The Dark Side of Bribery: Is It Widespread and Worth It?
The Dark Side of Bribery: Is It Widespread and Worth It?
Bribery is a pervasive issue in many parts of the world, often necessitating significant adjustments during travel or business trips. This article explores the prevalence of bribery and the various ways it manifests, especially in regions where it is deeply ingrained in the culture.
The Prevalence of Bribery in Travel
Anyone who has traveled extensively, whether for pleasure or business, has likely encountered situations where bribery is deemed necessary to navigate through certain bureaucratic hurdles. From police roadblocks to government offices, these potentially unwelcome encounters can pose significant challenges to travelers.
Police Bribery in East Africa
In many parts of East Africa, the possibility of being stopped by the police at any moment while driving is quite common. If you're considered a lucrative target, the officers might initiate a conversation with you about the weather and offer you a bottle of water. However, the subtext is usually about an unsolicited request for a bribe.
The typical routine involves a brief chat about the weather and the current heat, followed by a subtle hint that a bottle of water would be a nice gesture. At this point, the traveler is expected to voluntarily hand over a sum of money so the police can purchase the bottle of water for themselves.
Narrative: Worst Bribe Attempt in Southeast Asia
A particularly memorable encounter took place in Southeast Asia. The traveler was processing their passport and the immigration official teasingly inquired, “Do you have a gift for me?” The traveler, holding their passport in hand, thought it was a bit presumptuous for the official to ask for a gift so late in the process. However, the experience highlighted the constant pressure to comply with these unofficial requests for payment.
Trading Cigarettes for Peace at Border Crossings
A wise piece of advice came from a fellow traveler who recommended carrying boxes of premium cigarettes. During border crossings in certain regions, officials might harass travelers, demanding bribes. By offering cigarettes, travelers can subtly deprive officials of an excuse to make a big deal out of the situation. This tactic is particularly useful for non-smokers, who can simply explain they are sharing the beneficial health benefits of smoking by offering a social cigarette.
Historical Instances of Bribery
The article recounts an instance from the 1960s during Nigeria's military dictatorship, when individuals faced additional searches upon exiting the airport. A driver stopped the taxi at a military blockade, where all belongings were searched. The driver, realizing the search would continue, suggested a small bribe. The traveler complied, passing a pound note which allowed them to bypass the disruption and proceed smoothly.
Personal Experiences of Bribery
Beyond the usual airport and border crossings scenarios, there are also instances where travelers engage in minor forms of bribery. For example, the author remembers a time when they were waiting at a popular pool hall in Kenmore Square during rush hour. To expedite the process, the author discreetly placed 20 dollars on the counter with a subtle gesture and a smug grin. The woman at the desk took the money and promptly cleared the traveler's name, allowing them to play pool much sooner than expected. The traveler's girlfriend was particularly impressed with this nifty trick.
Conclusion
Bribery, while not always pleasant, is a reality for many travelers. Whether it's to avoid police stops or to expedite official processes, these situations can be frustrating and may affect one's travel experience. Nonetheless, it's crucial to navigate these situations with care and awareness to minimize potential complications and ensure a smoother journey.