jefe_

I had a Pajero Jr. for a while in Uganda, great small SUV. Had no idea I was driving a little wanker.

I like the analogy, and eagerly await the arrival of a software rentier state.

You can't even just buy Adobe Creative Suite anymore, you must subscribe, and even then it's Adobe CC not a versioned CS3, CS6, or w/e so they can get away with peddling mediocrity for years without the proof of innovation a version-based system requires. Similar deal with Microsoft, I pay them whatever a month for Office 365 because I couldn't figure out how to just buy the office suite. The other day I saw that Office 2016 is out, great, since I'm subscribing that should be pushed to me, right? I spent several minutes attempting to understand when and how I would receive 2016 and then just gave up. Not a very consumer friendly environment, at least for consumers who are trying to be good and pay for their software.

The first time I tried to send money on moneygram to a real friend in Uganda, I had to jump through many of these hoops, speaking with a real moneygram representative on the phone. How do you know this person? Have you met this person face to face? Why are you sending this person money? It was annoying so I made my answers as vague as possible. He's a friend. Yes I've met the person. It's for sports equipment. They wanted real answers though and kept probing until finally I started explaining the drive from Kampala to the North I would take if I wanted to deliver the money myself and they were like ok you can send. I was sort of hoping to go from the scammed? queue to the whoa maybe terror financier? tier (where the questions are likely more interesting) but that did not happen which is probably for the best.

Son: "He didn't used to be the Prime Minister of the UK, he IS the Prime Minister of the UK."

Dad: "Learn some respect and dial back your certainty or I'll install an app to do it for you!"

A few notes based on my experiences:

1. Decide who you want to be in your new country, and be that person from absolute day one. Changes of setting are one of the most effective ways to end bad habits and start new ones. Want to wake up for sunrise and jog on the beach every day? Start the habit from day one.

2. 'Visa-Runs,' do work many places outside of N. America/Europe, but they must be done religiously. Miss one, and you could face massive penalties.

3. Go with a business to maintain, not a business idea to build, and be sure to have a strong support team in the U.S., and at least a handful of well-enough connected friends in the country you choose.

4. It's really tough to choose an International Health Insurance plan, but don't let the vast array of options deter you from doing so. Sure, health costs are low in many places, but a plan with MedEvac benefits included can really provide added peace of mind.

5. Make friends with motorcycle or taxi drivers, and pay them very well. These guys are the eyes and ears of the city you have made home, and being on their good side is very beneficial, and enjoyable.

6. Compensate for time differences with prompt and reliable communication. People learn not to expect responses from you right away, but if you can establish a system where clients and partners know there will be a response in their inbox by the time they wake up, the distance is less noticeable.

7. It's not easy, but can be an incredible lifestyle for those who go 'all in.'