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
The Expat Files: Living in Latin America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
Descriptions - EXPAT FILES SHOW #1490, FRI, JAN 16 (01-16-26): #1- What Latin American Spanish rags are saying about the Maduro capture: Here’s what 1st world captured media won’t tell you… #2- The “macho” culture restau…
The Expat Files: Living In Latin America - 1.9.26 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#1- The Maduro capture and after effects in a few words: #2- Gringos looking for love in Latin America: #3- Why do so many beautiful Latina women have unattractive, low-value husbands and boyfriends? #4- How to lose 2 po…
The Expat Files: Living in South America - Episode 1488 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
Descriptions - EXPAT FILES SHOW #1488, FRI, JAN 02 (01-02-26): #1- What expats need to know about Chat GPT and other AI platforms: #2- Expat Insider seminar stories that will amaze you: #3- When the will to “get out of d…
The Expat Files: Living in Latin America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#1- The ins and outs and proper steps to having your SS check deposited in your Latin American Bank Account: #2- Why despite your natural resistance and repusion to brain numbing USA buerocracy …you really need to set up…
EXPAT FILES SHOW #1486 - 12-19-25 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
#1- 3rd world optimism versus reality: #2- Why 3rd world countries remain 3rd world as 1st world countries slwly slip into 3rd world status: #3- How Latinos score on the big 5 personality traits as compared to gringos an…