Discounts

Mexico may be the land of discounts. Prices here almost always seem negotiable, for those who wish to do so. It even applies to things one normally would consider fixed, like taxes, and fines and the like. I don’t suggest you actually try to bargain with the government, or the policia, but prices do vary!

In Mexico, anyone who owns a property must pay an annual property tax, called the predial. The tax is very small to begin with, something between .1 and .01% of the property value, but there is a discount of 20% if you pay in January. I imagine the local governments like to get their hands on the income as soon as possible, even if it costs them a little in the process!

The same goes for “radared” speeding tickets. Mexico relies on a combination of radar speed traps and topes to control traffic speed and raise revenue. There is a helpful website from the Jalisco state government where you can check whether you have any speeding tickets. Better yet, if you pay them within ten working days, you get a 50% discount, and even 25% discount if paid in less than thirty days.

Your Mexican-plated car requires an annual registration, but you get a 10% discount (again) if paid if January, 5% in February or March.

Turn sixty years old and a world of discounts beckons. You are eligible for an identification card from the Instituto Nacional para las Personas Adultas Mayores, or INAPAM. It entitles Seniors to a 50% discount on buses, discounts on museums, movies, medicines, hotels, and even airlines. Yes, I will be applying for mine this year!

Showing the Mexican sense of humor, last year AeroMexico (slogan: “You HAVE to have a sense of humor to fly us!”) trolled the Estados Unidos with an ad featuring alleged DNA discounts to Americans with Mexican roots.

Mexico has many student discounts, like anywhere else. And happy hours. And Buen Fin, a shopping holiday modelled on Black Friday. And of course, in the land of tianguis, the price on the tag is just a starting point for any small business.

¡Descuentas para todos!