> In Toronto it would be wayyyy more.
Have you actually bribed a Canadian police officer?
I think he meant the fine for not wearing a seat-belt would have been higher (and he would pay it instead of bribing the officer, which is probably a good idea in relatively non-corrupt wealthy first world countries).
I've also been told by a local to stick a $20 bill in my passport to avoid problems going through customs because we had expensive computer equipment on us and were in a rush for our next flight. I refused that advice. But I've seen boxes that have been opened and things missing as well so I was taking a chance by not doing it.
I've seen a lot of corruption, and had a chance to participate in it. Seems McAfee's advice is based on experience. I wouldn't discount it so easily.