Without number...

... nothing works here. Everywhere you go, you will be asked for your ID number, especially online. Here, the ID number refers to the number on the Argentine ID card, which is a 10-digit sequence that everyone probably knows by heart. Alternatively, the CUIL or CUIT numbers (tax numbers for employees or self-employed) are usually accepted. You can also use a CDI (Identification Key). The German ID or passport numbers, which contain letters, don't even work on the bus booking website, and I had to contact the bus company's customer service to make a booking. The receptionist at the doctor's office also struggled with entering my ID number.

If, like us, you want to spend a longer period of time in this country, open a bank account, register a car, sign a mobile phone contract, or maybe rent or buy something, you can't avoid getting such a number.

In Vicente López, the nice lady at the ANSES office (social security) at the train station sent us to the AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenue), the tax authority. The nice young man there said we had to go to the main office, which was quite far away. So we went there the next day with our passports. Well, the receptionist gave us a form and a ticket number. But even though the waiting room was relatively full, we were immediately approached by another employee. He explained that in addition to our passports, we needed proof of our place of residence, that is, our address in Argentina. The easiest way would be if our host came with us, provided identification, and confirmed his place of residence (which is the address we had to provide). WOW! It's also pretty dumb that Pau and Leandro are enjoying the summer about 100 km away with the little one, while we're taking care of the house and the cat.

So, next attempt in Córdoba. Early in the morning, we went with Angeles to the AFIP office in the city center. We had our passports, and Angeles had her DNI and a copy of the apartment proof. We each received 2 forms to fill out, had to make copies of our passports and entry stamps, and received the obligatory ticket numbers. The waiting room was crowded. This could be interesting.

But: after about 10 minutes, it was our turn. Everything was done within 5 minutes. Angeles could have saved herself the DNI and the copy of the apartment proof. The employee only asked her for the apartment number and zip code and did not ask for any further evidence.

Now we are proud owners of an 11-digit number called CDI. If you enter this number on the AFIP website, you can see my full name exactly as it appears on my passport, with all my first names (and I have three!). I tried it out! Anyone who has this number can check whether I am 'properly' registered with the tax authority.

I immediately used the number to register our 'Redbus Card' (a type of rechargeable BVG card) online. It worked! If I lose it now, I can block it and transfer the balance to a new card. In addition, I can check all the trips I have taken online, with the exact time and bus line used. Privacy protection at its finest!