Bribes In Mexico: A Practical Guide

Bribing: A Complicated Reality In Mexico

The first time I entered Mexico—nearly 50 years ago at the Nogales border crossing—I got my first taste of how things sometimes work here. A border official kept pointing to my girlfriend and saying, “la rubia es mía” (“the blonde is mine”).

I didn’t speak a word of Spanish, but the message came through loud and clear. I slipped him a $20 bill (worth over $100 today), and just like that, we were waved through. He made out like a bandit, I kept my girlfriend 🙂, and I got my very first taste of a country that would go on to change my life.

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of encounters where some pesos were exchanged to “smooth things over”—what’s known here as a mordida (literally, “a bite”).

Bribery is illegal in Mexico, but it still happens often enough—more in some areas than others. Over time, as my Spanish and cultural understanding have improved, I’ve changed how I handle these situations.

My choice now is rooted in not wanting to contribute to the cycle of corruption, something most Mexican nationals would also like to see come to an end, and refuse to pay a bribe. This is especially true when the situation feels “manufactured,” like being accused of running a red light that I know I you didn’t run.

A Personal Choice

How you handle these moments is deeply personal. For someone who’s brand-new to Mexico, doesn’t speak Spanish, and suddenly finds themselves surrounded by several forceful police officers, it can feel overwhelming and even frightening—and in that moment, people may decide to pay the bribe.

I know people who hand over 8,000 pesos (about $400 USD) on the spot just to make it go away, while others prefer to push back. Both approaches have risks and benefits, and everyone has to weigh their own comfort, safety, and principles.

Strategies to Avoid Paying a Bribe

Always stay calm, kind, and respectful—never confrontational or angry.

• Play dumb.
  Act as if you don’t speak Spanish. Sometimes the effort of trying to explain themselves to a “confused tourist” isn’t worth it for them.

•  Ask for the ticket.
  Calmly say, “Dame la multa” (“Give me the ticket”). Mention you’ll be happy to pay it at the official office and that you know someone at the Secretary of Tourism who can help with the process.

• Request their name and badge number.
  Write it down (or pretend to). This signals you’re documenting the encounter.

• Record the interaction.
  Start filming with your phone. The shift in power dynamics can be immediate.

• Carry a copy of your driver’s license.
  In some places, officers will hold your license as leverage. I carry a high-quality laminated copy (made in Mexico), which I’m happy to let them keep if needed.

• Offer to follow them to the station.
  If they insist, agree to go. Express interest in speaking with their supervisor—often they’ll decide it’s not worth the trouble.

• Delay with courtesy.
  Take your time pulling over, gathering papers, and asking polite questions. Sometimes patience wears them down.

• Mention embassy or consulate contacts.
  Casually note that you’ll be checking with your consulate can make them rethink the encounter.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, there’s no one “right” way—just what feels safest and most sensible to you in that moment.

Over time, as you get more comfortable with the language and the rhythms of life here, you might feel more confident standing your ground instead of handing over a bribe. When more people resist paying a bribe and stand up to this illegal activity, this kind of thing starts to lose its grip and can eventually fade away.

Whatever you decide, listen to your gut—it’s the best travel companion you’ll ever have in Mexico.

Que Te Vaya Bien,

Kerry Loeb

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