Mexico

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts of Traveling and Doing Business in Mexico

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Do’s:

Greetings and Conversation:

• In Most Situations, Initially Greet People with a Firm Handshake, Eye Contact, and a Smile: In more casual settings a nod can also be appropriate, and eventually with increased familiarity often a loose hug sometimes accompanied by a kiss on the cheek is more preferred (Cultural Atlas).
• Show Interest in the Person You Are Greeting: It is polite to ask about their family and health (Cultural Atlas).
• Understand Formal Titles and Titles of Respect: Señor is used for men, Señora is used for married women, and Señorita for unmarried women, and is followed by their surname in all cases. Elders are often addressed similarly but are addressed as Don (sir) or Doña (ma’am) also followed by their surname (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Learn the Common Phrases of Greeting: Common greetings include “Buenos Dias”, “Buenas tardes”, and “Buenas Noches” which mean “Good day”, “Good afternoon”, and “Good Evening/Night” respectively. Also understand “Hola” (Hello), “¿Qué tal?” (What’s up?) and “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?) (Cultural Atlas).
• Understand Their Naming Traditions: Mexicans have two surnames, the first belonging to their father’s family, the second belonging to their mother’s family. Women may or may not adopt their husband’s surname. It is also common for people to use nicknames based on physical characteristics (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• If Someone Sneezes Say “Salud”: This translates to “health” but is the equivalent of “bless you” in English. “Salud” is also what they say in their traditional toast (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Expect Indirect Communication Styles: To avoid confrontation and seeming impolite, most Mexicans will give an indirect response over a direct “No”. An inconclusive response should generally be considered as a “no” or a refusal.  When discussing something sensitive they also may be prone to a long, drawn-out approach in an attempt to deliver the information in a more gentle and considerate manner (Cultural Atlas).
• Understand There are Different Connotations of Words to Convey Respect: Understanding and applying word connotations may be difficult without learning the Spanish language, but it is good to be aware of their existence and to consider learning some language basics (Cultural Atlas).
• Maintain Eye Contact: This is intended as a show of interest and sincerity when in conversation with others (Cultural Atlas).

Social and Home Visits:

• Expect Less Structure for Events and Visits with People: Mexicans are often much more spontaneous than other Westerners such as in the U.S., and allow plans to unfold naturally. It is also common for invitations to be assumed open unless the host specifically says otherwise (Cultural Atlas).
• Understand that Your Host Invited You for Your Company and Not a Gift: It is not expected to bring gifts when visiting someone’s home, however if you should like to bring a gift, women often bring a dessert or salad while men bring alcohol. Other acceptable gifts include flowers (sent in advance), home crafts, or candy (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Offer to Assist with Domestic and Basic Tasks: Whenever possible, offer to assist in household duties or other tasks to be polite (Cultural Atlas).

Business Etiquette:

• Make Connections with Others: It is common for Mexicans to rely on their own social networks to get matters resolved and are very interdependent as a society. As such, they like to know and trust people before doing serious business with them, so expect this “getting to know you” phase to take some time before serious business tasks, discussions, and negotiations can begin. Networking is important, and they prefer to work with those they know or with people who know someone they trust already (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas) (International Trade Administration).
• Expect a More Relaxed or Slow Approach to Tasks: Mexicans do not generally work at a hurried pace and many adopt the “mañana” attitude meaning “tomorrow” literally, or in general “the thing will get done eventually so relax for now” (Cultural Atlas) (International Trade Administration) (UT Dallas).
• Show Up Early or On Time to Make a Good Impression: That being said, your associate might not be as punctual, so be prepared for this possibility (Cultural Atlas).
• Confirm the Details of an Appointment or Meeting Multiple Times: This conveys interest and eagerness (Cultural Atlas).
• Be Aware of Some Tendencies During Meetings: Casual conversation and occasional interruptions intermittently within a meeting are to be expected. Furthermore, it is also common for Mexicans to grow emotional during a meeting, but know this is normal and is considered a conveyance of interest and passion for the subject at hand (Cultural Atlas).
• Handle Communication in Person or Over the Phone: Mexicans highly value face-to-face communication so use this avenue as much as possible, and use communication like email for only main point reminders. However, one should expect increased formalness in email writing and should mimic this in their own correspondence (International Trade Administration) (Cultural Atlas).
• Get Agreements in Writing: Although verbal contracts are generally trustworthy, it is better to get agreements in writing to ensure they are completed accordingly (Cultural Atlas).
• Hire an Interpreter and Learn a Little Spanish: Although many people in larger cities do speak some English, it is better to have an interpreter for longer or more detailed discussions. It is also courteous to know some Spanish before visiting and doing business with Mexican businesses (International Trade Administration).

Dining:

• Compliment the Food of Your Host or Cook at Every Opportunity: Flattery towards someone’s cooking is very appreciated, especially by foreigners. Even if you do not like it, it’s recommended to compliment the food and cook anyway, but continue to sound sincere (Cultural Atlas).
• Tip 10-15%: This is the customary amount expected after any paid service is performed, and tipping is very appreciated since wages for many workers are not particularly high (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Observe Common Meal Times: Observing mealtimes is important and it is not uncommon for those working during the week to have five meals a day. One should not schedule a meeting between 2pm and 4pm unless they intend for it to be a lunch meeting, however, lunch meetings can also be a good social opportunity to build relationships both causally and for business (International Trade Administration) (UT Dallas).

General Information:

• Understand the Importance of Family: For many in Mexico, their family is the most important aspect of their lives and is where most of their social connections and events originate from (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Open Gifts Upon Receiving Them: It is common to open gifts when they are received in front of the giver, and gratitude is openly and excitedly expressed (Cultural Atlas).
• Always Thank Mexicans for Their Generosity and Hospitality: They do not expect anything in return except this acknowledgement so it is important not to forget to thank them (Cultural Atlas).
• Have a General Understanding of Mexican History and Culture: They take great pride in their culture and nationality, so it is best to have some understanding and ability to discuss and praise it. Take opportunities to compliment their culture as well whenever possible (Cultural Atlas).
• Give Yourself Time to Acclimate to Elevations and Air Quality: Many visitors (especially those only present short-term) struggle with feeling ill due to pollution or altitude. This is especially advised for those visiting Mexico City (International Trade Administration).
• When Paying for Something in a Store, Place Any Money Directly in the Cashier’s Hand: This is considered much more polite than placing money on the counter instead (UT Dallas).

Gender Considerations:

• Be Aware of the Likelihood of Strong Gender Roles: Especially within older generations, it is very common for men to be the primary income maker for a household, and women (whether they work or not) generally handle the majority of domestic tasks at home (Cultural Atlas).
• Be Aware that People Expect Women to Marry: It is often expected that women will marry between the ages of 20-30 and there is a stigma about not being married after age 30, however, this view is starting to decrease in prevalence (Cultural Atlas).
• If a Man, Understand that Chivalry is Expected: Things like always paying for meals when dining out with a woman, opening doors, and offering seats for women are expected (Cultural Atlas).

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Don’ts:

Greetings and Conversation:

• In Indigenous Towns, Do Not Automatically Use the More Familiar Greeting Style: Since customs can vary, it is wise to follow the example of others or do research before visiting these areas because they often are much less affectionate in their greetings outside of family and close friends (Cultural Atlas).
• Don’t Be Offended if Someone Interrupts a Conversation to Greet Someone Else: This is common and not usually considered rude (Cultural Atlas).
• Don’t Refer to Mexican Migrants Without Paperwork as “Illegal”: Instead use the term “Undocumented Migrants” if discussing the subject (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Avoid the Stereotype of Mexicans Being “Drug Traffickers”: Not only is this offensive, but only a very small portion of their population falls into this category, and U.S. drug consumption is actually much higher (Cultural Atlas).
• Avoid Criticizing Problems with Mexico: They are already aware of infrastructure issues, and most hate violence and the negative view that foreigners have toward their country, especially when their view is based on stereotypes. Most Mexicans really want to redeem their country’s reputation to foreigners (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Don’t Refer to the United States as “America”: Mexico is also part of North America, and many find it annoying and frustrating that only those from the USA are called Americans. People from the United States are generally referred to as “estadounidenses” instead (Cultural Atlas).
• Avoid Addressing Someone by Their First Name Until Given Permission: Until then, continue to address them by the proper title and surname (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Don’t Stand with Your Hands on Your Hips or in Your Pockets: Placing the hands on the hips is viewed as aggressive, and keeping your hands in your pockets when talking with someone is considered rude (UT Dallas).
• Try not to Step Back From Someone While Conversing with Them: Many Mexicans interact at a closer physical distance than what people from the United States are accustomed to. Because of this, stepping back to create more distance during a conversation can come across as unfriendly (UT Dallas).
• Avoid Pulling Away from Physical Contact: Mexican citizens are often very warm and welcoming, so they tend to be very physical including touching people’s arms, patting on the back, and hugs once they get to know you more. Don’t shy away from these touches because this can cause offense (UT Dallas).

Social and Home Visits:

• Don’t Leave an Event, Conversation, or Visit Hastily Without Saying Goodbye Appropriately: Exiting a conversation or visit without saying a proper goodbye can seem rude and imply you did not enjoy their company. It is often customary for everyone to embrace before leaving, and actually departing from a visit can take significant time (Cultural Atlas).
• Don’t Blatantly Refuse Food or Drinks when Offered by Your Host: An alternative would be to say “ahorita” which translates to “right now” but in this context means “not right now, but maybe later” (Cultural Atlas).

Business Etiquette:

• Don’t Expect Punctuality: As a culture, Mexicans are much more relaxed about many things. Due to lack of organization and enforcement, rules are often not closely followed, and this can extend to things such as meetings and transportation (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Try Not to Have a Poor or Closed Attitude: Mexicans feel they need to trust those they work and interact with, and them not feeling that they know you or considering you to have a bad attitude could result in losing a business deal (Cultural Atlas).
• Avoid Overly Aggressive Negotiation: Negotiating in this manner is considered rude. Instead focus on building a good relationship and do not forget to start off meetings and negotiations with small-talk (International Trade Administration).

Dining:

• Don’t Leave Right After a Meal: It is expected you will stay for conversation for at least a little while after a meal is finished (Cultural Atlas).
• Don’t Leave the Table Without Asking to be Excused: (Cultural Atlas)
• Avoid Accepting a Dinner Invitation Alone from Someone of the Opposite Gender unless Romantically Interested: A dinner invitation from the opposite gender is often considered a romantic gesture or a demonstration of interest. Ask a friend, family member, or close acquaintance to join you to try and avoid a misunderstanding (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).

General Information:

• Never Insult the Virgin of Guadalupe: Portrayed as a darker-skinned Virgin Mary, this woman is believed to serve as a messenger to God and is very pertinent amongst Mexico’s vast population of religious citizens. Disrespecting her would be considered very insulting to their faith and national identity (Cultural Atlas).
• Don’t Toss Objects at People when Passing Them: Instead, hand the item(s) to them directly (Cultural Atlas).
• When Giving a Gift to the Opposite Gender Platonically, Do Not Claim It Is From You: Since gift giving is common in romantic situations, it is common to avoid misunderstanding by saying that a gift is from your spouse or relative rather than from you specifically (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Don’t Give Marigolds or Red Flowers as Gifts: Marigolds are associated with death, and red flowers can also have negative associations. White flowers, on the other hand, are viewed positively and are thought to be able to lift spells (Cultural Atlas) (UT Dallas).
• Avoid Gifts made from Silver: Gifts of silver are not generally appreciated because they are associated with being an object desired by tourists (UT Dallas).
• Avoid Using Unregistered Taxi Services: Always go through a registered service or, if available, ride-sharing services like Uber (International Trade Administration).

Gender Considerations:

• Never Wear Tight or Low-Cut Clothing: This standard is particularly aimed towards women, but is never viewed acceptably. Jeans should also generally be avoided for both genders, even in casual settings (UT Dallas).