Quote:
Originally Posted by Calvin
This is just normal for Honduras do not let it bother you!!
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+1
The corrupt bureaucracy problem is especially bad in Honduras, and an order of magnitude worse on the short stretch of Panamerican between El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Dealing with the border crossing is different than dealing with the cops pulling you over:
At the border, a little Spanish goes a long ways as does knowing what to expect. When the "helper" tries to scam you, give them some This Is Not Acceptable attitude - friendly but firm.
When getting pulled over, you can freely speak no spanish whatsoever. When they start harassing you, laugh and joke and just say ok give me a ticket. Be prepared to sit it out. In less than 10 minutes you'll be on your way. If you appear scared or actually consider paying the mortida it *will* take longer.
It's a shame that law enforcement in these countries is a joke, but if you actually treat it like a joke you'll get through just fine. Corrupt cops smell fear and use it to their advantage, but it's not personal. Just don't make it worth their time.
BTW the other hotspot for corrupt cops is the long stretch of the Panamerican through Panama.
Jeff
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