Mexican Etiquette and Customs: A Cultural Guide for Expats in 2026

Mexican etiquette basics: greet with cheek kiss (women) or handshake/abrazo (men), arrive 30-60 minutes "late" for social events, always say "buen provecho" to people eating, and use "usted" (formal you) with elders. Here's the complete cultural guide for expats in Mexico City and throughout Mexico.

Greetings and Personal Space

Physical Greetings

Mexicans are generally warm and physically affectionate compared to many other cultures. Understanding appropriate greetings will help you feel comfortable in social situations.

Between women: A kiss on the cheek (usually one, on the right cheek) is standard when greeting friends and acquaintances. Even when meeting someone for the first time through mutual friends, a cheek kiss is often expected.

Between men: A handshake is typical for first meetings and business contexts. Close friends and family members often embrace (abrazo), which involves a hug with back pats.

Between men and women: A cheek kiss is common in social settings. In business contexts, a handshake may be more appropriate initially.

Tip: When in doubt, let the Mexican person lead. They will typically initiate the type of greeting they prefer.

Verbal Greetings

Always greet people when entering a space, even in casual settings like a small shop or waiting room. Common greetings include:

• Buenos dias: Good morning (until around noon)
• Buenas tardes: Good afternoon (noon until sunset)
• Buenas noches: Good evening/night
• Buen provecho: Said to others who are eating (similar to "enjoy your meal")

When leaving, say "con permiso" (with your permission) or "hasta luego" (see you later). Ignoring these social niceties can come across as rude.

Time and Punctuality

Mexican Time

Time is viewed more flexibly in Mexico than in some other cultures. What might be considered "late" elsewhere is often perfectly acceptable here. However, context matters:

Social events: Arriving 30 minutes to an hour after the stated time is common and expected. Showing up exactly on time might mean you arrive before the host is ready.

Business meetings: Punctuality is more important in professional contexts, especially with international companies. However, some flexibility is still normal.

Medical appointments: Arrive on time, but expect to wait. Doctors often run behind schedule.

Parties and celebrations: Arriving on time to a party can be awkward. Most guests arrive at least 30 minutes late, often later.

Adapting Your Expectations

Rather than viewing this as "being late," understand that relationships and flexibility take precedence over rigid scheduling. If punctuality is important for a specific event, communicate this clearly by saying something like "a las 7 en punto" (at 7 sharp).

Dining Etiquette

At Restaurants

• Asking for the check: Waiters will not bring the check until you ask. This is considered polite, allowing you to enjoy your meal without feeling rushed. Say "la cuenta, por favor" when ready.
• Tipping: Standard tip is 10 to 15 percent. In tourist areas, 15 to 20 percent is increasingly expected.
• Sharing food: It is common to order dishes to share. Mexicans often order multiple items for the table.
• Pace of meals: Meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly, especially lunch (comida), which is the main meal of the day.

At Someone's Home

• Bringing a gift: Bringing something is appreciated but not required. Flowers, wine, dessert, or chocolates are appropriate choices.
• Finishing your plate: Leaving a small amount of food can indicate you have been well-fed. However, refusing food entirely may offend your host.
• Complimenting the food: Expressing appreciation for the meal is always welcome.
• Offering to help: Offer to help with preparation or cleanup, though your host may decline.

Food Culture

Food is central to Mexican culture and family life. Sharing meals is an important social activity, and declining an invitation to eat together repeatedly may be seen as unfriendly. Even if you are not hungry, accepting a small portion or beverage shows respect and builds connection.

Family and Relationships

Importance of Family

Family is the cornerstone of Mexican society. This extends beyond the nuclear family to include extended relatives, godparents (padrinos), and close friends who become "like family."

• Family gatherings: These are frequent and often large. Declining invitations regularly may be seen as rejection.
• Living arrangements: Adult children often live with parents until marriage, and multigenerational households are common.
• Family obligations: Family commitments often take priority over work or social plans.

Building Relationships

Mexicans tend to invest time in building personal relationships before conducting business or discussing serious matters. Small talk and personal questions are normal and show interest, not intrusion.

Common topics include family, food, festivals, and sports (especially futbol). Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics, religion, or comparisons between Mexico and other countries until you know someone well.

Communication Style

Indirect Communication

Mexican communication tends to be more indirect than in some cultures. Direct refusals or negative responses may be softened or avoided to maintain harmony and respect.

• "Ahorita": This word technically means "right now" but often means "soon" or "eventually." Context and tone will help you understand the actual meaning.
• "Maybe" or "we will see": These responses often indicate a polite decline rather than genuine uncertainty.
• Avoiding "no": A direct "no" can seem harsh. Alternatives like "it is a bit difficult" or "let me check" are more common.

Titles and Formality

Using proper titles shows respect, especially with elders, professionals, and in formal situations:

• Senor/Senora: Mr./Mrs., used with or without a name
• Don/Dona: A respectful title for older adults, used with first names
• Licenciado/a: Used for university graduates, especially in business and legal contexts
• Doctor/a: For medical doctors and PhDs
• Maestro/a: For teachers and skilled tradespeople

When in doubt, use "usted" (formal "you") rather than "tu" (informal) until invited to be more casual.

Business Etiquette

Building Relationships First

Business in Mexico is relationship-based. Expect to spend time on personal conversation before getting to business matters. Jumping straight to business can seem cold and disrespectful.

• First meetings: Focus on building rapport. Business details may come in subsequent meetings.
• Business cards: Exchange cards at the beginning of meetings. Take a moment to read the card before putting it away.
• Dress code: Business attire tends to be formal. When in doubt, dress conservatively.

Hierarchy and Decision-Making

Mexican businesses often have clear hierarchies, and decisions typically come from the top. Address senior members with appropriate respect and avoid contradicting them publicly.

Social Situations

Parties and Celebrations

Mexicans love to celebrate, and fiestas are an important part of social life. Key celebrations include:

• Birthdays: Often include singing "Las Mananitas" (traditional birthday song) and the mordida (pushing the birthday person's face into the cake).
• Quinceañera: A girl's 15th birthday celebration, similar to a Sweet Sixteen or debutante ball.
• Religious celebrations: Days like Dia de los Muertos, Virgin of Guadalupe Day, and various saints' days.
• National holidays: Independence Day (September 16), Revolution Day (November 20), and others.

Personal Questions

Mexicans may ask questions that seem personal by other cultural standards, such as about your age, marital status, religion, or why you do not have children. These questions usually come from genuine curiosity and friendliness rather than judgment. You can answer briefly or deflect politely without offense.

Regional Differences

Mexico is a diverse country, and customs can vary by region:

• Northern Mexico: Often considered more direct and business-oriented, with stronger US influence.
• Central Mexico: Home to traditional customs and formal etiquette, especially in Mexico City.
• Southern Mexico: Often more relaxed pace, with strong indigenous cultural influences.
• Coastal areas: Generally more casual and laid-back.

Common Faux Pas to Avoid

• Criticizing Mexico: Even if locals complain about certain aspects of their country, it is best not to join in as a foreigner.
• Comparing to home: Avoid phrases like "in my country, we do it this way" or "this would never happen back home."
• Being too direct: Bluntness can be perceived as rude or aggressive.
• Ignoring greetings: Not saying hello or goodbye properly is noticed and considered impolite.
• Refusing hospitality: Repeatedly declining food or drink offers can offend your host.
• Making assumptions: Mexico is diverse, and generalizations often do not apply.

Final Thoughts

The key to navigating Mexican culture is approaching it with openness, warmth, and genuine interest in connecting with people. Mexicans are generally forgiving of cultural mistakes when they can see you are trying. A willingness to learn, apologize when needed, and show respect will go a long way in building meaningful relationships in your new home.

Remember that cultural integration takes time. Be patient with yourself, ask questions when unsure, and embrace the warmth and richness of Mexican culture. The effort you put into understanding local customs will be rewarded with deeper connections and a more fulfilling expat experience.

Related Mexico Culture Guides

• Understanding Mexico's Bathroom Culture
• Benefits of Mexican Residency
• Community & Culture in CDMX

Offer cultural tours? List your business on ExpatsList.