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getting the screws put on me - pianoheat - 02-15-2013
Got construction inspectors asking for bribes and really nitpicking because I refuse to pay them off. They are coming to my house invading privacy and making my life miserable. their most recent complaint is a 1 meter area that shows construction but has none what a joke
RE: getting the screws put on me - jesm - 02-15-2013
Having just completed a fairly sizable house project I offer our experience. You may use or lose any of this as you prefer. Over our 18 month project We had two similar visits and discussions each of which culminated with my decision to recognize that every project always has some aspect, small or large, that will violate some regulation or code. So, you are always on the defensive and thus found it better to be cooperative and "resolved" our "issues" in the field,in cash. We got no further grief, stayed on schedule, or close, and have no regret about how we dealt with the screw job.
RE: getting the screws put on me - The Duck - 02-16-2013
I always did my projects as Obras Menores [under 60m2] which avoided the Building Inspector problem. On a rehab this can be possible. On new construction maybe not.
Jesm's suggestions for 'solving' the problems is probably the best route to follow - file it under 'Can't beat City Hall'. They can make it worse - very worse. We are not young enough for that. Its BS but we are guests here - it could be worse - go with the flow. If its 500 /1000 pesos then what's the big deal? If its 10,000 pesos+ maybe do a video - but that could backfire as well.
On a similar note all the 'transparency' crap has made driving in Mexico less pleasurable. I liked the former on-the-spot resolutions of traffic infractions.
RE: getting the screws put on me - Jzmackenzie - 02-16-2013
#1. In the 12 years I lived on the AZ/Sonora border, I made some very good friends born in Mexico. They "enlightened" this idealist to the fact that salaries in Mexico are put into place based on assumed "morditas." It was suggested to me that I imagine how I would feel if my own paycheck had been withheld. I suspect that is why they are acting in the manner they are. If you don't pay up they don't meet their anticipated expenses - your cash is not a "tip" it is a part of their expected salary.
#2. A deceased expatriate, Max Sampson, also disliked what he called bribes. He was driving through Salacida one afternoon and a young boy ran into his car. Clearly the child was encouraged by his father to run across the road and hit the side of Max's car with his body. A police office saw the entire incident. Max refused to pay for the child to be seen by a doctor. Max's car was impounded for two weeks. Max paid a fine to get it back. $200 pesos at the time would avoided the entire incident that MAY have been the reason Max suffered yet another stroke and is no longer with us.
Sometimes, less stress is usually worth the cash outlay.
RE: getting the screws put on me - kasugie - 02-16-2013
Post Prop-13 California cities were worse....move the decimal point over one digit to the right.
RE: getting the screws put on me - Mykul - 02-16-2013
Interesting.
So is this a ubiquitous practice then?
My wife and I intend to head to Guanajuato this Fall to open a small business.
Just kind of curious as to how to factor this kind of thing into our start up costs and operating budget...........she is a Mexican citizen if that makes a difference.
RE: getting the screws put on me - philyrossy - 02-16-2013
To add a #3 to Jzmac's: My first trip to Mexico I drove from Texas, returning through Saltillo, I bumped into an old Mexican pickup at a red light. The guy claimed I broke his rear bumper(it was all rusted and nothing fresh from the little bump. He wanted $30 USD. I said NO. He then wanted $20 USD, and I stood on my principles and said lets call the police. He said ok, We'll See. When they came, they said he had made a complaint against me, so they took me to jail, impounded my car, and all of a sudden, his wife's neck is hurting something awful. Thank God I had bought insurance in Laredo with attorney services! After 8 1/2 hours in jail, paying 300 pesos to get my car out of the impound, 850 pesos fine for "bumping" into his old truck, my insurance company paying him 2,800 pesos for the bumper, I was on the road again (I was really lucky that all the x-rays they took of his wife were negative). All for $20 USD. How DUMB I was ! We are so VULNERABLE here in Mexico, it is a miracle(as my Mexican wife says) that I have made it this long without something really bad happening to me. You do know that only about 5% of Mexicans charged with murder are ever imprisoned. And, that Mexicans don't just get mad, they get EVEN! My wife has learned how to play the games, and hopefully she is having a positive influence on me. You must learn the games they play, and REMEMBER this is THEIR country and THEIR RULES. Be safe !
RE: getting the screws put on me - jesm - 02-16-2013
My experience is in no way a criticism or indictment of how governmental officials conduct themselves or their responsibility. It is important to recognize and be prepared to deal with the great degree of "informality" here, such that viewed broadly in all its manifestations, becomes a genuine second economy, off-the-grid, without documentation, regulation, taxation. Some estimate its total value would equal about 25% of the formal Mexican GDP. Not sure how you budget that, as it can have costs and benefits, but wanted to pass that on. Welcome and good luck with that new business.
RE: getting the screws put on me - philyrossy - 02-16-2013
In response to MyKul...I can only speak to Chapala area, but there it is more common than one would think...extortion. I know 4 different businesses (all fairly small) that have closed their doors for good rather than pay. One American who has a small business was stopped in December in front of his business by a Mexican business owner that he knows and told that he (the American) had 1 hour to give the guy 5000 pesos or else. The American paid, but told me that he will leave if it happens again. What can he do? No witnesses, and his word against the Mexican. And, retaliation. That is basically why most Mexicans never see or hear anything. The less dealings that you have with any kind of Mexican official, the better off you will be. Your wife should understand these things.
RE: getting the screws put on me - Mykul - 02-17-2013
Thank you for your replies to my question.
My wife and I have had our own experiences with traffic situations etc. but
I have been wondering for some time how common this type of thing is with expat businesses. I haven't seen much online discussion about it so wanted to take the opportunity to ask.