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Navigating bureaucracy in any country is a nightmare—and Mexico is no exception.  However, after a while you slowly figure out how things work and you’re able to predict what roadblocks you’re going to run into…

Last week, I had a full dose of bureaucracy when I went to file my “declaración anual” (ie. Mexican tax return.) 

Filing a tax return in Mexico is much easier than filing a tax return in Canada—but it’s still not fun.  Most people just need to logon to the website and confirm all their information and then file their return right there.  However, to get your tax refund you need the interbank codes for your bank account—and if your refund is greater than a certain amount, you need to “digital sign” your return with a private key (PKI certificate) that is issued by the government.

Of course, I had neither so I had to make a visit to the bank to get my interbank codes (and at the same time I wanted to be setup with Internet access.)  However I was quickly told that my current bank account could not be setup with Internet access—so I had to go through the process of setting up a brand new account so that I could have internet access.  Of course I had to provide “proof of address” (the fact that I already had an account at the same bank and even gave them my bank card wasn’t sufficient—but I was ready for that.)  And in less than an hour I walked out with a new account, a security token for internet access and an extra 90 pesos (which I won when I deposited money into my new account.)

The next day was my appointment with the SAT to get my private key/PKI certificate so that I could file my tax return and receive my refund.  Once again a lot of paperwork, a USB key for my private keyfiles and about 15 minutes taking photos, scanning documents and then an electronic fingerprint of every finger on both hands (we’re talking serious security—the Mexican government now has more biometric data about me than the Canadian government.)

That night I was able to logon to my bank account and file my tax return!!!

Now I think I’ve been in Mexico for too long…

One of the things that I’ve learned living in Mexico is that availability of specialty foods can sometimes be unpredictable…..

Today I went to the Superama to buy some Dutch ‘speculaas’ cookies that we had bought there before—but was surprised to find that they no longer had them (or even my favorite LeClerc Chocolate-Raspberry cookies.)

However my disappointment didn’t last for too long as two aisles away from the cookie section I noticed some new beer being displayed—and front and centre was “Blanche de Chambly” (my favourite wit-bier—it’s actually better than Hoegaarden) with three other Unibroue beers located near by!!!!

Of course I couldn’t stop smiling and quickly grabbed a good selection for home consumption (as you never know how long it will be available for…)

Welcome to Mexico Unibroue…

Non-essential services have been shutdown here in Mexico since Friday, May 1—so things are really quiet right now.  Fortunately the closing of schools and businesses seems to have had the desired effect and the number of flu cases (and deaths) has dropped off significantly in the last five days (see graphic below.) 

An in-depth analysis/chronology of the flu epidemic so far can be found at:  http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1398445

It appears that things will start returning to normal tomorrow (although schools will remain closed until next week.) 

However, I’m still not sure when people will quit wearing their face masks (here in SLP they’ve been the de rigeur accessory for over a week.)

Source:  http://www.salud.gob.mx/unidades/dgcs/sala_noticias/discursos/PRESENTACION05MAYO09.pdf