Summary

	US travelers to Mexico should know a little history and Spanish.
	Etiquette is very important during introductions.
	Time is more flexible in Mexican social and business settings.

It would be a serious mistake for anyone, especially those from the United States, not to brush up on the country's history before traveling to Mexico. It is a large and varied country with a powerful and rich past, and Mexicans can take great offense at those who don't see beyond the myth of tacos, siestas and cerveza.

Mexico may border the US geographically, but significant cultural differences separate the two countries. In fact, gringos -- both a term of derision and endearment -- must remember never to call themselves American, as Mexicans will remind them that they are American too.

There's a Right and a Wrong Way to Say It

Spanish is the country's language, but about a third of the population also -- and in some cases only -- speaks an indigenous Indian language such as Nahuatl, the Aztecs' language, and Mayan, spoken by many in the Yucatan. Be sure to use any Spanish you know. Mexicans will appreciate your efforts.

Senor (Sr.) and Senora (Sra.) plus the family name are absolute musts when introduced to anyone. Until your Mexican colleagues invite you to use first names, use the family name and correct Spanish honorific. Senorita (Srta.) is still required for a young, unmarried woman and should be used if you do not know whether a woman is married or not.

In formal speech and written correspondence, the mother's last name is added after the father's family name. In face to face introductions, usually only the father's family name is used. For example, Jose Ramon Mendez-Rodriguez is Senor Mendez in face to face introductions.

Kissing, Hugging or Just Saying, "Hola"

Kissing is a common greeting once a relationship is very familiar. Whether between women or men and women, usually there is a kiss on two cheeks -- actually an air kiss -- first on the left side and then the right. Senoritas may receive three kisses, two as a greeting and one as a wish for marriage.

The handshake is common, and the Mexican handshake is a brisk, firm snap. Between family, friends or trusted business acquaintances, a touch on the elbow and the abrazo, or embrace, generally occurs. This can happen as soon as the second meeting. Do not initiate, but respond warmly in kind if it is initiated with you.

The US "OK" sign with thumb and forefinger is considered vulgar; avoid it. Winking or whistling -- often accompanied with a small positive comment -- is meant as a friendly introduction between men and women. Known as the piripo, it is not an insult and can be initiated by men or women.

Mexicans typically stand closer than North Americans do. Do not step back when your Mexican associate steps forward.

Mama and Papa Machismo

The social roles of women and men have traditionally been separated in this machismo culture. Women are generally nurturers, while men are public leaders in government and business.

Unmarried businesswomen may want to wear a wedding band and be sure to mention their children early in initial conversations with men. Aggressive machismo behavior usually stops when men learn they are dealing with a madre.

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?

In Mexico, time is flexible. It is essential to arrive for social events about one hour late. For business meetings, being more than five to 15 minutes late is usually not a problem. If you're a new employee or visitor, however, it's safer to be on time.

Usually the meeting will not begin until all attendees have arrived. If you really want things to occur punctually, it is acceptable to identify the time as a la gringa, or Norteamericano time, as opposed to time a la Mexicana.

Filling the Pinata: Giving a Gift in Mexico

Gift giving is not common in business, although it is nice to bring a small gift from abroad if you are revisiting a business acquaintance. One exception: As throughout most of Latin America, chocolates or a small gift for the secretary of the person you are visiting can work wonders for future smooth sailing. If a man gives a gift to a woman in a business setting, he should present the gift as from his wife or sister.