Top Ten Mexico Customs and Cultural Differences
10. Some people here don’t understand English. This doesn’t mean they are deaf. Hand gestures, a non-threatening tone, and a smile can put them at ease and help them understand your Spanglish.
9. Driving laws are often considered to be more of a suggestion. So be adaptable to other drivers who may do things you don’t expect. It’s too hot here for road rage.
8. Haggling is not as common here as other tourist spots in Mexico. Know when to stop. Respect is important to convey in business dealings.
7. Tipping is important here too. The going rate is about 10%.
6. Greetings are essential. A simple “Buenao Dias” in the morning, “Buenas Tardes”, in the afternoon, and “Buenas Noches” at night, will go a long way.
5. A common parting phrase is “Que Tenga Buen Dia.” Which means essentially “Have a good day.” Afford this courtesy to everyone from the clerk at a store to your neighbors, and you just may be viewed as a nice guy!
4. Someone showing you the back of their hand is not a threat. It is the gesture for ’thank you’.
3. It is considered a courtesy to other neighbors to share your music by playing it loudly. So if someone is blaring mariachi for 4 hours, think about how kind they are being, and keep telling yourself that over, and over, and over.
2. Expect to accomplish about two things a day. Be happy if you get to one. It is a slower pace here, hundreds of years hasn’t changed that, neither can we.
1. Drinking before 5pm won’t get you branded an automatic alcoholic. It is common for people to have a Corona with lunch (emphasis on “a” Corona). So feel free to enjoy a Margarita when lounging on the beach in the mid day sun. Just don't overdo it.
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Your #3 takes me back. I spent a year in a small town in Oaxaca a while back and the ranchero/cumbia/mariachi music would start blaring under my bedroom window at about 6:00am every morning. This constant background music was like a soundtrack in the surreal movie of my life in Mexico. On nostalgic days, I kind of miss it.
Great post, it’s good to learn about these things for people considering to move to mexico.
Nice job!
About a year after moving here, a friend suggested the book “Choose Mexico” for those contemplating a move. http://www.amazon.com/Choose-Mexico-Retirement-10th-Information/dp/0762743921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224517794&sr=8-1
It is in its 10th edition now. One of the biggest differences this book speaks to is the noise level. We noticed it immediately upon arriving, but did not know about the book before. It definitely takes some adjusting.
However, things are changing here. If the music goes on after 11:00, many Mexicans will call the Police now. The Police actually come and tell them to turn it down.
What can be done about those “sharing” their music in their cars with ear-deafening and earth-trembling bass? Nothing I suppose.
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