Mexico Business Etiquette

Dress code

• Dark, conservative, suits and ties are the norm for most men in Mexican business culture.
• Businessman in the high tech industries usually dress more casually
• Ensure that your shirts are well-pressed and that your shoes are polished to a high gloss.
• Women usually wear dresses, skirted suits, or skirts and blouses. 
• Suitable casual wear for men includes pants and a light shirt with a sweater for the sometimes chilly evenings. Women can wear a skirt or a pair of stylish pants.
• Shorts are never acceptable in Mexico City, except for children.
• Tennis shoes are never appropriate for business meetings.

Conversation

• Visitors should arrive a few day early to discover Mexico before starting business. Thsi will also give you several topics to talk about.
• Good topics of conversation:
  • Mexican landmarks
  • Mexican culture and history
  • sports--particularly Mexican "futbol" [soccer]
• Topics to be avoided
  • Religion
  • Politics
  • Illegal aliens
  • Drugs

Meeting

• Mexican business hours in the cities are 9:00 a.m. until perhaps 6:00 p.m.
• Governement offices may be open much later, until 9:00 p.m. or more.
• Lunch is often a key business venue that extends from about 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Mexicans seldom work on Saturdays or Sundays. The latter is reserved for family activities.
• Call from your hotel to confirm your arrival in Mexico and to confirm your appointment.
• Mexicans are accustomed to foreigners arriving on time, and most Mexicans in business will do the same.

Negotiating

• Because establishing close relationships, trust, and favor are so important in Mexico, one may return many times to Mexico to build these bonds.
• The appearance and presentation of letters, memos, reports, promotional literature, or any other type of document you present in your business dealings, are considered very important.
• Never throw documents on the table during a business meeting as this is considered highly offensive.
• When the final decision is made, ensure that it is followed by a written agreement.

Gifts

• Gift giving is not usually a requirement in Mexican business culture.
• Presenting a small gift, however, will generally be appreciated as a gesture of good will.
• If you do want to give a gift, be aware that inquiring about what he or she would like to receive as presents can be offensive.
• Bring candy, flowers, or a souvenir from your home region. An illustrated book about the city you represent is a good choice.
• Items with your company's logo [for your initial visit and if appropriate] a bottle of wine or scotch [for subsequent visits]
• Expensive gifts are seldom appropriate unless a considerable degree of friendship has been established.
• Secretaries always appreciate receiving a small but thoughtful gift such as a souvenir of your area.
• It is also thoughtful to bring a small gift to any child that may be present at a home you visit.
• If the child is interested in sports, bring a sports team shirt or cap, preferably from your area.

Gifts to Avoid :

• Yellow flowers symbolize death
• Red flowers cast spells
• White flowers lift spells. 
• Silver as Mexicans are very proud of their silver which is among the best in the world.

Business Entertainment

• Punctuality is not expected at social events such as parties and dinners. When invited to a party in a Mexican home, arrive at least 30 minutes late.
• Meetings during breakfast or lunch are primarily for socializing. Business should be discussed only if the host brings up the subject.
• The Mexican breakfast [7 a.m.- 8 a.m.] tends to be a heartier meal than in the U.S., including foods such as fruit, meat, and eggs. A business breakfast, if progressing well, may last for more than just an hour.
• Lunch [1:30 or 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. or later] is the main meal of the day. Business lunches can last several hours.
• Dinner is usually served around 9:00 p.m. and is usually a light meal.
• Because of the difference in altitude in Mexico, you'll feel much better if you do not eat too much, drink or smoke.
• You'll find that Mexicans are warm, hospitable, and treat others with courtesy and respect.
• A woman should hold a business luncheon in her hotel restaurant and sign the bill in advance.
• When paying for a meal at a Mexican restaurant, one should place his cash or credit card directly into the waiter's hand, if possible. Leaving your payment on the table is considered rude.
• If you are invited a Mexican home, this is usually not the time to discuss business unless it is brought up.
• If you are invited into a Mexican home , this symbolises that your relationship has developed into a friendship. Consider this invitation a big step, since friendship is vital to Mexican business culture and signifies trust--the key element in a successful relationship.
• At a party, one might give a slight bow to the company as he enters the room. After the host's introductions, greeting and shaking hands with each guest are also customary. Moreover, one is expected to shake hands with each guest when you leave.

Public Conduct

• Men will shake hands during greetings.
• Women will pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder. If they are particularly close, women will hug or kiss each other on the cheek.
• Women should initiate handshakes with men.
• A gentle grip is all that is required when shaking hands.
• Mexican men may exchange a sort of bear-hug, called an "abrazo.". If you find yourself in an abrazo, relax  and participate. You have reached a good status in the eye of your counterpart
• Handshakes at the conclusion of a meeting are intended to affirm what was discussed or agreed to.
• Conversations occur at a much closer physical distance than you may be accustomed to in the United States, Europe or Asia.
• Mexican men are warm and friendly. They often touch shoulders or hold the arm of another. Withdrawing from these affectionate gestures can be perceived as an insult.
• Eye contact should be infrequent; avoid looking at others too intently.
• In a store, Mexicans pay for their purchases by placing the money directly in the clerk's hand, rather than on the counter. Leaving a payment on the counter is generally rude.
• Morning greeting = "Buenos días", literally "Good day"
• Afternoon greeting= "Buenas tardes""Good Afternoon"
• Any time greeting = "Hola""Hello" OR "Cómo esta?""How Are You?"

Tipping:

• Ten to fifteen percent is a good tip for good service.

Content by www.MercaTrade.com

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