Surviving Bureaucracy

South American bureaucracy is best regarded as a form of overhead expense required for doing business in the region. While it is unavoidable, inconsistent, and slow, the bureaucracy is not insurmountable and patience and persistence should always see you through.

Dealing with red tape

A tangle of bureaucracy in South America has pushed companies to find ways around the rules, only to find more rules to fill in the exploited gaps. The result is tall stacks of forms, exploding numbers of regulating departments, and the need to spend days on end in government offices. You will save yourself a lot of frustration if you don’t question the logic behind the arrangement, and simply explore the options in front of you.

Coping with bureaucracy

• Make connections

  When your progress is slowed or stopped, personal connections can often lead you to someone who can help.

• Do not bribe

  Do not assume corruption is the norm. Bribery is illegal and offensive. A small gift of thanks, however, will be remembered.

• Hire help

  A lot of time may be spent waiting in lines. It pays to hire one of the professional firms that specialize in facilitating paperwork.

• Complete forms correctly

  Small errors, sloppy presentation, and blank spaces are all reasons a clerk might reject your petition.

• Keep records

  Organized paper work speeds your delivery. And looking competent to officials may mean less scrutiny.

• Argue persuasively

  Small exceptions can always be made if the reason is compelling and the person asking seems to deserve help.

• Be nice

  Treat every person with respect. Respect their authority to make demands and decisions. Act as though they are doing you a favor.