During the 20th century the Mexican culture has changed rapidly. The contemporary life in the biggest cities has, in many ways, become similar to United States and Europe. However, most Mexican villagers follow the older way of life more than the city people do. There are a few etiquettes that are valid around Mexico when it comes to social relationship, greeting, dining, attire, opposite sex, shopping, and bargaining.
In Mexico, the greeting and meeting formalities are very important, it is considered rude to fail to follow social protocols. It is essential to use physical contact to build trust and respect with others. Mexicans often hold a gesture (hug or handshake) longer than Americans and Canadians do. In social situations man shake hands until they know someone well, then they progress to more traditional back slapping and hugs. When women greet each other in social situations they usually do not shake hands, instead pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder. Men bow when greeting a woman in Mexico, and shake hands only if she extends her hand first. But, in business situations women usually offer a handshake. Mexicans are all about physical contact, it is essential.
Dining etiquette in Mexico is important to follow if ever dining at a restaurant or in a Mexican home. When dining at Mexican´s home its necessary to remember to always show up 30 minutes or later in most places. Because arriving on time or earlier than planned is considered inappropriate. If you are invited to somebody’s home you should bring a bottle of wine or a flower. Bring white flowers, never a red one. At large parties you can introduce yourself, but at smaller gatherings the host handles the introductions. Remember to keep in mind manners when sitting at the table. Do not sit down unless you are invited to and told where to sit. Do not start to eat until the hostess starts. Your hands should be visible at all times when eating and keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. Only men give toasts, and it is polite to leave some food on your plate after eating the meal. When you are finished, place your fork and knife across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
When you eat out in Mexico you should allow your host to order for you. Excess drinking is frowned upon in Mexico, especially when it is undertaken by woman. Always regulate alcohol intake in these social occasions. Good conversation topics at a meal should include family, museums, art and architecture, cuisine, Mexican culture, and travel experience. It is recommended not to bring up the topics of politics, war, immigration, and drugs. Always offer to pay the bill if you invited the other person. If somebody else invites you out to eat, you should also offer to pay, and then accept the declines of you offer. Mexico has a strong tipping culture; you must include a tip if you are settling the bill. Lunch is the main meal of the day and you should always plan to spend at least two hours enjoying the meal.
An important aspect of Mexican social culture is how to dress. People will usually treat you as they see you, so in social situations and business it is important to dress appropriately. For informal occasions men and women should wear casual attire depending on the situation. For formal occasions men should always wear suit and a tie and women should wear a formal dress. Recommended colors are navy and dark grey, and women should always wear makeup. At the coastal side of Mexico in cities like Cancun, Los Cabos and Acapulco, formal meeting do not require shirt and tie, casual or light clothing is used instead due to the heat and relaxed nature of these locations.
How Mexicans look at or treat the opposite sex is somehow different from US and a big part of Europe. Mexican males generally believe that nothing must be allowed to tarnish their image as a male. Making remarks on women is a stereotypical sign of masculinity and not be seen as harassment. Women in Mexico appreciate and expect gentlemanly behavior, similar to the US. They liked doors to be opened for them by men, and also like being helped to their seat at the table.
Bargaining is the way of life between customers and street merchants throughout Mexico, because Mexico is the land of the markets. The markets are usually outdoors and are set up underneath tarps, on alleyways, or green spaces. There are specialty markets that sell organic products and flowers, and then there are souvenir markets that sell gifts. Bargaining in Mexico is the essential business and has been for centuries. It is important to know how, when, and where to engage in negotiations. Bargaining is a game of skill with etiquette and rules. When the game of bargaining is correctly played, it is good to provide the vendor with a bit of social relief and the buyer with good price. When bargaining is incorrectly approached the negotiations can get offensive. Always be sure that you can walk away if you bargaining effort fails and never back down from buying if the seller accepts your price.