BajaNomad

Gringo Tax?

bigzaggin - 1-12-2011 at 10:16 AM

After reading in a few threads here lately about aggressive guards at the El Rosario checkpoint (northbound) I was curious how I'd do there this past week and, sure enough, dudes leaned straight into my car and started asking for gifts...one even opening my glove compartment and pulling out some batteries.

Now, since I was a kid, we always used the term "gringo tax" for certain things in Baja - a little ripoff at the Pemex, random stranger claiming to "own" the bluff I'm camped on (and asking for $5), cops on the road out of Erindira saying I could "settle this right here" - that sort of thing. And while I know the counter-argument is "do NOT foster those ideas," I usually figure most people down there could use a little help, so no foul. And 9 times out of 10, I've got somewhere to go and little interest in an argument.

Anyway, as the dude is idly thumbing through the dust-coated chaos in my truck bed, we get to talking and he tells me they're not allowed to watch TV or listen to the radio (though, I seem to recall hearing music blare from a few) and all they do is read (he was a student) and kick a ball around. I ask if they play cards, he says they love poker, so...we give the guys a deck of cards and head off.

I'm not in any way thinking this will make the reviscion and easier (I rarely have an issue), just thinking, "It's been cold as hell at nite, these guys probably get way bored and I've got an extra deck."

I just have the overwhelming feeling that being the self-righteous white guy in that situation ("No sir! I am not intimidated and will NOT encourage such behavior.") will ultimately accomplish a whopping load of nothing and, again, who needs those cards more?

Fairbanks47 - 1-12-2011 at 11:16 AM

After returning to San Diego in October, I discovered my small Mag lite missing from my center console. I had just used it at the El Rosario pemex. I recall a pretty thorough search at that check point with the soldier who made initial contact chatting me up real friendly like while another was "inspecting". All this while I felt I was watching fairly close. Sometimes I think we "donate" but don't realize it. Had never happened before in all my travels up and down the peninsula. Have always had positive experiences through the check points. I have no ill feelings about this, just something that can possibly happen. Probably the soldier is getting more use of it.

Lobsterman - 1-12-2011 at 11:24 AM

I agree with your "Gringo Tax" philosophy. In my 30 years of camping and fishing baja, I'd always bring along extra stuff from the house that had value but I really did not need. I'd give that stuff away along the way as well as have an iced cooler full of beer, soft drinks and water for all to sample. I do not like confrontation with someone who could make my life miserable.

As far a the $ graf I'd bring along extra of that also. Who wants to be dead right or spend mucho more $ trying to get out of jail for some trumped up charge.

They take much, much, much, much less than those damn stateside taxing bandit democrats do from me.

Dennis
15 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes to retirement.

[Edited on 1-12-2011 by Lobsterman]

Some hints

bajaguy - 1-12-2011 at 11:43 AM

Here are a couple of hints to help out at military checkpoints....

Learn or print out the Mexican military rank structure/insignia......and address the troops by rank:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_ranks_and_insignia_of_Mexi...

If you are a veteran, dig out your old camo shirt with your rank, unit insignia and branch of service nametape and have it hanging in the window or draped "casually" over the seat......or a camo helmet/ditty bag with either a unit patch or branch of service patch on it.....

.....and pull over after the inspection in the area of the checkpoint and conduct a thourough inventory.......

If there any problems, immediately ask to see the Commandante or Sargento Primero..............

estebanis - 1-12-2011 at 11:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lobsterman
Dennis
15 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes to retirement.

[Edited on 1-12-2011 by Lobsterman]


I want to retire soooooooo baaddddd!!!! I am working on a double dip plan right now so I can at least work only part time.
Esteban

bajaguy - 1-12-2011 at 11:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by estebanis
Quote:
Originally posted by Lobsterman
Dennis
15 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes to retirement.

[Edited on 1-12-2011 by Lobsterman]


I want to retire soooooooo baaddddd!!!! I am working on a double dip plan right now so I can at least work only part time.
Esteban





1 month, 30 days, 5 hours and 5 minutes!!!!!

Martyman - 1-12-2011 at 12:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lobsterman
They take much, much, much, much less than those damn stateside taxing bandit democrats do from me.

Dennis
15 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes to retirement.

[Edited on 1-12-2011 by Lobsterman]


I hope you are not accepting that damn socialist Social Security payment. Stand up for what is right!

Brian L - 1-12-2011 at 12:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
Quote:
Originally posted by Lobsterman
They take much, much, much, much less than those damn stateside taxing bandit democrats do from me.

Dennis
15 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes to retirement.

[Edited on 1-12-2011 by Lobsterman]


I hope you are not accepting that damn socialist Social Security payment. Stand up for what is right!


LOL. I'm sure most anti-tax folks are highly selective when it comes to what comes to them...

DENNIS - 1-12-2011 at 12:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
I hope you are not accepting that damn socialist Social Security payment. Stand up for what is right!



I have to imagine I would agree with that, but for the fact Social Security is a program I was forced to participate in. I was given no choice except to work under the table and ignore my tax debt.

Screwed if you do....Screwed if you don't.

sancho - 1-12-2011 at 01:24 PM

I have for for kicks asked for Price Mexicana not
Gringo price, Gringo Tax/ 2 Tier price system, we are
not alone though, often the Mex nationals returning down the
mainland from the US for Christmas, have at least in the past,
been met with trumped up Mordida/Tax at checkpoints.
Not exactly your point, but back in the day, walking into
a deposito in Loreto for my daily case, I was met with a
double price quote from the owner, having been in Baja
for a while, I told him the price was incorrect, he then
in Spanish tried to validate his rip off to locals standing by,
my Spanish was enough to understand he was saying
it is OK to rip off a Gringo, I picked up the empty
case and walked out, a local followed me out,
apologizing for the rude owner and told me where I could get the correct price

toneart - 1-12-2011 at 01:35 PM

I have never had any theft problems with personnel at Military checkpoints in all my years of traveling throughout the whole country, Baja included. I usually travel alone and with my big dog.

I speak with them in Spanish and put them at ease about the dog. I even voluntarily take him out of the vehicle, on leash. The soldados get chatty and seem to enjoy the interchange. They talk about the dog. They ask questions about items that interest them including various RVs and trailers I have had. During infrequent occasions, they will ask me if they could have something they see that they want.

For example, I carry a diver's abalone knife with a serrated, six inch blade, right beside the driver's seat. It has a compass at the top of the handle. It is obvious that I carry it for protection, but they have never tried to take it away from me or even comment on it, unless they want it personally. As I said, some have thought that is was very cool, and they really wanted it. During those times I was firm. No! Sorry. I need it. I will often give them sodas or bottled water.

The only negative experience was to a girl friend's Chihuahua. We were in Baja. I think I recall it was at checkpoint at a toll booth between Rosorita and TJ. Anyway, one of the soldiers flicked his finger and popped the little dog in the nose. My girlfriend was holding the dog. I did not see it happen, but she was obviously furious. We continued on without making an issue of it though. Making a scene about it could possibly make trouble for us, or so we thought at the time.

Overall, my experience has been almost always positive. If you can BS in Spanish, it will gain you respect in their eyes.:smug:

Sweetwater - 1-12-2011 at 01:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lobsterman

Dennis
15 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes to retirement.

[Edited on 1-12-2011 by Lobsterman]


Took the pension May 1, 2010....still work 4 days per month Per Diem to cover the Health Care Insurance....yikes, that stuff sux....:coolup:

toneart - 1-12-2011 at 01:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lobsterman


They take much, much, much, much less than those damn stateside taxing bandit democrats do from me.

[Edited on 1-12-2011 by Lobsterman]


How recalcitrant of me. I forgot to have this conversation with the military guys in Baja. :rolleyes: