Socializing and Conversation
In Mexico, the right physical contact plays a very important role in building trust and respect with others. In formal situations, especially, you should refrain from using first names until invited to do so. Mexicans also tend to stand closer to each other than in the US and Europe. Personal space is much less and it is common to stand less than a foot away from the person you're speaking to, regardless of their gender. Standing back too far could be mistaken as a sign of mistrust ("Social Etiquette in Mexico") .
Men always shake hands after they meet and before they depart. They can also give a hug or "abrazo" and a friendly pat on the back ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). When men meet women, it is appropriate to bow slightly. When women meet each other, they will always hug and kiss each other on the cheek. During first meetings, a light handshake is seen as the minimum gesture ("Social Etiquette in Mexico").
It is customary to ask about a colleague's family or general health before requesting something ("Mexico- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette"). Good topics of conversation include asking about family, friends, Mexican culture, museums, art and architecture, food and different traveling experiences. Things that aren't a good idea to bring up are war, earthquakes, drugs and immigration ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). Other things you should remember is to ask for your check in restaurants, since it is rude for the waiter to bring you a check without asking for one, and to say "salud!" when someone sneezes. It is also important to be respectful to people who are older than you ("Social Etiquette in Mexico").
Men always shake hands after they meet and before they depart. They can also give a hug or "abrazo" and a friendly pat on the back ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). When men meet women, it is appropriate to bow slightly. When women meet each other, they will always hug and kiss each other on the cheek. During first meetings, a light handshake is seen as the minimum gesture ("Social Etiquette in Mexico").
It is customary to ask about a colleague's family or general health before requesting something ("Mexico- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette"). Good topics of conversation include asking about family, friends, Mexican culture, museums, art and architecture, food and different traveling experiences. Things that aren't a good idea to bring up are war, earthquakes, drugs and immigration ("Social Etiquette in Mexico"). Other things you should remember is to ask for your check in restaurants, since it is rude for the waiter to bring you a check without asking for one, and to say "salud!" when someone sneezes. It is also important to be respectful to people who are older than you ("Social Etiquette in Mexico").