CORRUPTION

Corruption in Juarez certainly exists, but not nearly as much as many people think. Sometimes you will get stopped by the police while driving, and they will tell you that they have to take your license plates to make sure you pay your fine (although you can go wait in line in a few days and pay your fine and get them back), and the conversation works its way around to easier solutions. They are not usually looking for more than a few dollars, and frankly, this has very rarely happened to me. It happens more to Juarenses.

While walking, again it is very rare, although it happened a lot between the time the PAN political party got voted out and the PRI actually took office in 2004. What they will do is have you put your hands up against the wall, take your wallet out, and ask you how much money you are carrying. Sometimes they will take some of it for themselves, especially if you tell them you have less than you actually do. If you are really worried about it, carry your cash in one pocket, and when they stop you, put all of it in one hand and DO NOT LET THEM HAVE IT. Just refuse. Again, this is very rare. It might happen to an American that lives in Juarez, and it might happen at night, if you have been drinking.

One last thing - don't go looking for trouble in Juarez. They know how to handle it. They will beat you up quicker than the EPPD.