The few times I actually stopped (usually I looked the other way and didn't "see them"/ hid behind a larger vehicle/ rode in the ditch etc) for the uniformed types on my recent trip to South America I found "no fumar espanol" combined with looking like a demented weirdo (pointing at the sky open mouthed is a good technique  ) was useful. As someone said before: It's a game and part of the cultural experience that a package tourist will never encounter.
Once in Kazakhstan I did make a big show of talking loudly on my cell phone (battery was dead...) claiming I was calling my mate the Rolls Royce franchise owner who was a mate of the chief of police in Almaty about his corruption. I also called him a fat pig and that he should get some exercise. Luckily English wasn't taught at Kazakh schools when he was a (fat) child...
Only ever showing (good quality) colour copies of all documents is also a good idea, should they wish to keep hold of them until you pay the "fine". If they need to see your passport, it's at the Farawayistan Embassy getting a visa issued. Give them a photocopy as a sign of "goodwill".
If you genuinely have done something wrong, other options like not taking the p!ss might be more appropriate!
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