Social Etiquette
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Whether it be at a special event or a casual day out, the way you dress is important in Mexico. People may often treat you as they see you, and wearing the wrong clothing can cause embarrassment or come off as being rude. In formal settings, men should always wear a suit and tie, and women a formal dress ("Social Etiquette in Mexico").
Dressing conservatively is key. If you're not sure, navy, black and gray are good color choices("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). In bigger cities, shorts and tennis shoes should be avoided. However, in Mexico's coastal cities like Cancun, Los Cabos and Acapulco, lighter clothing is seen as okay due to the heat.
In some cultures, like England, punctuality is very important. However, in Mexico time is very relaxed, and being late is actually seen as something normal and polite. For social events, you should show up 30 minutes later than the time written on the invitation ("Social Etiquette in Mexico") .
Gift giving is also another thing that is important in Mexican culture. If someone invites you over, you might want to give them a gift. Doing so otherwise may be seen as giving the "cold shoulder". Great gift ideas are flowers, fine plants, silk scarves, wine, fine confectionery, or a small gift related to your own home country ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). Avoid giving gifts associated with souvenirs and tourist mementos.
When meeting up with people, it is polite to greet each person individually and make some attempt to speak Spanish ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). It will be greeted with warmth and is considered a gesture of good will. Saying goodbye is just as important and not doing so can result in giving off a rude vibe. Refrain from comparing Mexico with other countries, even if it's constructive criticism ("Social Etiquette in Mexico").
A few other things to be aware of in social situations is to not place your hands on your hips, as this is seen as a form of aggression ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). Keeping your hands in your pockets is also not polite. It is also polite to say "salud!" when someone sneezes, and say "gracias" if someone says it to you.
Dressing conservatively is key. If you're not sure, navy, black and gray are good color choices("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). In bigger cities, shorts and tennis shoes should be avoided. However, in Mexico's coastal cities like Cancun, Los Cabos and Acapulco, lighter clothing is seen as okay due to the heat.
In some cultures, like England, punctuality is very important. However, in Mexico time is very relaxed, and being late is actually seen as something normal and polite. For social events, you should show up 30 minutes later than the time written on the invitation ("Social Etiquette in Mexico") .
Gift giving is also another thing that is important in Mexican culture. If someone invites you over, you might want to give them a gift. Doing so otherwise may be seen as giving the "cold shoulder". Great gift ideas are flowers, fine plants, silk scarves, wine, fine confectionery, or a small gift related to your own home country ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). Avoid giving gifts associated with souvenirs and tourist mementos.
When meeting up with people, it is polite to greet each person individually and make some attempt to speak Spanish ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). It will be greeted with warmth and is considered a gesture of good will. Saying goodbye is just as important and not doing so can result in giving off a rude vibe. Refrain from comparing Mexico with other countries, even if it's constructive criticism ("Social Etiquette in Mexico").
A few other things to be aware of in social situations is to not place your hands on your hips, as this is seen as a form of aggression ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). Keeping your hands in your pockets is also not polite. It is also polite to say "salud!" when someone sneezes, and say "gracias" if someone says it to you.