TradePost Archives > May 7, 2009 > this article

Cultural tips for global business: Mexico

MEXICO - Social:

• Avoid discussing pollution, illegal immigration, religion, sexuality, or any relevant political strife currently affecting the country.
• Don't make comparisons between Mexico and the U.S.
• It is considered very rude to take the Lord's name in vain in Mexico. If you are the type of person to use a form of the phrase "Oh my God" in your everyday conversation, you may want to practice eliminating it from your vocabulary.
• It is considered rude for men to keep their hands in their pocket.
• Do not give marigolds, as they symbolize death. Do not give red flowers, as they have a negative connotation.
• If you are invited to a Mexican's home, do not arrive on time. Arrive 30 minutes late in most places. Arriving on time or early is considered inappropriate.
• Dress as you would in Europe: Men should wear conservative, dark colored suits; women should wear business suits or conservative dresses.
• Refusing an invitation in Mexico is considered rude, so local residents may agree to meet you and then simply not arrive.

MEXICO - Business:

• Remember that siesta time falls between 2 and 5 pm every day, so don't schedule meetings or gatherings during this time as you are not likely to get much of a response.
• Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.
• It is advisable to have one side of your business card in Spanish.
• Business cards should contain both your professional and educational qualifications.
• Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient.
• Business appointments are required and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Reconfirm the appointment one week before the meeting. Reconfirm the meeting again once you arrive in Mexico and make sure that the secretary of the person you will be meeting knows how to contact you.
• It is important that you arrive on time for meetings, although your Mexican business associates may be up to 30 minutes late.
• Have all written material available in both English and Spanish.
• Agendas are not common. If they are given, they are not always followed.
• Since Mexicans are status conscious, you should always have someone on your negotiating team who is an executive.
• If you do not speak Spanish, hire an interpreter.
• Face-to-face meetings are preferred over telephone, letters or email.
• Negotiations and decisions take a long time. You must be patient.
• Deadlines are seen as flexible and fluid, much like time itself.
• Negotiations will include a fair amount of haggling. Do not give your best offer first.
• Do not include an attorney on your negotiating team.