Corruption and bribery

In some countries, and sometimes in certain specific regions, paying bribes is a necessity to receive various services from an official, or other person, in charge of a public or legal duty. Especially many developing countries suffer from corruption. Police in those countries may be poorly paid — many make less than US$50/month.

You may be solicited for a bribe by an official willing to turn a blind eye to your infraction, fabricated or otherwise. Some travellers are very much averse to paying bribes to anyone, especially in countries with so many needy but honest citizens.

Fraudsters are known to impersonate police, sometimes in the guise of an "immigration official" who identifies a problem with your documents. They might be in uniform (real or fake).

On-the-spot fine is one term used for a bribe. Those words are meant to initiate a conversation about money. You may be told that the real fine is for example 100 shmekels and that for 30 shmekels, paid immediately, you can be on your way and avoid a trip to the police station to pay a higher fine.

Bribes are also often demanded by immigration officers, particularly at land borders, and refusing to pay the bribe will often mean you are left stranded at the border while your bus leaves without you.

Especially in countries where authorities mostly aren't corrupt, don't try a bribe to get out of an awkward situation. Offering a bribe is a severe crime in many jurisdictions, and you may well get arrested and prosecuted. Where a bribe could help, you would still be contributing to the corruption problem.

The unwise man weens all who smile
and flatter him are his friends;
but when he shall come into court he shall find
there are few to defend his cause.