Trámites - the Good and the Bad

This word in English doesn't exist. We could say the translation is an "errand" or "paperwork", but both words sadly do not fully express what it is. A trámite is any sort of errand or paperwork or thing on your to-do list. It could be getting your passport, paying a bill, signing up for classes, or getting something notarized. It is a term so generic that people use it to mean just about anything. Apparently, we can also legally ask for a day off to do trámites (I think the limit is once a month).

The Good: At work it is great because you can say, "I have a trámite" and since it could mean ANYTHING, no one will know exactly what you have to. You could be going to pick up some x-rays, cashing a check, or even interviewing for a new job! (True Story)

The Bad: In general, trámites in Argentina suck. They mean waiting in a never-ending line, getting signatures and stamps, waking up hella early to go wait in said line, and generally stressing people out. Basically they mean a lot of bureaucracy.

I am in the middle of renewing my work visa and it is a trámite from hell. For three days in a row I have had to get up at 6 am in order to go stand in various lines to get the proper paperwork to finish the renewal. On Thursday I will be getting up even early to get to the Immigration office at 6 am to stand in line for a couple of hours in order for them to even see me.

To give you an example of long lines in Argentina, here is one of people waiting to get into the national congress building:



I am not sure what they are waiting for, but it is definitely not worth it.