Understanding Mexican Etiquette & Customs: What Every Visitor & Expat Should Know

Mexican culture is warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you’re visiting Mexico for a week, staying for the winter, or moving here full-time, understanding local customs will help you blend in, avoid misunderstandings, and build more meaningful connections with the people around you.

Here’s a clear, practical guide to Mexican etiquette, from greetings to dining norms, celebrations, personal space, and everyday cultural expectations.

1. Greetings: Warm, Friendly, and Personal

Mexicans are known for warm greetings—don’t be surprised if interactions feel more personal than what you’re used to.

Common Greetings

Handshake + smile (default for men and formal settings)
Cheek kiss (one side, usually between women or a man and woman)
Hug (abrazo) for closer friends
Use polite phrases like:
- Buenos días (morning)
- Buenas tardes (afternoon)
- Buenas noches (evening)
- Mucho gusto (nice to meet you)

Not greeting someone when you enter a shop, elevator, or waiting room is considered rude—always give a quick “Buenos días”.

2. Personal Space & Conversation Distance

Mexican culture is less “distant” than many northern cultures. People often:

Stand closer when speaking
Use touch (arm, shoulder) to show friendliness
Maintain eye contact

This is normal and not a sign of inappropriate behavior. If you step back too much, it may be seen as unfriendly.

3. Respect for Elders (Los Mayores)

Mexicans hold deep respect for older adults. You’ll see this in:

Giving up seats on buses
Greeting elders first
Letting them speak without interruption
Using polite forms like usted instead of tú

If you’re unsure which to use, start with usted—people will invite you to switch to tú if they want.

4. Time & Punctuality: “Mexican Time” Explained

This is one of the biggest cultural differences.

Social Events

Most social gatherings start later than the stated time. If a party starts at 7:00 PM, people often arrive at 7:30–8:00 PM.

Professional Settings

Expect closer punctuality, but still with some flexibility—10–15 minutes is common.

In Playa del Carmen and other tourist zones, businesses are typically more punctual because they work with international visitors.

5. Dining Etiquette & Table Manners

Mexicans enjoy long, social meals, especially on weekends.

Important Customs

Don’t start eating until everyone is served.
Keep both hands visible (not on your lap).
Tacos are eaten with your hands, but many other foods—like pizza or tostadas—are eaten with utensils in formal situations.
Don’t ask for “spicy” unless you really mean it!
After eating: “Gracias, estuvo muy rico.” (Thank you, it was delicious.)

If you’re invited to someone’s home:

Bring a small gift (wine, pastries, or flowers).
Always greet EVERYONE in the room.
Expect to stay longer than you might in the U.S. or Canada.

6. Giving & Receiving: Gifts, Favors, and Politeness

Mexicans value politeness and reciprocity.

Small gifts are appreciated but not expected.
Never open a gift immediately—it’s normal to open it later.
Say “con permiso” when leaving the table or passing between people.
Say “provecho” to others when they’re eating—even strangers. It’s similar to “bon appétit.”

7. Social Hierarchy & Formal Speech

Titles matter in formal or professional settings:

Doctor/a
Licenciado/a (for university graduates)
Ingeniero/a (engineer)
Profesor/a

Using these titles shows respect.

8. Religious Customs & Celebrations

Mexico is culturally religious, even if not everyone is personally devout.

Common customs include:

Making the sign of the cross when passing a church
Saying “Dios te bendiga” (God bless you) to children
Annual traditions like Día de los Muertos, posadas, and Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe

As an outsider, you’re welcome to observe and participate respectfully—just avoid taking photos during solemn moments without permission.

9. Celebrations: Loud, Colorful, and Joyful

Mexicans love celebrations, and they’re often louder and more vibrant than what expats might expect.

Expect:

Fireworks
Music late into the night
Large family gatherings
Street processions
Dancing at parties

If you live in tourist cities like Playa del Carmen, these events might happen more often, especially around Independence Day, Día de los Muertos, and Semana Santa.

10. Tipping Culture in Mexico

Tipping is normal and appreciated—service wages are low.

Standard tips:

Restaurants: 10–15%
Tours: 10–15%
Gas station attendants (pemex): 5–10 pesos
Baggers at grocery stores: 5–10 pesos
Delivery drivers: 10–20 pesos
Housekeepers: 50–100 pesos per cleaning

11. Communication Style

Mexicans tend to avoid direct confrontation. Expect:

Indirect speech
Softened criticism
“Yes” sometimes meaning “maybe”
Polite vagueness when declining

This isn’t dishonesty—it’s cultural politeness. If someone says “ahorita”, it could mean:

Right now
Later
Or never

Context matters!

12. Family Is Everything

Family is central in Mexican culture. Sundays are “family days” and many businesses operate shorter hours.

If you build friendships here, you’ll often be included in:

Birthday parties
Holiday meals
Family gatherings
Community celebrations

This is one of the best parts of living in Mexico—relationships are deep and meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Mexican etiquette and customs makes life here richer, easier, and more fulfilling. Whether you’re arriving in Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, Mérida, or a small pueblo, these cultural insights will help you navigate daily life with respect and confidence.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com