Mexico

Greetings

Men greeting Men - Men usually shake hands when greeting one another. At a first meeting a gentle handshake will suffice and is sometimes combined with slight touches on the arms and/or elbows. Handshakes may linger a bit. Good friends and family will engage in a light hug or abrazo which may be combined with a few slaps on the back.

Women greeting Women- At a first meeting, women shake hands or give a light touch on the forearm. Friends and close acquaintances generally kiss each other once on the cheek.

Greetings between Men & Women- At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Friends, family and close acquaintances usually share a light kiss on the cheek, sometimes with a brief hug.

Communication Style

• Mexicans tend to favor an indirect style of communication over a direct style.

Personal Space & Touch

• Mexicans are comfortable standing close to one another while talking. One to two feet is normal. It can be considered rude to back up or away from someone while they are speaking.
• There is a fair amount of touching between men and men, and women and women and men and women while conversing.

Eye Contact

• In rural areas it is not always acceptable to directly look at someone in the eyes out of respect but in the cities it is widely acceptable.
• When children are in trouble they look down and if they look at the adult directly in the eyes it can be seen as disrespectful and a challenge.

Gestures

• Most gestures found in North America are understood and used by Mexicans.
• Mexicans sometimes use a "psst-psst" or a kissing sound to catch another’s attention in public. This is usually not considered overly rude.
• Whistling is used to call someone or get their attention.
  
• "Nodding" your finger in Mexico means "yes." The "nodding" motion consists of pointing the index finger up and then contracting and extending it.

Views of Time

• The expectation on time is that people are going to arrive late. People are usually late for parties and dinners. This is also because in the urban areas there is a lot of traffic and the it can be a factor on arriving late to a function.
• Social gatherings are more relaxed with time but business meetings are expected to be started on time.
• Mexicans tend to place more emphasis on people and relationships than to the strict adherence of set schedules in social situations.

Gender Roles

• Mexico has a macho culture and women are often treated differently than men.
• Most women in the rural areas are Catholic and are expected to be house wives and be obedient to the husbands. They also tend to have many children because they do not practice birth control.
• In the cities the women hold a variety of jobs such as Doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers. Foreign women are expected to fit in with the locals but they are also generally respectful of people’s differences as long as they are not forced upon the locals.
• Work opportunities for women are varied and becoming more and more available, yet earnings are lower.

Taboos

• When demonstrating the height of something, be aware that holding the palm face down is reserved for animals. For people, hold the palm sideways with the thumb on top.
• Standing with your hands on your hips; usually signifies anger. It is also considered rude to stand around with your hands in your pockets.
• Making a V sign with your fingers and then placing it on the outside of each nostril is an obscene gesture.
• Showing a closed fist with a raised arm at an almost 90 degree angle is a threatening gesture and very offensive.
• Burping out loud is considered very rude.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age in is 18, and is not readily enforced.
• The legal smoking age is 18 but it is somewhat enforced when buying.
• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

• There are a high numbers of robberies, carjacking, and kidnappings in several urban areas.

Dress

• For men: stylish yet classic dark colored suits with shirt and ties. Being well groomed is important. Nice accessories are good to.
• For women: stylish yet classic business suits or dresses and matching shoes. Most women are always made-up and usually wear heels and hoes.
• Jeans and business casual attire is usually a not appropriate.
  

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are very important and it is best to address people directly by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname..
• It is advisable, although not required, to have one side of your business card translated into Spanish. Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient.
• Business cards are exchanged usually exchanged with everyone at the meeting.

Meetings

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important even though you may have to wait 30 minutes or more.
• There is usually 5-15 minutes of small talk before getting down to business. It is best to allow your host to begin the business discussion.
• If offered something to drink, don't refuse, as it may be seen as an insult.

Negotiations

• Mexicans tend to value relationship building and harmony so it is important to avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation.
• Mexicans tends to use and respond best to an indirect communication style over direct.
• Mexicans can become animated when negotiating, be sure to not mistake this aggression. When negotiations are finished, be sure to return to the small talk for a bit before leaving and always say a good-bye.

Gift Giving

• Simple gifts may be brought to a first meeting, something usually from one’s company.
• If invited to a Mexican’s house, it is appropriate to bring flowers(avoid marigolds and red flowers), wine, spirits, or chocolates.
• Make sure that gifts are nicely wrapped and they are usually to be opened right away.

In the Classroom

• Most schools start in August and end in June. There are a few weeks between semesters and there is a 2 month break at the end of the year.
• Students dress casually jeans & t-shirts are common. Shorts are not commonly worn.
• Classes are taught using a mixture of lectures, group work and discussions. Lecture is the most common.
• Most university grades are given on a 0 to 10 scale with ten being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually a 6.
• Some schools use uniforms.