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

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

Author: Progressive Radio Network August 14, 2026 Duration: 28:00
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                  

Ever wondered what it actually takes to build a life far from familiar shores? The Expat Files: Living in Latin America moves beyond glossy travel brochures and dives into the nuanced, daily realities of making a home across the border. Hosted by longtime resident John Mueller, this podcast from the Progressive Radio Network offers an honest, ground-level view. Conversations here explore the complexities of navigating new bureaucracies, finding community, and the subtle cultural shifts that define an expatriate experience. You’ll hear from people who’ve made the leap-some for work, others seeking retirement, many just chasing a different rhythm of life. Each episode unpacks practical challenges alongside personal reflections, covering everything from local business etiquette and housing markets to the simple joy of discovering a neighborhood mercado. It’s a resource for the curious and a companion for those already packing their bags, stripping away the romance to reveal the authentic, sometimes messy, always fascinating process of adaptation. Tune in for stories that are less about postcards and more about the profound, everyday adventure of planting roots in a new world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 36

The Expat Files: Living in Latin America
Podcast Episodes
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1510, FRI, JUNE 05 (06-05-26): [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#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…
Expat Files - 5-29-26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
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 cir…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1508, FRI, MAY 22 (05-22-26) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#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 th…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1507, FRI, MAY 15 (05-15-26): [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#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:…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1506, FRI, MAY 08 (05-8-26) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
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…
The Expat Files: Living in America - 5-1-26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#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…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1504, FRI, APR 24 (04-24-26): [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#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…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1503, FRI, APR 17 (04-17-26) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#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…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1502, FRI, APR 10 (04-10-26): [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
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: Livin…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1501, FRI, APR 03 (04-03-26): [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
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- Latino…