Essentials for Mexico
¡Own the Culture!
You are not in Kansas anymore
¿Remember Dorothy's surprise in finding out her new world was not as benevolent as the one she left behind?
Being secure takes a proactive approach in Mexico. During the first few months of your stay, you should stick to hired taxi cabs. It is great to be in a country where you can get anywhere through public transportation. However, do not attempt such until you are appropriately acclimated to your new environment. It takes time to learn about the new dangers in an unknown environment.
Do not carry all your ID's, credit cards, or money with you. You should also not carry your passport unless it is necessary. Distribute your money throughout different places on you. That way, if you get held up, you will most likely be left with something on you.
It pays to tip. Tipping locals will build loyalty and protection around you. If you park a car were someone is at watch, remember that the security offered is more valuable than the parking spot. By tipping well, next time your back, you will definitely be taken care of.
¿To be a jerk, or not to be a jerk, that is the question?
There are two ways to speak, tú y usted. Which one you choose can make you or break you. Tú is informal, and usted is formal. Of course there is more to speaking the language than that, but you have to be aware in what context you should speak to others, so you will not be construed as poorly mannered.
In order to be safe, speak to everyone formally first. Again, the more you get to be familiar with the culture, the more you will understand how to make certain shifts.
If someone asks for you to address them informally, that means they want to eliminate distance. That means switching to tú. Do not continue to address them as usted, or you will insult them.
Never address people of authority, older in age, or whose position demands respect informally. This could quickly close doors of opportunity.
Knowing the Key Points Makes the Difference
Managing foreign business affairs is a full plate ¿So why even bother trying to know everything?
This simple guide will give you tips so you can start on the right foot, anticipating that you will learn the rest by walking through your cultural immersion experience ...
¡Do not mistake peso for beso!
If you ask someone for 100 besos, you may get lots of kisses or punched in the face. The term for Mexican currency is pesos. Currency exchange houses or banks can convert your currency. For many decades, the dollar has been the more valuable currency. The current exchange rate is at 18.29 pesos for 1 U.S. dollar. Remember, if you withdraw money from the ATM, although you may see the transaction displayed in dollars, your currency will be handed in pesos.
I have a Harvard degree, therefore I'm educated
Not exactly. You might actually give Harvard a bad name. In Mexico being courteous and well-mannered goes hand in hand with being well educated. If you are rude, and don't know etiquette, you will hardly be viewed as educated.
Saying excuse me, please, thank you, bless you (when someone sneezes), etc., is not only nice but expected.
When dinning, not placing your elbows on the table, and knowing how to properly handle eating utensils will keep you in good standing when eating with local colleagues.
Take a look at this website for all around useful information:
http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_mx.htm
¡Taco Bell has prepared me for this!
Okay I get it. So you grew up eating burritos supreme with hot sauce and you ended up winning your 6th grade class jalapeño eating contest. Hahahaha, you have no idea. Mexican palate takes heat up several unimaginable levels. DO NOT spoil a great meal by putting too much hot sauce on it. Start with a drop, and increment accordingly. Mexican cuisine is some of the finest, but it can give you heartburn if you are not used to eat it. Try to balance your meals out with salads and legumes.
Faucet water is not drinkable unless you want a divine encounter with Moctezuma's revenge. Also, do not attack all the street vendors when you first get there, you are not acclimated to the elements in their foods. Start your first few months by eating at your place, and well established restaurants, slowly moving out towards new adventures.
"Catholicism is not Christianity and I'm going to tell them that"
Unless you are a missionary, you may not want to get on that plane if that is your train of thought. A vast part of the world is catholic, particularly in Latin America. Catholicism comes in different flavors, and you cannot judge the whole, over a few examples you may see. If you confront people with a message of converting people away from the Catholic Church, who knows, you may gain favor with God, but you may cut off potential business relationships. Mexicans have a great deal of respect for their church, and it is best to just let them be, until you build strong relationships with them. Besides, if you can get used to overlooking some of the customs and rituals, you may find that in the core, they are seeking what every other Christian seeks.
Fiesta and Siesta
Most important of all party and sleep. Don't forget to enjoy your stay. Mexicans love the arts and culture. You may be surprised to find that it is not all sombreros. There will be lots of activities for you to enjoy such as sightseeing and museums.