Mexican
behavior is much more conservative and reserved than most American's.
To be effective in enjoying and getting the most from your trip show consideration
to your Mexican fellows, you must do things their way! You can get a good
idea of what is appropriate and what is dumb by watching what the locals
are doing. Here are some other hints you can follow.
In Mexico, the people tend to stand closer during a conversation than
Americans do. Backing away may be considered unfriendly.
Do
not use the common gesture for "O.K." (thumb and index finger
in a circle) in Mexico, as this is considered vulgar.
When
purchasing an item from a store in Mexico, place the money directly in
the clerk’s hand. It would be an indication of contempt for the
clerk if you placed it on the counter.
As
you form friendships in Mexico, the greeting will change quickly from
a handshake to a hug. Men have more friendly physical contact than generally
seen in the U.S.; these gestures should be accepted willingly.
Close
male acquaintances will often perform the "abrazo," a Mexican
gesture of good will. The abrazo is a combination hug/backslap/handshake
and is used in business situations as well.
If
you bring home glazed ceramics from Mexico, only use them for decoration.
Many pieces have a dangerously high lead content, and should not be used
for storing or serving food and beverages.
ATTITUDE:
Consider others better than yourself. Intelligence has been issued fairly
evenly. Education has not. Many Mexicans you will meet will have limited
formal education. Never act superior or talk down to people you meet.
Like everybody else in this world, they have lessons to teach you if you
are listening. Be courteous, friendly, and ready to share. Most of all,
always SMILE and say "Buenos Dias!".
Be sincere and forward. Break the ice with a handshake and a smile even
if you haven't learned to say Buenos Dias yet. Since you are a guest in
their country, show your appreciation of Mexican hospitality. Tell him
your name first in Spanish. Make it a point to learn names.
BRING SMALL INTERESTING GIFTS
This Travel Tip is definitely not critical, but it can be a ton of fun.
The people who serve you in Mexico are also serving thousands of other
tourists, but they rarely receive any special recognition from visitors
for their efforts. Sometimes it can be fun to bring down small items to
give to these people, especially if they provide you with excellent service.
Items
they enjoy include nice pens, pocket calendars, key chains and other trinkets
that easily fit into your luggage. These types of gifts are good for someone
who has helped you at the front desk of the hotel, or maybe gone out of
their way at a restaurant or at an event that you attended. Of course
the kids like candy, small toys, decals other items, and if they clean
your windshield do some other favor for you these types of items are usually
appreciated.
It's
easy to be a typical tourist, but with a little extra effort you can be
a very special person, and maybe even make a new friend.
LEARN
SOME BASIC SPANISH
Just because you don't have to know any Spanish to enjoy Mexico doesn't
mean you shouldn't. Learning 10 or 15 key Spanish words sets you out from
the crowd, and the local people love it when you try to meet them halfway
(no matter how badly you butcher their language!). Most people who have
fun with the language end up speaking a language we call "Spanglish".
Spanglish is usually a good hearted attempt to speak basic Spanish, with
a little English sprinkled around to fill in the gaps. Mexicans don't
seem to have much of a problem understanding Spanglish, and it's fun trying
to communicate with them as far as your talents will take you! |