Mexico— a vibrant and original country. And the people here live bright and original, with their own habits and customs, formed under the centuries-old influence of a wide variety of cultures. No one is in a hurry, everyone enjoys life, the warm sun and pleasant communication. Mexicans seem so carefree and always ready to share their emotions, but they also have their own rules.
To avoid getting into an awkward position when communicating with the residents of Mexico and to get the most out of your visit to the state, read these ten tips on how to behave in Mexico.
Always say hello
In Mexico everyone says hello. They say hello to a stranger passing by, when entering a public building or transport, to salespeople in stores, and even just on the beach.
Greeting the people you interact with is very meaningful in Mexico. Before you sit down at the table, you should greet everyone who is sitting at it, and not just nod your head. If you greet everyone individually, you will make a much better impression.
Handshakes are most common among men, and women usually kiss each other on the cheek. The simplest thing to do is shake hands. It is considered the height of rudeness to refuse a handshake.
There's no shame in being late
Accuracy — courtesy of kings. But not in Mexico! Here the attitude toward being late is the opposite of what it is in many Western cultures. Here, being late is not considered bad manners or disrespect. If you are invited to visit, it is quite polite to be half an hour late. And you are allowed to be two hours late when attending a party.
The attitude towards being late to business meetings, weddings or funerals is usually more strict, but here you yourself must understand that latecomers are not welcome.
Mexicans themselves laugh at the tradition of being late, but… continue to be late.
Avoid calling people you don't know by name
When meeting someone for the first time in Mexico, it is always polite to say their first and last name. But it is much more appropriate to add señor, señorita or señora before the name, omitting the name. It is better not to call people by name at all with whom you are not well acquainted.
Mexicans have two names and two families. The first name comes from from, the second — from mother. In modern Mexico, when addressing Mexicans, it is recommended to use the first, family name fromtsa, and skip the second.
Bargain only where appropriate
Many visitors to countries have the impression that all prices in Mexico are subject to negotiation. In fact, this is not true. You can, of course, try to bargain, but most sellers will not lower their prices. This is especially true for the capital, Mexico City.
You have a better chance of getting a discount when purchasing tourist souvenirs, excursions or other entertainment, the prices of which are specifically designed for travelers. Moreover, here the sellers themselves will offer you a discount, just so that you don’t leave. But bargaining is not accepted at food markets. Many sellers are still unable to afford to significantly reduce prices, and a small discount will not make a difference.
It is absolutely not customary to bargain in stores that sell industrial goods. In addition, it is better to travel either at a kilometer rate, or by discussing the cost of the trip in advance.
Eternal mañana
In Mexico, everything happens more slowly than usual. If you take this for granted, you will not be bothered or even upset by the seeming relaxedness and non-commitment of the Mexicans. Just don't expect immediate implementation of your plans.
In a restaurant, you might think that the waiter is inattentive if he doesn't bring you the bill as soon as you've finished eating. This happens all the time in Mexico. The waiter considers it the height of impropriety to immediately demand money from you. Get ready for things like this and try to take your time.
If they promised to do something to you «magnana» — this happens in the morning, and tomorrow, and sometimes the day after tomorrow and even later. The seeming non-obligation of Mexicans irritates many, but the Mexicans themselves are more irritated by doing something without desire and on orders.
Be friendly
Mexicans — one of the friendliest nations you will ever meet. If you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, try to be friendly as well. Sometimes Mexicans will enter your personal space and touch you affectionately, but it will never be an aggressive gesture. They are just truly warm people. Say hello, smile and talk even to strangers.
Mexicans never raise their voices; shouting at someone other than your interlocutor is considered the height of impropriety. Besides this, they will never tell you «no» on a fundamental question, making you worry about the true answer.
You will notice that the Mexicans you meet, even strangers, will tell you some questions about their personal life. Even if this is not interesting to you or you consider such communication unacceptable, it would be polite to sympathetically assent and even ask your own questions.
Learn a few phrases in Spanish
Know a few words and phrases in the local language — This is just a sign of respect and courtesy to the local residents. And it doesn’t matter what country you are in, this rule is universal.
If you don’t understand anything of what they say to you, don’t turn away and don’t repeat “But abla Espanyol,” but just smile.
If you already speak Spanish, when speaking to strangers or older people, be sure to use the formal «you», rather than «you» (usted instead of tu). It's just politeness.
Tips
In Mexico, it is customary to leave a tip. This rule applies to both travel and non-travel areas. Of course, it is not necessary to leave a tip, and it is illegal to demand them or add the tip amount to the bill.
The size of the tip depends on where you make the purchase or receive the service. In tourist areas, the amount of tips was formed under the influence of Americans, and here it is customary to leave a tip of 15-20%. In other places, leaving up to 10-15% tip is quite enough.
Taxi drivers in Mexico are not required to leave tips, but it is customary to tip maids and porters at your hotel. It is highly advisable to tip those who pack your purchases in supermarkets — Many pensioners work here.
Visit to the temple
Mexico— a power of strong Christian traditions. Mexicans are passionate about both faith and objects of worship. In this regard, it is very important to respect their faith and not violate their traditions when visiting temples.
This means that clothing should be discreet. Women do not have to cover their heads at all, but they should not wear clothes that are too short or too bloody. In addition to this, men should not come to the temple in shorts.
In some Catholic churches, photography is prohibited. In addition, it is recommended to live from the sights of the temple until the church service ends there.
Mexican conservatism
Many Mexicans, due to their upbringing, will treat you more conservatively than you are used to. For example, you have the right to be asked why you don’t have children or why you are not married or not married. These questions seem too personal. But despite all the carefreeness of the Mexicans, the moral values in the country are quite high, and therefore the questions seem too sincere.
Try not to take this kind of behavior and questioning as something personal. They reflect Mexican culture without trying to offend you. The best way from reply — show politeness, even if you do not agree with the position of the interlocutor.