11 UNWRITTEN RULES OF MEXICO that you MUST know
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 гру 2022
- After living in Mexico for about 5 years, I've learned that there are some unwritten rules here. These are some of the rules in Mexico that nobody tells you about.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
ABOUT ME
I'm Jordan, an American living in Mexico with my Husky, Laska. In January of 2018 I left the US to start traveling Mexico. Since then, I've been making travel videos about my life in Mexico, travel tips, Las Vegas tips videos, and advice for those considering moving abroad.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tangerine Travels perks & apparel!
► EMAIL NEWSLETTER: aw194924.aweb.page/tangerine-...
► CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP: / @tangerinetravels
► PATREON: / tangerinetravels
Things I mention in my videos!
► Learn Spanish Fast: www.TangerineSpanish.com
► VPN: www.TangerineVPN.com
► Mail Forwarding Service: travelingmailbox.com/?ref=449
Follow me on social media!
► FACEBOOK: / tangerinetravels
► INSTAGRAM: tangerinetravelsjordan
► TWITTER: / tangerinetravls
► BUSINESS INQUIRIES ONLY: ourtangerinetravels@gmail.com
We ONLY include affiliate links for products we use, love, and trust. If you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us continue our travels and produce more videos.
#Mexico #LivinginMexico #LifeinMexico
Watch Next - 10 Common Misconceptions about Mexico: ua-cam.com/video/sSdGiWFgdsY/v-deo.html
I was raised in a Texas border town. This stuff was ingrained in my soul.
That explains a lot about Texas.
To be brain wash with programes that not make sense is very easy to fallow the speeps ppl
Grew up in south texas. Holding the door open for people, especially older people, is just something we're basically taught from childhood.
Another one: Saying “buenas tardes/días/noches” to people on the street, in public transportation or public places (even if you do not know them) is pretty normal!
I spend half my time in Mexico walking around and saying buenas tardes. Provecho isn't a big player at the street vendors, but still will happen on occation.
It seems that if eye contact is made, that greeting must be done. If there is a crowd it probably doesn’t apply but other than that, from my experience that’s how it seemed each time I went to Mexico. A not so busy area with shops and someone is just sitting outside the store - “buenas tardeS!” Waking through a neighborhood and someone make eye contact with you as they are cleaning their car or just chilling, “buenas tardes!”
Vbvhj
That also prevents getting mugged, it's weird but somehow establishes a bond between the thief and you because you are not longer a stranger
@@javierglzib you're also showing respect which means a lot to Mexican people.
Here in Mexico, I also had to train myself to start every conversation with a greeting because naturally I’m more direct and straight-to-the-point.
I laughed that I finally understood why spanish classes always spend so much time on greetings!
Interesting... I am of Italian decent and was taught to do most of those things by my mom. One other thing you should mention regarding restaurants is that you must ask for the bill, as its considered rude for them to just give it to you. Ive seen it a few times where people were complaining about the service because the waiter did not drop it off when they wanted to leave.
Yeah, Mexican or Latin American culture often have similar features to Mediterranean culture. Not as much as with northern Europe.
Bruh! Southern Italy is basically Mexico but in Europe! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🤝🤝🤝🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹
and it may still be 20-30 minutes until they actually deliver it!
I am an American citizen but raised in the South and we are all taught most these things. People in other parts of our country not do much. We took learned of asking for the bill but someone shared that with us on our first trip.
Chinese restaurants too generally
Absolutely brilliant crash course for people attempting to learn the basics of what is expected here in Mexico, excellent job Jordan! FYI even when communicating on WhatsApp people here never dive right into what they wish to say, they always start by saying good afternoon, good morning etc. first, then once a reply is received they ask the question.
Great video! I'm grateful to ask for the check, because I find that in American restaurants they drop the check as soon as you get your food- like they're trying to rush you. I had to ask for the check in Spain, too. Love the door holding too! Mexican culture is so polite and epic!
In America they pretty much are trying to rush you. You’re done and it’s time to leave gotta turn over that table and get that next dollar. I like the other way better as well.
Where in the states have you experienced getting the check when the food is delivered?
I’ve never experienced this but my travel is mostly in the western & southern states.
Yeah for real, where are they dropping the check right away in the US? It never happens. I always have to ask for the check so I have it and don’t have to wait at the end.
I’ve never had anyone drop a check on my table without me asking for it! Must be a regional thing for the OP.
Ya I was going to say I’ve never had someone drop the check with the food. Whether that’s at dennys in Utah or Buffalo Wild Wings in Delaware. I will say when I was at a 711 in the Philippines I was loading up a slurpy cause it’s like OMG they sell slurpies in freaking Asia. Haha it’s like ya there’s McDonald’s but ya get rice with your burger haha. Anyways the security guard at 711 was like eyeing me down as I sipped my slurpy and refilled it like an inch. Haha it’s like oh no he consumed more then the physical cup he bought like it was taboo. My filippino friends didn’t do that just me. It was funny.
Love that there is still good manners being practiced somewhere
This was possibly the most useful and compact travel info on Mexico I have ever heard, and most of it: info you will not see in any guide books. Well done! This alone make a subscription to your channel worth it. Excellent!!!
You are now officially WAY ahead of any other Mexico Bloggers out there...
Other than saying "provecho" to the other diners, I've always done all of these things right here in the U.S. Most of these actions were considered common courtesy many years ago. Even so, you've added that one bit of information. I recently moved to a place right on the border, so it is sure to be helpful! Thanks for a great video.
Extraordinarily helpful video, Jordan! I was taught many of these manners growing up in the southern US. Southern hospitality is being well-mannered and courteous; it's refreshing to discover the polite customs of Mexico. I can't wait to retire there in a few years.
It's not just Mexico, in many other countries, France for example, its a little rude to just walk up to someone and start asking questions. Always use a greeting or verbal salutation first, as though you wish to engage in a conversation. We North Americans are always trying to practice efficiency by not wasting people's time and getting to the point, but politeness and formality itself is often more important to other people and places.
Mexicans appropriated some "traditions" from France when they invaded Mexico in 19th century since they was in MX for around 5 years: Viva la France = Viva Mexico since both are in war to each other. Bon appétit same as "Provecho" in your meals and always a verbal greeting before starting a conversation.
Your comment about señora vs señorita is right on! When I first got here at age 60, I found it disconcerting to be called señorita. Now I realize they are just being polite.
It used to be called manners or common courtesy which skipped a generation or two here in the US.
American culture has gone into the toilet. A good many people have been reduced to animals
Oh please be quite and sit down boomer.
See. No respect.
@@catobie1948 lol it's still called manners/courtesy. The fact that you are implying that the "newer generations" don't have any manners is disrespectful in itself. I have met many rude/racist/obnoxious people from all generations. It has to do more with upbringing/culture not the generation.
@@ssjrose9641 the fact that you're implying that I'm implying is disrespectful to my opinion. So there you go...
Came back to watch this again it's packed with valuable information!
I am so glad I stumbled across this video. I am making my first trip to Mexico with my family in September and am trying to pick up on small polite things I can do while I am there. This is absolutely perfect (I just have to try and teach it to the rest of my family lol).
Left turns deserve a dedicated video IMHO. I got pulled over for turning left from the left lane. In some locals, a left turn can only be made from the parallel road to the right of the main highway. To new drivers in Mexico, this is most unusual. Also note that a U turn in a median, can result in collision if you do not KEEP LEFT. A big difference for US drivers who keep right at all times.
Great Videos Jordan. You have done a lot for the channel.
Very good point.
We always turn into the closest lane. Right turn into right lane, left turn into left lane. Crossing across lanes when turning shows a lack of thought, leaves nowhere for someone we might have missed seeing to dodge us.
@@elgringoec "We always turn into the closest lane. Right turn into right lane, left turn into left lane."
That's generally (maybe always) the law in the U.S. but so many people violate it that making left turns seems to be inherently risky if there's two left turning lanes. The right of them might aim for the inside lane and the left of them might aim for the outside lane causing a collision in the middle of the intersection.
@@thomasmaughan4798
I always crowd em and make em think but a lot just aren't smart enough to realize what's happening. I'm careful to not let them hit me.
The replies are interesting. Perhaps I misled some folks because some of the comments missed the point.
I was turning from the left lane, into the left lane when I got the ticket. It was the "from" lane that got me the ticket. In Mexico, the roads are often split with what I have known in USA as a Frontage road. In many locals, there are two separate roads running in parallel each direction. The rightmost road allows access to the shops along the road, and the road nearer the center of the highway, is for long distance travelers, the logic being that this keeps the delivery trucks and double park/block the road kinda folks off the main highway.
Making a left turn from the HWY is a ticket. A left turn is allowed only from the leftmost lane of the frontage road on the right.
Note that the frontage road is usually adjacent to the highway with transitions from and to and from the HWY between intersections.
I hope this helps clarify.
Very helpful advice, muchas gracias!
Very interesting and helpful!😊
This is so helpful! Gracias Jordan.
All very true Jordan. And your pronunciation of the Spanish "r" is improving a lot. Optional traffic laws is how I explain driving to people also, but with the caution that 140 will might get you a speeding ticket and 150 almost certainly will. When I was growing up 70 years ago, the woman on the inside away from traffic was also always the rule in the US.
TY! Very helpful. I appreciate the easy to understand explanations. I think it is the same here in Ecuador.
These are great tips! Thank you! Some of these are common in many cultures and are a lot of why people from the US are often considered rude when traveling. #1 seems a bit odd and probably not common everywhere there, but I think it's polite for a man to walk closer to traffic anyway.
Thank you Jordan for your video. I hope I can practice their culture when I am in Mexico 🇲🇽
This is one of the best videos I
Have ever watched on you tube.
I did not know many of these tips
Very informative video Jordan, loving your job on editing it and what has me🤣🤣so hard,when you ask the waiter for your check, a friend summoned the waiter, not with a gesture of his raised hand and index finger, and/or saying 'Mesero(a), la cuenta por favor', he sounded a big, wet, LOUD Smooch, which I noticed is perfectly acceptable, the only one a bit unfazed with that was me.😂👍
Oh my gosh, I've heard that loud wet smooch before and I was thinking "wtf"? lol Everyone seemed to think it was normal
#1 is not a general rule. I think it applies in just a few small cities. This leads to a huge misconception of Mexico
Yes, the other reason is that it's safer in case anything happens I rather have my girl on the safest spot
What if you have two "girl friends" walking with you??
@@osbornebay944 my wife would be mad
I'm Mexican, I've never heard about rule #1, and I lived in 3 major cities... only one female friend asked me to allow her to walk on the "inside" of the sidewalk, but that was it...
@@technomike it's more of a low/middle class thing, big cities may not show this commonly
Thanks for all of the tips!
Very helpful and interesting informations about mentality. THX
Those are good things to know. Thanks for the guidance.
This is very helpful. Gracias!
Thank you for the quality information. Very helpful 😊
I perform the courtesies in the United States but as an old school gentleman, there was a time (IN USA) when everyone did these things (man walks on the sidewalk nearer traffic and woman walks away from traffic; open door and hold it for people coming in behind you).
Thanks.
I learned a couple new things.
Nicely presented. Thanks!
Appreciate the tips Thanks Jordan 👍
Useful info!
Thanks for the tips🎉
I think it depends what part of Mexico you’re in. I’ve never heard some of these before (born and raised there).
En donde naciste?
How do you know English if you were born and raised there?
May be they learned it in school.@@sierra5713
Lived in Guadalajara for 4 years going to school. Good points. I always said "buen provecho" instead of just provecho. I always asked for my paid drink to be served with no ice since the ice can be made with water containing bacteria, giardia, amoeba or some other parasite. I was treated for giardia and amoebic infections at the same time. This after being careful. I have fond memories and some not so fond memories of my time living in Mexico. Loved the people but dealing with government officials could be frustrating. I will shut up now!
Gracias!
So much I didn’t know. Going back to Mexico this week and it’s been a while so this is useful. Watched both videos.
A great vlog! Very good things to know!
I live in El Centro which is right on the boarder of Mexico l learned a lot from your video. I go to Mexico 2 or three times a month I always have a pleasant time and everyone is very polite. The people Re very helpful.
That makes sense, no wonder my father would always flip his sh** whenever I spoken to him growing up without seeing morning, afternoon or evening. My father was born in raised in Zacatecas Mexico.
it is extremely rude. My father cannot stand that from my us born cousins (also from Zacatecas!). Nothing will bring up the word "malcriados" up faster xD
Ikr lol, it irritated my father a lot I would mix both English and Spanish together. My father wanted me to speak one or the other but in the household always Spanish with respect. He even hated myself and my brothers when we spoke cholo. In the end it pays off I speak both, I'm currently learning ASL. It's led me to speaking two other languages
@@elsuperpollo2273 yes, it definitely pays to speak both, ans asl on top of that!
You make me miss Mexico. I really scouted it out quite well, Lake Chapala, Vera Cruz, Puerto Vallarta (my fav). Living in Texas for over 25 years gave me a lot of experience with Tamaulipas and Durango as well. But I ended up falling in love with a Filipina, so of course I ended up retiring in the Philippines. I don't regret it. I do miss Mexico though. Quite a bit sometimes.
Me too, met my Filipina in Mindanao. Have a home there and in the states for now.
@@jonathans.759 I felt very safe in General Santos and Cagayan del Oro cities in Mindanao, but my wife's family is from Lanao del Norte hahaha. A different world there. Fresh air, great fruit, but no AC, no fridge, no TV and no Wifi. We roasted a goat when we first arrived, fantastic with ice cold beers. But my kid got sick. We took him to the clinic but the doctor is only in town Tuesday and Thursday hahaha. Crazy stuff. Nice to visit the province, but I'll stay in the cities thanks.
Hi there, I am From Mexico City and would like to share something that you may have missed regarding the rule about having your girlfriend or wife walk on the side away from the street.
I was taught from a very young age that is more about acting like a gentleman, you are protecting her from the street like if a car passes by and there is a puddle, the gentleman prevents the lady from getting wet
We raised our son to walk on the side near to the traffic. It is called being a gentleman and chivalry. Not well known amongst the younger generation. But the pimp thing is definitely a Mexican thing I guess. We taught our children to say sir and Mam to anyone older than them it shows respect. I am 59 and do it to my customers even if they are half my age. We taught our children to greet people also and holding the door is a given. Especially for women. I guess these are things that are common in the Southern parts of the US but not so much in other places. Question: What if you do not drink anything other than water? You just order and not drink the drink?
I would think it's odd if a person never drinks anything other than water, but perhaps the restaurant may have bottled water or sparkling water available for purchase.
@@christopherburnett1745 I drink almost exclusively water. It is one of the wonderful things I am stuck with after throat cancer treatment. That is why I asked because it is personal to me. I also know they have bottled water as that is about all they drink in Mexico. At least that is what I found in the half a dozen or so trips there. I just didn't know I was breaking some rule by not ordering a beverage and didn't want to be offending without knowing but not really interested in buying a coke or something I can't tolerate. Just trying to get info. What are you trying to do?
@@Grandpa_RLP They tend to drink bottled water, but there is a difference between what comes out of the five gallon jugs they'll serve a free glass from and a bottle of mineral water or something else a bit more upscale. That may not be available everywhere there, but it's certainly an option in some places. Of course, if a person is so willing to share personal details with a stranger on UA-cam, certainly they could quickly explain to a server that they can't tolerate much other than water and I'm sure that would be understood. 🤷
@@christopherburnett1745 I haven't had a problem thus far without explanation. As I said I just didn't know the unwritten rule. As for sharing my story I have no problem with sharing my bout with cancer. I have been able to help many by doing so and hopefully I helped you understand that there are legitimate reasons that you know nothing about as to why people do what they do. So maybe next time you want pop off some silly comment like "I would think its odd if a person never drinks anything but water" Many people drink only water for many reasons. 👍🏻
@@Grandpa_RLP No problem, just ask for the water, it's usually free. Only if you ask for it in the bottle, they charge it
Great video Jordan 😊👍
Thanks for this!
You have given very good advice... thanks!
When leaving someone's presence in a social setting, you say "con permiso." They often answer "propio." Or when walking by as an equivalent to "excuse me."
Pretty spot on.. you may also hear different iterations of 'provecho' as buen provecho or aprovecho..but thats getting into the nitty gritty.
5 pesos si guanas en dolar no seas codo, por ejemplo (en la soriana te encaminal haste el coche, yo simpre doy $1).
Very useful!
Good advice - almost all are the same in Colombia also. Wish my wife had told me about the grocery store tipping thing sooner! 😳
Very good, short and full of good information video.
Thank you so much we just moved there and these are very helpful
Excellent advise 💯‼️
Fun video, thank you ;)
Thank you. Most esp for the restaurant tips.
Great video!
0:05 In the fifties rule 1 was similar in usa. Men always walked on the street side as a respect to females.
3:44 Door Respect Rule in usa is similar but one should hold doors for all females and anyone over fifty.
May & Jordan, Feliz Navid y Prospero Ano Nuevo 2023
Bendiciones
This is very good information!
As a Mexican American I always have to remember when visiting Mexico that I have to say, Good morning, good evening, etc to almost anyone I see on the street, otherwise they think I’m an A-hole.
Yup. Same here. The unwritten rule is that if eye contact is made, you have to greet them. Of course it doesn't apply inside of stores or in busy areas. But if you're going through a neighborhood or a quiet commercial area where maybe someone is just chilling outside of the store and little foot traffic, a greeting is a must if eye contact is made.
i mean, less of just being an a-hole and more just having terrible manners/uncultured and brought up poorly
@@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw I’m from a big city in America, we don’t go around here saying highly everyone we bump into. All those things you mentioned Definitely apply more to you than me. The irony of you bringing up cultured while making such a stupid comment.
@@mayanaztec6440 i do not go around greeting everyone, no Mexican does, but pretending you are the only person in the universe is very self centered and stems from being poorly educated. You greet your coworkers at least no? You do noy ignore everyone walking into work
@@Homer-OJ-Simpson yup!
Very informative 👍
Most of these things you should also do it home.
It's called common courtesy.
And you will often hear "Oh, what nice young man" or "what a lovely lady" after performing these most basic courtesies that don't really need video instruction to perform.
Great things to be aware of.
This is EXCELLENT!!!!!
Helpful!
Basically everything is about been polite and respectful
Muchas gracias Jordan.
Another unwritten rule: Never put your purse or handbag on the floor. It should be placed on a chair, bench or hung from those stands they will bring to your table at nicer restaurants. There is a superstition that putting it on the ground or floor is bad luck for your finances. This has become so ingrained in me that when I’m in Canada and see someone do this, it sets my teeth on edge. If it’s someone I know, I “helpfully” pick up their bag and put it on a chair or some other non-floor surface.
I heard from my older relatives that a purse is like a part of the soul, and they wouldn't put their souls on the floor.
I've rarely seen the "holding the door open" thing here in Tj. In fact, it seems to be the opposite. I've seen way too many times where they'll close the door on someone that is coming towards the door. It's kinda hard to miss someone coming towards a door; you know what they're doing...why not hold the door? People need to set the example for others and many times they don't.
Good to know. Thanks
Thank you ! 🙏🙏🙏
Great stuff.
Merry Christmas from Jocotepec , Feliz Navidad ! 🎅🌴
Thanks!
Thanks Jordan
Thanks for the insider rules.
You showed things even I that have lived for over 10 years wasnt aware of and I do every time. Such as the beverage that is always bought at the restaurant. Like I dont even think if Im thirsty or not I just buy a drink every time out of habit.
This is great! I find these short cultural videos super helpful. I didn't know about half of the tips. And now I cringe 😬 oh well, now I know better.
Other things I've noticed or wonder about:
- when walking into a waiting room at the dentist, say good morning/afternoon to each person who is waiting. At least to the general area, then everyone replies good morning/afternoon.
- there are no random shopping trolleys/carts in the streets. At least in Queretaro. In Australia, some people use them to walk their groceries home, because they might not have a car. Then leave them on the verge, which end up in waterways.
- Saying 'okay' if you're agreeing with something is not enough, eg okay I would like to see the drinks menu you just mentioned. Need to say okay si. Which makes sense really. And apparently saying 'vale' in Mexico is offensive? Google translate says it means 'okay' but a Mexican friend said it means something bad in Mexico
- Valet service. It's not common in Australia, so I don't know how much and when to tip. Don't have a car yet so not having to worry about that any time soon.
Vale is not bad. It’s like saying, “Está bien” or “De acuerdo”
"Vale" is nothing bad, just too familiar. Something to use only with your close friends or family, not with your mother-in-law or strangers, just come off as brash and rude.
Also valet service is not so common in Mexico, you can tip low if it is say, a non-employee trying to earn a few pesos in a busy Mexico City street helping people park, but a little more if it is an actual valet at a restaurant or hotel
"vale" on its own it's not bad but it's not very common. Maybe what that mexican friend meant was when you say something like "me vale" which would be translated as "I don't care" or "me vale madres" which would be "I don't give a fuck" (or several other and more colorful variations).
"Vale" is constantly said in Spain, but I am not aware of it used in any other Spanish-speaking country, at least as an equivalent to "OK". It is a very Spain-centric expression.
Start every conversation with greeting;
when I first moved to the USA I used to start every conversation with a greeting, everyone gave me a look😂
After 16 years living in USA, I visit Mexico and feel strange when everyone greets all the time 😅
Excellent tips....so polite the Mexicans are. Lovely people
You're joking, right?
Murder capital of the western hemisphere after El Salvador.
You know that, right?
I'm pretty well traveled here in the states and I was just made aware of the rule of the free water at dinner I must have been kept in the dark on that one thank you for your video though and true to the point live by basic morals of interaction with people try not to cause friction wherever you are
Very good video.
Cool!
My mother in 1950 Northern Pennsylvania objected to walking on the curbside with " what am I for sale?" and had never been out of PA in her life.
Greetings are super important especially in France 🇫🇷 🙌. You will be snarled at and dismissed off hand if you fail to use Greetings and proper courtesies.
Would love to hear about the new no-smoking laws in Mexico.
electric cigarete are eligal it cause adiction
Thank you, young man
Nice!
Well done. I have always naturally wanted to greet people before asking for something so what Americans might call politeness, to me, is basic caring communication. One of the things that make life gentler here in Mexico.
Hi Jordan! Happy 2023! Looking for more of your videos, I see that you haven’t post for more than 3 weeks. I hope everything is ok. God bless you.
Refer to their Facebook link for updates
Good to know.
Thanks
Thank you, Jordon! The last thing any of us want to do is look like a rude tourist. Grateful for the valuable info!
Rule 1 applies in The US and Canada as well.
Ive watched lots of videos by expats in Mexico. No one else has ever mentioned this! And then Americans abroad wonder why people in other countries resent them, or (gasp!) treat them like tourists. Thanks for this. The woman sidewalk positioning tradition is nothing I would never have even noticed.
the first one is more than being a woman for sale, it also represents that you care for that woman and that you will protect her against any danger or car (traffic) that may get out of control....
Gracias Mr. chingon