MRWOOHOO

The regular bribery that goes on down here is almost comical. I was riding with a friend of mine recently in the Bank District and we got pulled over for going down an unmarked one way street the wrong way. What a load of crap the "officers" in olive drab gave us. How my friend is not allowed to drive without a special permit. Another officer took my passport and took his time giving it back. Asked if we had guns, misc stupid stuff. The officer finally begged (no kidding) for money for "coffee". Ten bucks and we got big smiles and a thank you, LOL. When a police officer asks for bribe money go low with the price. No need to hand him a large bill, usually $10 or $20 will do.

GordonS

Here's a website listing the corruption index. Find out how your favorite country is doing! Place bets and win big money!!

Everybody loses...........

http://www.transparency.org/news_roo...23_cpi_2008_en

I'm also attached the .pdf file they have listing all countries and their rating. Interesting

Edited......
(apparently the .pdf file is too big and the upload didn't work)
On the link above you can download the .pdf near the bottom of the page labelled "click to see the CP1 table and Sources"

__________________
Gordon and Randy,
Canada

MRWOOHOO

Lol

didonko

There is too much corruption in my country. I hope there isn't so much in Panama. However, there isn't a country or a city without a corruption at all in my opinion.

crisella74

Yes, corruption is possible anywhere, the only difference is how high up it goes. These days we say there isn't a high rate of corruption in countries where the wage is big enough that it's not worth losing your job for a 5-20 $ bribe. Other then that it's just a question of how much you are willing to pay.

No-Non-Sense-Matt

In 3.5 years I've had to "give tips" 5 times.
4 have been in the last 6 months.

Are the police more aggressive than ever?
Hell yeah.

Here's their technique:
First they start building up the fear and the price.
"It's going to cost you $150, we're going to the station,
I'm going to tow your car and blah blah blah."

Here's some tips to deal with that:

1. Don't be TOO fast or aggressive "giving the tip".
They are actually quite paranoid about getting busted.

2. Don't be obvious when you hand over the tip.
This will make them very uncomfortable and agitated.

3. Give them a $10 and thank them.

Usually that takes care of the situation.

You can also go the other way and
CALL THEIR BLUFF.

One of my good friends has done that a few times.
He just tells them he's going to call
their lawyers who's a very powerful
man.

THEY DON'T LIKE THAT and usually they'll move
to their next "client".

Happy "tipping",
No Non Sense Matt

fouzie

Is it possible? I mean, doesn't it make them mad since they ask for $20 and we only give them $5? It could be lead into bigger trouble, doesn't it?

ford007

I visited Panama a few times and never spend a penny on bribes. Anyway if need arises I'm willing to dish out reasonable amounts as bribe. Up to $20 is OK as far as I am concerned. More than that'll be a bit tough. Well, it all depends on the situation.

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Queensland Bulls

JustWow

They might get mad if you under "tip" them, but simply say that's all you have. It's better if you speak some Spanish though, as that might scare them a bit as they might think you're a local or that you have ties with people there. Whereas when you're a blatant tourist, you're a lot easier to target.

edmundo

If you done nothing wrong and they still try to find your bad ass that mean they really ask for it !
It depend on your situation, if you are really in deep shit then you are the one who should ask for it. Which mean you are the one who should make an offer to bribe.

ford007

Too bad that I don't know any Spanish. Never faced this problem with my previous visits or when I was in Costa Rica. Let the situation come. I will handle it the way it deserves. What will happen if I complain against them?

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Queensland Bulls