José Soplanucas

I have always liked Brasil better than Argentina, more specifically Rio de Janeiro over any other Argentine destination. Being both countries part of the Mercosur, Argentines have a fast and simplified residence process. Brasil has a much more stable and reliable economy. I can access my money in the US more easily from Brasil. I am still working part time in the US, Rio de Janeiro is closer to the US. Rio is located closer to the center of South America, making it more convenient to travel around the subcontinent. Rio has GP saunas. The Carioca sexual culture is more enjoyable to me than their Argentine counterparts. Ultimately, Rio has been my happiest place the last 7 years, I wanted to live in my Happy Place.

Do not forget that US health care system is horrible. Many countries have a good to excellent public health care system. I have moved to Rio de Janeiro four months ago, and already have my legal residency. I am planning to depend mostly on the pubic health care system (absolutely free) and, in cases when I cannot afford waiting to get an appointment, pay full price to the professional/s. Prices without health insurance are often extremely competitive compared to the US. In the case I wanted to enroll in a health care private program, there are standard ones at about 250 bucks monthly, and premium ones at about 500. Not only professional health care services are affordable, but also medication. Right now, I am taking two pills daily, one for my thyroid and one for my cholesterol. I can buy them in any pharmacy without a medical prescription, cheaper than what I was paying in the US, with a good medical insurance from my job. They give away the pills for PrEP and Doxy like candy. Every single boy I am meeting is on PrEP for free. If I wanted to get tested (I am about to have my first experience), all I have to do is to state my need to be tested for STDs. They have instant tests that give you the results in a few minutes. Again, all for free. Next year I will be turning 65, and will have additionally the option to enroll in Medicare in the US. If I wanted/needed, flying from Rio to the US is easy. I am meeting people in the expats community here, and often they take advantage of their trips back to the US to connect with family to use their Medicare in American soil. And I think the same I am saying about Brazil, can be said about many Latin American countries. Sometimes at a higher price, like in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, but always with many high quality alternatives to take care of your health. Before making my decision to settle in Brazil, my plan was having Argentina as my base. I was paying the health plan of the Hospital Aleman, an excellent medical institution, at 450 bucks monthly.

Well, you need to have a moral compass to feel guilt.

Mmmmm... I see someone had to deal with his penis breath.

Always from LPSG

It is true that the sentiment against tourists rising local rent prices is not only against Americans. @Vegas_Millennial mentions NYC, but also San Francisco, LA and Honolulu have legislated to limit short rents, as a response to their increasing unpopularity. In European cities the situation is similar, and the animosity is not addressed against US visitors but against visitors in general. That said, there is an unquestionable rise in anti-American sentiments around the world as a reaction to the current administration policies in the US, as measured by multiple polls. However, I agree that you should not expect any uncomfortable situations if you are kind, empathic, and avoid discussing politics. The way how this anti-American feeling expresses the most is not by people being unkind or violent towards US citizens visiting other countries, but rather by foreigners avoiding to travel to the US. Anyone can make a quick google search and find that the incoming tourism has significantly dropped to the US, specially from Canada and Europe. So, Americans should not be afraid of visiting other countries; it is the people from other countries who are increasingly afraid or not interested in visiting the US.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B4BJ5chzE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

White Americans are not popular right now in many places around the globe, but if you are kind and far from stereotypes, I am sure you will not have any bad experiences.

BYOB Bring Your Own Blanket.

IMG_9278.MOV

LPSG

You do not need to stay away. You need to be smart and act carefully, just like in all other platforms and "real" places. The world is full of scammers.

Just in case you are visiting Medellín. VIDEO-2026-04-01-11-09-00.mp4

Always from LPSG