Mark - I focussed my answer on That area in particular as Seb, the OP, is currently in Mongolia, having just travelled through Ukraine Kazakhstan and Russia - thus its reasonable to assume that area played a strong part in the post. Its also the area where most of my first hand knowledge of such practises originates.

I don't disagree that local people may hate some aspects of corruption. But as I said its up to them to change it rather than for us, as temporary visitors in their country, to demand to be treated differently. I would add that in the countries I mentioned where traffic police can be negotiated with, while the public may hate those traffic police, very few would want to scrap it for full fines and penalty points that result in drivers losing their licences for three minor offences in the previous 5 years like we have in the UK.

I also agree with you that being singled out for larger fines as a foreigner is not something I can generally tolerate. Thus it pays to know local customs, and what's normal fines and practices for dealing with them for locals in that area. I have written posts before describing the usual practice in those countries above and the typical fines associated with certain offences so that people have some idea but to be honest I am surprised it doesnt come up more often.

Again tho my key point is why should a foreigner get different treatment to a local? The example given in the OP was of a guy pulled over for speeding. So thats the example I am working with. At the end of the day, the guy in the example broke the law and he was caught. Why is it unreasonable that he be penalised exactly as a local would be?

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