Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Minding your Manners in Mexico
Being polite is the best thing you can do in Mexico to ensure good service and to also undo those nasty rumors that Canadians and Americans are generally rude and want everything "right now!" In our time here we have learned a few tips that have made our lives easier while living and traveling in Mexico. As with all countries, making the effort to be polite will always work in your favor. Mexicans are very friendly people and are more than willing to assist you with whatever you need. However, being demanding, disrespectful and causing a scene are all great ways to not only lose whatever help you might have received but also furthers the unfortunate stereotype that all foreigners are impolite.
Some things to keep in mind when you explore Mexico:
- Always Greet People First
Always greet whomever you want to speak to with "Buenos Dias" (Good morning), "Buenas Tardes" (Good Afternoon) or "Buenas Noches" (Good Evening). It is customary to greet staff when you enter a store and to acknowledge them on your way out. If you launch into a tirade about what you want without a proper greeting you can expect mediocre service--Mexicans find this type of behavior extremely rude.
- Shake Hands and Pucker Up
Like some European countries it is customary to shake hands (for men) or kiss cheeks (this only applies to women) whenever you greet your Mexican friends. Men usually shake hands, though the Baja has some local handshakes which have a few flashy add-ons. Women are not included in the fancy handshakes -- I asked a gentleman why he didn't high-five me and he look absolutely appalled that I would even consider it. So ladies, get ready to kiss a lot of cheeks. Surprisingly, for a culture full of machismo, bone-crushing handshakes are considered impolite, a light grip is more than adequate.
- Remember to Ask for the Bill
Tom and I sat for ages in a café waiting for the server to realize we were ready to go. We finally asked for "la cuenta" (the bill) and quickly left the restaurant complaining of the poor service. A friend of ours enlightened us to the fact that it is considered rude to bring the bill to the table if it has not yet been requested. Instead of rushing you out of the restaurant, the servers give you time to relax and enjoy your meal, quite a change from Canada where the staff tend to push you out the door so they can serve more customers. Whenever you are ready to leave just nicely ask for the bill.
- Address People Using their Titles
Titles are a huge deal in Mexico. "Señor", "Señora" and "Señorita" all show respect and it is best to use them until the person you are speaking with indicates otherwise. Education is highly regarded and it is a good idea to address people by these titles as well, "Doctor(a)", "Ingeniero" (engineer) and "Profesor(a)" (professor)) are some titles you may come across. If you are a university grad you can always introduce yourself as "Licenciado(a)" in formal situations.
- Say Adios to your Personal Bubble
Mexicans tend to stand close when they are talking to you. This can take some getting used to but whatever you do try not to step back, it is considered offensive and gives the impression that you don't want to be near that person.
- R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Overall, the best thing you can do in Mexico is to be respectful to everyone. From taxi drivers to business executives you need to make sure you treat everyone graciously. Those travelers who make the effort to be courteous and polite will experience better service, lots of smiles and a much better reception when traveling in Mexico.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, North America, Mexico, No Wrong Turns




Get a WordPress.com Blog



Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Austin Hill Jun 18th 2008 2:16PM
Thanks for the great tips.
A lot of the same habits are good ideas in Italy as well, especially when it comes to taking it easy (and asking for the bill!) Heck, I think most Americans could use to take it easy ALL the time, but especially when they travel.
Kelsey Mulyk Jun 18th 2008 2:24PM
Hey Austin,
I agree, generally speaking if you are going into another country you have to learn to adopt the social customs. Unfortunately lots of people seem to forget that some of what we (Canadians and Americans) think is polite is actually quite rude in other places. I think that learning the new customs is part of the fun!
Thanks for reading!
Mary Jun 19th 2008 4:05PM
I lived very close to Mexico for 35 years and it helped me maintain my "lady-like" actions. It always felt good to act like a lady and sit back and watch the "Americans" be rude and loud. I would be so embarrassed to go to Mexico for dinner and have a bunch of tourists from US be loud (as if they could understand English if spoken to that way) We Americans have so much to learn about manners and cultures.....but we have become so unwilling to apply what we should have learned a long time ago.
Ale mx Aug 19th 2009 8:50AM
Hi Kelsey,
I am a mexican girl and I just love the way you perceive our country. I was searching for some information about mexican manners for a lesson I have to give tomorrow, and I came across to your nice blog. It was of so much help. :)
Have a nice day.