A person raised in another culture may, wholly unintentionally and without realizing it, snub or otherwise offend a Mexican. You can learn by observing how Mexicans interact with each other. The following hints may be helpful.
Shaking Hands .
In Mexico handshaking is the minimum of greeting and farewell on any and every occasion and among both men and women. Even if you have only spoken to a person for a few seconds, having greeted them with a handshake, another handshake is in order on parting. If in doubt, always shake hands since you can't overdo it.
Kissing.
In Mexico kissing someone on the cheek when you are introduced is very common. You may kiss the person on the cheek on parting as well.
Toasting.
Before tasting their drinks for the first time, Mexicans wait until everyone is served and then raise their glasses to each other with the greeting, " Salud ."
This may be done repeatedly while carrying on with the same drink.
Hissing. The hiss is often used in Mexico to call one's attention, especially for waiters. You will hear it, do not be alarmed.
Bands in Restaurants.
If there is a Mariachi group of musicians and singers in the restaurant, you are welcome to listen all night without paying a cent extra. But if you ask them for a song (they will probably come by your table) you are expected to pay a certain amount per song.
In Mexico a lot of what we consider honesty, they consider blunt, rude, and down-right abrasive. Mexicans feel attacked by our straight talk.
I Don't Know.
Mexicans don't really like it when I say, “I don't know.” They feel betrayed because saying “I don't know” isn't being honest (as you might think if you are from North America ); it's ignoring their obvious need for an answer. It's completely unsupportive and rude.
When faced with a question to which they don't know the answer, many Mexicans invent an answer in order to be polite. You need to know this cultural difference for two reasons.
Reason #1 is so that you can find a very indirect and diplomatic way to say “I don't know.” Remember that they have a need for an answer and are in a vulnerable position. Treat them gently. Try to find a way to help them. Say something like, “Let me find out” or “Maybe you could ask (person X).” Add on something about how you would very much like to help them, but that are sure that someone else could do a much better job.
Reason #2 is so that you can learn to recognize polite answers given by people who haven't a clue in you know where and real answers. Mexicans “I don't know” they will avoid being rude by MAKING SOMETHING UP. The good thing is that with time you will learn to tell when they are making something up and when they actually know.
The main clue is that when they are making something up, they tend to be very vague
No.
Another honest word that you are not allowed to use in Mexico is “no.”
Since saying “no” is a no-no in Mexico people rarely use this word. Instead people just say “yes,” albeit more vaguely.
Other tabbos.
• Mexico is predominantly Catholic.
• Avoid staying in cheap hotels.
• If the host's business is affiliated with a specific hotel, stay at that hotel.
• Expect busy roads and be a defensive driver. It is not necessary to hire a driver, though it is affordable. Taxis are affordable and common throughout Mexico . Visitors should refrain from taking photographs of military installations