That was 2010. I am very firm but polite now.

Could you tell the audience couple of cases when there were 'problems' and your strategy successfully resolving them?

Just to know what to expect and ways to properly dealing with it.

Things have improved. At one time most foreigners with any "expat supplies" or too many gifts (I always had goods for relatives) would undergo a heavy shake down at the airport. I was always prepared for the battle & jumped in with both feet: talking loudly, arguing, refusing to pay.

I do not know that it was someone at the airport that blackballed me. I used to treat tax officials (who constantly harassed me for bribes), police et al the same way. I argued, laughed & refused to pay.

Two days (IIRC) after coming through immigration in 2010 (I'd had a big row over my luggage full of supplies) I had a visit from the police who took my residency card & gave me 24 hours to leave. There was no explanation.

Now when I have an issue (wherever it may be) I am deferential and as polite as I can be. In certain circumstances I may invite the person to coffee. The once exception is traffic police when I know I made no error. I'll argue with them.

The person confronting you may have little real power. But one never knows what connections that person may have.