A Brazilian Reasons To Ask For A Manager

I’m Brazilian by birth, though I grew up in England. As such, I have a very strong accent and speak Portuguese as a second language. I need to get some documents notarised and head to the local office. As it is my first time there, they need to take some details.

Woman: “Okay, now I just need your [incomprehensible] number.”

Me: “Um, excuse me?”

Woman: “Your number.”

Me: “My identity number is here on my ID.”

Woman: “No, I need your other number.”

I have no idea what is going on. The woman gives me a patronising smile.

Woman: “What nationality are you?”

Me: “Brazilian.”

Woman: “No, your other nationality.”

Me: “I’m Brazilian.”

Woman: “No, your other nationality.”

Me: “Well, I am dual nationality British-Brazilian, but what difference does that make?”

Woman: “Aha! So I need your [random abbreviation] number.”

Me: “I have no idea what you are talking about. I am Brazilian; I only have an [ID] number.”

This carries on for five minutes until my boyfriend (who is native) comes along. He talks to the woman who then leaves, and he turns to me, speaking English.

Boyfriend: “You’re done here. She wanted your naturalisation number.”

Me: *Cluelessly* “But I’m born and bred Brazilian. I just speak funny.”

Boyfriend: “Yeah, she heard the accent and smelled the money. She was trying to get you to pay for a few more forms. Next time, just say you are Brazilian and keep it there.”