Intercultural Business Etiquette

Mexico
Gift giving
• Giving gifts to business executives is not required. Simple gifts may
be brought to a first meeting, usually something from one’s
company.
• If invited to a Mexican’s house, it is appropriate to bring flowers,
wine, spirits, or chocolates.
– When giving flowers: yellow represent death, red cast spells,
and white lift spells. Avoid marigolds.
• Do not give gifts made of silver, as it is associated with trinkets
sold to tourists.
• Gifts should be nicely wrapped.
• Gifts are opened right away when received.
Communication style
• Mexicans favor an indirect style of communication.
• Mexicans stand close to one another while talking. It can be rude to
back up or away from someone while they are speaking.
• There is a fair amount of touching while conversing.
• Mexicans may not make eye contact. This is a sign of respect and
should not be taken as an affront.
• Good topics: Mexican culture, history, art, and museums. Avoid:
the Mexican-American war, poverty, illegal aliens, or earthquakes.