The Expat Files - Low Profile - 08/27/12

-Some more info on that screwy RFID chip in your passport.

- Remember, it’s a $5k fine (and maybe even jail time) if you bend, staple, mutilate, put “smiley faces” or Jesus stickers on your passport…., that is, unless you’re a Mormon.

-One of the secrets to being a happy, stress free expat (stress free, compared to you poor guys up in Cleveland) is to work a bit at maintaining a low profile. That means minimizing your physical and internet footprint. Now for a few easy steps to begin the process,Sasquatch.

- What happens if you are living happy as clam in the Latin American paradise of your choice, and suddenly find out you’re being sued by someone out of your first world past? In other words, some legal eagle in Cleveland is taking steps to attach your business assets and all you’ve accumulated down in Peru or the Dominican Republic.

-You cannot be punished, or even extradited from a Latin American county for so-called US tax crimes. That’s because most US tax crimes are NOT considered crimes at all in the Latin third world and therefore have no basis for trial or prosecution there. However, if you’re a big high-profile fish and the US really wants to nail you, the US Financial Crimes Division just might get dirty and accuse you of money laundering- an international crime these days- just to get you nabbed and extradited (guilty or not)

-A word about Rolexes, convertibles, sportscars, Corvettes and other completely idiotic things you should never even consider owning in Latin America.

-Now you can follow the link on the main page at www.expatwisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one.