- The truth about modern-day backpackers: You might be surprised to hear that in today's world it’s not like the backpacking days of old… #3- 1st World American women neuroticisms versus 3rd World Latina neuroticisms: They're on a totally different scale... #4- How will you react when your Latina girlfriend asks to scroll through and inspect YOUR smart phone? #5- How Expats and gringos are handling the continuing power outages in Ecuador (or not): #6- Why suddenly, many of those expensive private bilingual helicopter schools are in trouble and closing: #7- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1510, FRI, JUNE 05 (06-05-26): 05.06.2026 28นาที

#1- When Gringo Expats in Latin America exhibit stupid and asinine behavior: #2- TDS- Trump Derangement Syndrome in Latin America: Funny how Latinos don’t seem to exhibit it, but a certain percentage of Gringo Expats and tourists certainly do… #3- How to instantly confirm that you have been stupid about your tattoos: #4- The huge, recent 16-million-person data and credit card hack in Ecuador: #5- More on the frequent electrical power outages in Latin America: #6- The problem with Jade stones in Guatemala: #7- Meanwhile, as we lucky expats watch the USA train derail from a nice, safe distance…. #8- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #9- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

Expat Files - 5-29-26 29.05.2026 28นาที

Hey Guys, use this audio attached please, the one I sent earlier today was missing the intro and exit bit.. but this one is complete.. sorry about that but I'm on vacation in the Mediterranean and the connections and circumstances are a bit crude...................... Descriptions - THE EXPAT FILES SHOW #1509, FRI, MAY 29 (05-29-26): #1- A word about “influencers” and other internet beggars: #2- DYK the hantavirus that’s been all over the news lately actually was first detected in Argentina a half century ago? Even in that country of 40 million people it's been around a long time and only kills a handful of super old and immune compromised people each year- so Argentines think the rest of the world is completely nuts for worrying about it. So much for another big pharma false start on the next Plandemic. #3- Do Chinese solar products spy on you? Since 95% of panels, inverters and batteries come from China, should you worry? #4- Poisoned and enabled by “Remissas”; How certain Latinos back home start viewing their so-called “wealthy” relatives up in the states as human ATM machines. It was only a matter of time… and human nature... #5- Some hints and tips on what type of maid or cleaning lady you should NEVER consider hiring!! #6- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #7- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1508, FRI, MAY 22 (05-22-26) 22.05.2026 28นาที

#1- When Gringo Expats in Latin America get bored with their lives: #2- Tips concerning Electrical Appliances (you will thank me for later) when you finally go solar and get off the grid : #3- How to instantly confirm that you have been stupid about your Amazon purchases: #4- The two most dependable and available solar power inverter brand(s) I recommend for use in Latin America: #5- Ever wonder how often Amazon stuff gets damaged in shipping once it lands in Latin America? After all, your stuff has been on a hell of a long trip and tossed around by many sets of brutish handlers… #6- Some Aduana tips and hacks to avoid or reduce import taxes: #7- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1507, FRI, MAY 15 (05-15-26): 15.05.2026 28นาที

#1- When an Expat in Latin America owns property, what happens to it when he or she dies? #2- You won’t believe the strange peculiarities of Latino inheritance laws: #3- “Point of use” tankless versus tank water heaters: A discussion of the only type of water heater you should consider for use in Latin America… #4- The truth about solar power backup versus LP gas or diesel backup generators: #5- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #6- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1506, FRI, MAY 08 (05-8-26) 08.05.2026 28นาที

Descriptions - EXPAT FILES SHOW #1506, FRI, MAY 08 (05-8-26): #1- “Karens” in Latin America: #2- Having a bad neighbor in Latin America: #3- Don’t make this shortsighted Hybrid car mistake: #4- Sorting out Latin American “cost of living” myths: #5- What you need to know about Latin America salaries: #6- What is really "middle class" in Latin America? #7- How all classes of Latinos have learned to live in the moment: #8- When Expats LIE to you, or put spin on the reasons they pack it in and throw in the towel: #9- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

The Expat Files: Living in America - 5-1-26 01.05.2026 28นาที

#1- Latina girls and a particular testy problem that arises when they are at work and when attending university: #2- Churches, temples and mosques in Latin America: #3- About those Muslim populations in Latin America: #4- Using WAZE in Latin America: #5- You need to know about power blackouts in Latin America: #6- Backup generators in Latin America: Should you get one? #7- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1504, FRI, APR 24 (04-24-26): 24.04.2026 28นาที

#1- Common folk “credit plans” in Latin America #2- Home mortgages in Latin America: #3- My personal internet regrets: #4- The surprising, somewhat amazing, Latin American birthrate and life expectancy dats: #5- The fate of expired food and medicines in Latin America: #6- Going off the grid -Part 3 #7- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com #8- Be sure to pick up my newly updated, "LATIN AMERICAN HEALTHCARE REPORT": The new edition for 2026 (and beyond) is available now, including the latest "Stem Cell Clinic" info and data and my top picks for the best treatment centers for expats and gringos. Just go to www.ExpatPlanB.com and click on the "Latin American Healthcare Report”.

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1503, FRI, APR 17 (04-17-26) 17.04.2026 28นาที

#1- Buried in debt and credit is normal for Latinos: Yet, they are still the happiest people in the world… #2- Living “off the utility grid” in Latin America: #3- EV myths and hypocrisies: #4- Rooftop solar water heaters- Why I changed my mind about them: #5- The trouble with being troubled by not learning Spanish fast enough… and feeling like a dolt: #6- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1502, FRI, APR 10 (04-10-26): 10.04.2026 28นาที

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1502, FRI, APR 10 (04-10-26): #1- Biometric fears in Mexico- PART 2: #2- What you need to know about owning a cell phone in Latin America: #3- Poor Latinos who are not poor by their own standards: Living well on 3 bucks a day out in the boonies… #4- There’s an infertility epidemic in Latin America: Who would have thought this was possible… #5- Amazon deliveries in Latin America: The company you love to hate… #6- The worst commercial airlines in Latin America: #7- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com

EXPAT FILES SHOW #1501, FRI, APR 03 (04-03-26): 06.04.2026 28นาที

Descriptions - EXPAT FILES SHOW #1501, FRI, APR 03 (04-03-26): #1- Did you know that in Latin America there are a huge variety of Tacos you cannot eat: #2- Gringo expats and their often stubborn music tastes : #3- Latinos who actually think they are from New York or Mijami: #4- A word about those slick teak farm investments so many trusting gringos get suckered into: #5- The dope on travelling outside the USA if one has a felony on his record: #6- Our own Expat Captain Mango has developed a unique one-on-one Crypto consulting and training service (he’s been deep into crypto since 2013). To get started, email him at: bewarecaptainmango@gmail.com