15 MEXICO TIPS that took us WAY TOO LONG to learn
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- Опубліковано 21 тра 2021
- Researching your trip or move to Mexico? I bet they didn't tell you any of these uncommon (but really important) tips on Mexico.
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Despite doing tons of research before moving to Mexico, we're constantly surprised by the things we don't know. Even after the initial Mexico culture shock has worn off, we find ourselves learning really important aspects of life/culture as time goes on. Here are some Mexico tips we'll be sharing today:
- Hand gestures and body language that's different in Mexico
- Driving in Mexico (habits and rules of the road that can be difficult to learn)
- Bargaining and negotiating in Mexico
- The dos and don'ts of restaurants in Mexico
- Learning and speaking Spanish
- Mexico sizing (clothes and products)
- When people get paid in Mexico and why that's important
It's hard to adapt to a new culture and learn everything you need to right away. We hope this video helps prepare you for Mexico, whether you plan to live or travel here.
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ABOUT ME
I'm Jordan and am 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.
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What's something about Mexico that took YOU too long to learn? 🇲🇽 P.S. if you want sneak peeks into our upcoming videos and other behind-the-scenes goodies, subscribe to our email newsletter aw194924.aweb.page/tangerine-travels-email-newsletter-sign-up-
Hello a famous of UA-cam from Tangerine travels
]vying
I'm Mexican living in Mexico and I still don't get used to all the introductory conversations before talking about the actual point. Overall I'm good when that happens in person but now that those kinds of interactions are translated into Whatsapp, for example, I found that sometimes it's too much because virtual conversations are slower.
@Tangerine Travels. LOL! Great set of hints, most of which I am fortunately aware! One thing I saw yesterday that I misinterpreted - I was watering plants on my garage roof and some water sprinkled down onto the road below. I heard a loud comment that included "agua". I peered over the edge to see a man walking up the street who looked rather annoyed. He appeared to be adjusting his hat but now, after seeing your video, I realize that he was doing that rude hand gesture up and over his head! I apologized profusely!
Another use of the flashing hazard lights is to slow down and put on your hazard lights when you are traveling in a torrential downpour, which you will experience this summer during the rainy season. Very useful because sometimes it is difficult to see much ahead during a downpour.
We don't usually haggle with prices either, but I have seen other expats do it in inappropriate instances such as when buying plants from a garden nursery when the plants are already much cheaper here than in the U.S. I find it rude of Americans to always be asking for a discount when they have so much and many of the Mexican people have so little in comparison.
I often find that vendors in a flea market or elsewhere will often lower the price a few seconds after giving their first price without me even asking. I now think that this could be a sales technique to make you think you are getting a discount/deal!
VERY INTERESTING VIDEO, muchas! Some comments on your tutelage follows:
>> Hand gestures can be so misinterpreted! I just use thumbs up to mean anything positive so that it CANNOT confuse anyone! 😉
>> Mexico uses Euro sizing. Maddie, if you have size 24 feet, you're a baby! I think you meant to say 34 cm. I wear a size 40 cm. Shopping at Zara taught me alll about European sizing.
>> Take T.P. everywhere, say I! Too much toilet paper is always better than not having ... ANY! 😳 😨
>> Asking for paper receipts here in America, comes very naturally to me. I am old fashioned enough to looove paper trails, ha, ha. 🙂
The hand motion to say thanks comes from old times when people would reach to take their hat off to show gratitude. That's why your hand reaches to your forehead level
💯
I'm mexican and didn't know that. Cool!
The other one, in wich you close your fist and make an upper, circular motion towards the back of your head does mean F your mom and it's the most offensive hand sign in Mexico.
Do both men and women use that gesture.
Actually I heard my das saying that it was a fact when a poor man took his hat off when he met a richer guy specially in small towns where people got to know each other.. my das never did that he taught it was racist or when in our catholic country México the men used to put the hat down to the sacerdote or woman as a sign of respect
Good morning Jordan, Maddie and Laska,
I know at front I am not your intended target watcher. However, I love your videos.
As you see in my first line, I am Mexican.
I lived more than 20 years in the US and feel so proud of my Mexican roots. So, when I see your videos with that unbiased, fresh and trustable point of view I just know that I really am a Tangerine.
And at the end I recommend to all my friends your channel.
You are been constantly improving and got very good and accurate information.
You guys are like regular anthropologists! You are very observant and insightful! As Mexican, I endorse this video!
PS I liked it so much, I watched it twice in a row....
I loved your video. I ask the tourist or expats living in Mexico not to negotiate prices with the street vendors specially the elderly ones. So many people in Mexico live in poverty and make a living selling their produce or the crafts they make themselves. And most of the time the prices are already very cheap. Unless you think the prices are unreasonable then I agree with negotiating. I have an aunt that always wants to negotiate prices wven when the price is already very cheap and is obvious that the person selling is not making much money at all. This aunt in particular is retired with a good retirement and her grown children make lots of money. So I asked her when she was negotiating a bracelet sold for 10 pesos by one of the indigenous woman in Chiapas to stop trying to lower the price on the items being sold by this poor ppl. I asked my aut is she only wanted her children to earn lots of money but what about the rest of the ppl? We don't bargain when we go to Dillards, walmart, marshalls, COSTCO..etc...etc...so why do tourists think Mexicans do not deserve to earn a decent amount of money for the stuff they grow or make? God has been so good to me that I make it a point to always give extra as a form of a tip to the Mexican ppl. I hope I dont offend anyone with my comments but I know how little Mexicans earn specially the ppl selling their goods on the streets.
Celia Garcia, great point!
Totally true!!
I wish I could give more that 1 thumb up to this comment
If you guys haven't done one yet, could you do a video on common gestures used in Mexico and maybe one with Etiquette? You touched on a few in this video, but I think these are very helpful! Love you guys! Be well!
I've been living in Mexico for 35 years, and all of these you guys mentioned are like second nature to me now. I haven't even thought of most of them for ages! LOL Another thing that takes some getting used to are the many sounds as vendors selling their wares: tamalero, knife sharpener, the guy selling camotes, the cow bell announcing the trash pickup. OMG There are so many! (That might also be a fun video to put together). Love you guys!
The ice cream truck, bread vendors and the guy selling elotes and empanadas are also very typical sounds
El gaaaasssss
El panadero con el pan 🥐 🥖 el panadero con el pan 🍞 🥐 🎶 🎵
Agua Ciel!!!
Maddie is glowing. You guys seem so much happier these days. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I experienced the hand juster once and now I understand. All these years I have thought I did something worng
Jordan is glowing too.
They split up...
It's true, its always very important to ask "How are you" first before starting a conversation, even if its just in a text.
I think in the US a lack of etiquette/informality has lead to a lack of empathy.
Asking how someone is should be common decency and inform how to communicate in an appropriate manner.
Caring for each other is something many need to learn/relearn.
It’s likely another result of the fear fed to us as a frequent diet from the media.
Thanks for sharing such great and valuable information.
@@bazia7927 Yes. I think it's a generational thing. I still ask everyone how they are before staring a conversation and have lived in the U.S. my entire life. I consider it common courtesy.
I'm Mexican, so that makes me have a point of view, of course. May I tell you ... You guys made me laugh! / Some cultural points: The index finger movement comes from a character extremely popular not only in Mexico, but in Latin America and beyond. The Chavo del Ocho, by the writer and actor Roberto Gómez Bolaños, "Chespirito". This tv series ran for many years and the boy, the "chavo", made this gesture when he meant "yes". So many sayings and gestures come from this tv program, actually several. More than ten, I bet... Greetings from Cancun, Tangerines!
I always wonder how Mexicans would react if I tried out different slang expressions or used the índex finger - would it seem natural or just kind of lame. I've embarassed myself many times when I didn't realize what words like "comida" or "mamacita" actually mean. One thing I got to say is Mexicans are too polite to laugh at you or maybe they're surpressing a laugh.
Sometimes while speaking Spanish I might add a word like "pinche" when it seems natural enough in the conversation. I've said "pinche Trump" a few times. When you want to tell someone to watch out saying "aguas" gets the point across real fast.
@@jackking2225 If I saw an american doing the finger sight "yes" that would be funny, also the phrase "pinche trump" sounds hilarious xD
Jordan, about the invoice thing (“recibo”, “nota”, “boleto”...) you can safely use ticket (“tíquet”) almost everywhere. “Recibo” or “nota” should be understood as synonyms; “boleto” is mostly used as the paper giving you right to board or enter somewhere, and yes “factura” is reserved for the legal document that reports the buy/sell to the Tax Authority. Almost safe to say that if you paid in cash or in a local/small store, no “factura” would be involved
Love being part of your exclusive club! Love the way you see, experiment and love my country. Greetings from México city.
Hey you guys love the video . I m from Guadalajara and I just wanted to mention I think you forgat to mention that around payday pick pockets are very active so you need to be a little bit more cautious around paydays so you don't get your purse stolen or worse. Love the show.
Thanks for bringing that up! We recently heard those two days of the month are super dangerous because people get robbed more often 😩
That depends the state. In Jalisco maybe, here in Yucatán it doesn't happen at all.
I have never been robbed in my 38 years or life.
Saludos desde Yucatán.
I live in Ciudad Juarez which is considered one of the 2 most Dangerous places in Mexico, And I've NEVER heard about pick pocketers on Paydays(Or any day) And I don't even live in a Safe or beautiful looking Colonia, So I'm guessing it's mostly a Guadalajara Thing 🤷🏽♂️
@The Taco Kawaii Yes and the Chinese government knows everywhere you go & everything you do 24 hours per day. It's big brother watching you. No thanks we don't need that here. Read the book called 1984 (written in 1948 by George Orwell).
@@maryjohnson753 thats hilarious 🤣 you have a Google account they already know everything about you
It's called "La Quincena" when workers get paid on the 15th & 30th. Yes, It's a very good idea to avoid most shopping, restaurants, and especially banks on those days. Most workers will be getting their money and spending it as soon as they can. It's an easy thing to forget until you find yourself out and about and see the long lines everywhere. Funny Jorden mentioned the "M" on the bathrooms, I have made the mistake several times when I wasn't thinking, Just went with the habit of M for Men. Never had a problem with bathrooms that say Caballeros though. Agree on driving points, the flashers are definitely used for everything. Even when I'm driving, my Mexican wife will put the flashers on when she thinks we need to, and I'm like Porque?
Oh man, the bathroom story! Yes, I made the opposite mistake once in a bar under similar circumstances...saw the "M" and was like, we'll that's not the one I want...but oh it was!
I am so glad to have catorcena instead of quincena. Mad times.
Ask for "la cuenta" and you'll always get your consumption quantity 😉
No matter where you go, people will understand that you want to know how much you have to pay for your consumption
PRO TIP: If you are at a restaurant or bar and you make a gesture of "writing on air" to your waiter, he'll know that you want "la cuenta" 😁
Some places also call it "La Dolorosa" (The Painful One), because it's a painful time when you realize your "simple break" had turned into a mini-fiesta of sorts: your wallet is in pain now.
Have in mind though, that in some other places, "La Dolorosa" could be a drink.
Do they ever use "me cobras?" in Mexico? (It means, "can you charge me?".) This is frequently used in Spain and it kind of subtly separates you from the way tourists say it. Also, in Spain, "la comida" definitely means lunch and they know what almuerzo means but typically don't use that word. I didn't realize that Mexico was the same way. Also typically the word "el tiquet" is used in España to mean the receipt.
@@goldvideo It's also used. Also, the phrase can be changed to "se cobra, por favor?" ("can you charge it, please?"), which might sound weird, but that phrase is alluding to the service provided ("can you charge _the service_ , please?")
@@goldvideo "me cobras?" can be seen as rude as it can be seen as an order, rather use "la cuenta, por favor", one way to ask for it if the waitress is far away but coming to you is making a signature gesture with the hand like if you were signing in the air. They will get it.
"la cuenta" always works, en "frontera" o "interior" de país. I will never be misunderstood. Love your videos guys!
Excellent video and so very helpful! I just arrived in Ajijic a week ago and am in love with this place. BTW, I used your link to Rocket Spanish before I came and it was so very helpful. Thank you for your videos. I can tell you put a LOT of thought into your work. It is very much appreciated.
Thank you! You just made life a lot easier for those who travel and move to Mexico, and for those Mexicans who have to tolerate our ignorance! This is much needed info, so please do more on this subject.
We also say "provecho" every time we walk into a restaurant.
Which normally is answered with the "Thank you!" gesture, 'cause they are eating and it's uneducated to talk with your mouth full.
What does provecho mean in context?
@@timgibbs4762 It doesn't have a straight translation, but it comes from "aprovechar" (take advantage of).
Basically, you're wishing them that the food feeds them, that they enjoy it, that it does them well.
@@timgibbs4762 it's the shorter way to say "buen provecho", which you may know as "bon appetit", basically is just wishing the other person to enjoy their meal
That finger thing comes from El Chavo De 8 and it's usually accompanied by an "eso, eso, eso" 😂
.Hey guys, did you know that there is a right way and a wrong way to ask for eggs in a Mexican bodega? The correct way is to say “hay huevos?” which means “are there eggs?”. The wrong way is “tiene huevos?” which can be considered a challenge to the shopkeepers masculinity and provoke an incident. 🤣 Fortunately most Mexicans are tolerant of our Gringo linguistic faux pas. Great video!
That’s funny! I mean, although technically it is correct, there is so much slang in Mexican culture that if you don’t know how to say it, it can be interpreted the wrong way 😆
“Tener huevos” (“to have guts”)
Same with “chiles”. Don’t ever ask a male restaurant owner or waiter “tiene chiles?” (Chiles are just “north” of the huevos, if you catch my meaning). And don’t ask a female restaurant owner or waitress “tiene leche”? (milk). You’re essentially asking her if she’s, umm, breastfeeding, or producing milk herself. Always use “hay” instead of “tiene”.
@@kgs2280 🤣🤣🤣
I love Mexico. Never been there before, but I love it there. 😀
I knew within the first minute this was one of the most informative travel videos I've seen. Thank you!
Querétaro!!! Una de nuestras ciudades favoritas!!! Un abrazo viajeros!!!
OMG love the chirping birds.🐦
Y'all are the best. Both my brother and I watch regularly. Thanks for all you do.
You are right about words having different meanings, although it is Spanish. Like in Spain you can "coger un taxi", tomar is for drinks. But don't do that in Mexico. Also, many times, mañana is not always tomorrow, but "not today". Many Mexican are very polite and they won't say no. They might say yes even if they don't intend to do. At least my suppliers are like that.
Yup, "a lo mejor" is basically a polite way to say no.
Here's a great Spanish tip, at least in Spain... Use "a lo mejor" (meaning "maybe") to avoid using the subjunctive. Most other forms like "tal vez" or "quizás" typically use the subjunctive but "a lo mejor" never does, at least not in Spain.
My Mother passed away one year ago today, 😢 and I was just thinking about her when I came across this video, but she used to tell me that she spoke certain words in Spanish to someone from Spain (my Father’s family is from Spain) and basically insulting them, so she had to eventually learn the difference!
Such a wealth of very accurate insider information! Que lindas las calles de Querétaro!
That is the beauty of spanish, the language is so deep, and poetic. There's many words for one thing. But tipically " me da mi recibo por favor" Will get you your receipt,
And on the 15th and 30th of each month, it's called "quincena". You will hear Mexicans say "X day is quincena". They use this expression to signal the anticipation of a very busy day. Like you guys said, Quincena days are always busy with traffic, patrons, long lines everywhere, but they could also be the funnest days especially if you hang out at a local pub or restaurant in a small community. Chances are you'll run into some friends.
The reason "Almuerzo" is believed in the United States to be lunch is due to a mistranslation. In the English speaking world there are 3 meals traditionally: breakfast, lunch and dinner in that order (let's just ignore brunch and linner).
In Spain however there used to be 5 meals instead of 3. Understand that the word comida doesn't just mean food, it also means meal. Listed in order these used to be:
1. Desayuno (Breakfast, right when you wake up, usually very light. Think Coffee or Chocolate and Pan Dulce)
2. Almuerzo (Not lunch. Easily confused for lunch from an English perspective because it comes right after breakfast. But more of a mid morning snack to get you to lunch)
3. Comida ( also called Comida del Medio Día. THIS was lunch at mid day. It was the heaviest meal of the day and is the reason the Spanish and their cultural descendants used to take a nap in the afternoon: the siesta)
4. Merienda (snack to get you to through the rest of the day)
5. Cena (Dinner, not as heavy as dinner in the English speaking world).
The thing is that not everyone could afford the luxury of eating all 5 meals. So people would just skip some of them.
My father would just list off
1. Almuerzo
2. Comida
3. Cena
and as a kid growing up in the USA this puzzled me as I too thought almuerzo was lunch.
I later realized that it was probably because my ancestors would skip 1. breakfast in the early morning to get their things ready for work (saddle horses, load carts, sharpen tools, etc.) and instead eat their Almuerzo right before leaving for the fields. Their wives would pack them their Comida del Mediodía (mid day lunch) and they would eat it outdoors, then work the rest of the day, skip Merienda and come back home in the evening just in time for La Cena (dinner). Before my father decided to move to the city this used to be his daily routine, it was my grandfather's daily routine as a farmer, and it was his father's routine as well. Skip Breakfast, have Almuerzo, have la Comida, skip Merienda, have Cena, therfore 1. Almuerzo, 2. Comida, 3. Cena. For similar reasons people use desayuno and almuerzo interchangeably in different parts of the country.
In Peru and Bolivia, it is desayuno (breakfast), almuerzo (lunch), and cena (dinner, which could be referred to as comida sometimes.)
Que bien lo has explicado... 5 comidas al día, aunque algunas sean solo snacks, al menos así en el sureste
Thank you for this information. I love to read the comments on this channel. We learn so much!
@@aleascott5124 I agree,it's very informative
I most days make it one meal a day, the longer the fast the longer you will live without aches and pains.
This was super helpful. I love this kind of content. Thanks!
I’m in Argentina and factura is a pastry! Also, receipt is a ticket here. We want to live in Mexico!
Factura is a pastry in Argentina? Waw! That is very surprising for me as a mexican. Is just as surprising as when I learned that calzone is not underware when you are talking about italian food.
On the other side, at least in mexico, in some more cultures circles, "factura" is used as a word to mean the way something was done or made. For example, "Esta es una película de muy buena factura".
Fantastic video, an absolute must watch especially for people that are newly arrived in Mexico. There is a lot of very helpful information for people here especially in social situations and driving. -Marc
This is the most insightful video you've posted in a while, imo. I need more installments of this type of information.
I am planning on visiting a friend in Guadalajara this August & really appreciate the tips 😀 ! You guys are awesome 👌
@@davidmag808 Fully vaccinated
Wow, Double Davids
My go to is "la cuenta, por favor". Don't know if it's correct, but it works.
One of your best. Thank you!
Agreed.
As always, a great video! Before I went on an LDS mission to Central America, my father (WWII veteran) strongly advised me to always remember that I was a GUEST in THEIR country. I followed that advice and do to this day whenever I travel internationally. You two seem to display the kind of courtesy and warmth that my dad spoke of. Saludos desde Colorado! Viva TT!
I also LOVE the way they use their hazard lights. So extremely helpful!
Great video❤️
Loved this one so much! Brought back so many stories of my own into my old head. Thanks for sharing your times once again.
LOL!!! Maddie had me laughing at the wiggle/toilet paper part!!!!!!
You’ve been such a help! My family is planning to visit & possibly move. Love all the videos
Love these tips guys they have been helpful in understanding Mexico culture
You guys are doing a very good Public Service in sharing your experiences in Mexico. Thank you so much. I love you guys.
Thank u so much. Stay Blessed & Abundant
Loved this! These little things make such a difference when trying to assimilate. TY!
Always so great learning the tips and tricks along the way! 😊
In Vallarta, if someone uses their horn, it's either a taxi driver or most likely an impatient driver visiting from the city! (GDL or CDMX) ...take a deep coastal breath...local drivers are very laid back here 😎✌🏼
Thanks for this one! It was so helpful! You two are fantastic fun!
Great video!! So helpful
Wow! These are so great! Thank you sharing! I can't believe you guys were ever shy, you're such adventurers!!
Great information as always you two, gracias!
Vivo en Querétaro y me pareció muy divertido escuchar descripciones tan literales de lo cotidiano.
Me gusta su estilo.
Great tips! I learned some great new customs. THANK YOU!
Awesome tips guys!
Excellent video! Thank you guys!
I always look forward to your videos, I love being a faithful tangerinie, love you guys from California
Hi Maddie and Jordan, This 15 tips videos, I feel, is one of your best. it's taken me nearly six months to watch all of your videos from the very beginning. Each one has been great, but I especially enjoy all the dining videos. The choices of foods makes me hungry every time. It will be even better to watch the newest ones as they come out. Great job keeping us informed about your travels and all the beauty and deliciousness that you share from Mexico. Happy travels!
I love that you are continuing to get out really quality videos. Haven't watched since Covid, so it has been like visiting with old friends. Once I waited for your next videos, before spending 8 months in Chapala & Ajijic returned to the US on 2/21/19. Ha, one year ago yesterday. You both are amazing and I am honored to see you create this million dollar lifestyle. Love Joy~
I liked this video, lots of helpful advice!
Excellent tips! Thanks guys.
Wow this information is super useful. Muchas gracias!
My wife and I absolutely love your videos! We were always afraid of going to Mexico but you’ve certainly shown us some cool things
Thanks for the help!
So informative. Loved this video!
OMG I loved the video! I spent several years in Mexico and I teach Spanish in Canada now, but I just remembered so many of my own experiences. Some funny moments for sure!
I love your videos. You guys come up with some great topics. Very informative 🌴😎👍
Thank you guys for these useful info . It helps prepare people a lot who not as familiar with Mexico as you are .
9:28 Yes, a like that too, i feel more safe when use emergency lights on those situations. Feels like... "hey, BE CAREFUL, things are not going like they used to" or "abnormal situation, pay attention" not just the single meaning of "i'm in trouble" for those lights.
Regarding food times and names in Mexico and this apply to the whole country.
Desayuno is a light breakfast like having just a cup of coffe or juice and something rather light to eat like a small bread (pan dulce) or cookies or toast bread with butter, very light. Desayuno is often as early as 5 am in the morning to around 9 am in the morning.
Almuerzo is a more heavy breakfast, usually this is where you can eat like eggs with beans, sandwiches, chilaquiles, or for example tacos as a breakfast, like tacos of barcacoa, chicharron or something like that, is more heavy than breakfast but lighter than lunch. Menudo or Pozole are often eaten as almuerzo. Almuerzo is eaten and served mostly around 8 am to 11:59 am(yes, some restaurants have this litteral schedule to finish almuerzo) in the morning, though sometimes can be as early as 7 am.
Comida is the main meal in the Spanish dinning course, this is like dinner in US, where you eat more heavy meals, this could be Enchiladas con Arroz y verduras, Caldo de Pollo or Res, Tinga de Pollo with Rice, Chiles en Nogada, just to name some of the most famous dishes known in the world and when they are really eaten. Comida is usually served between 12 pm to around 3 pm though some restaurants will extend this all the way to 6 pm.
Merienda is a light sanck you eat in the afternoon, similar to UK's tea time and similar to desayuno, very light, this can include pan dulce, gorditas dulces, churros, doughnuts. Beverages can include tea, chocolate with milk, coffe and juice. Usually it would be eaten between 4pm and 7 pm.
Cena is a light meal in the night...but lately it has become in some areas in Mexico a little more close to Comida in some instances. Most people often eat things you would eat in Almuerzo, like Chilaquiles, Menudo, Pozole, Scrambled Eggs with beans, quesadillas, tacos, burritos. Hamburguers and pizza for example are considered more like Cena dish than Comida dish, but can also be consumed in Comida time though usually as casual comida dish, not a full comida course. Cena can start as early as 7pm and as late as 11pm or 12 am.
Now, of the five, people in Mexico will only have three with Comida being the mandatory one. So, for example, an average person in Mexico will have Desayuno-Comida-Cena skipping Almuerzo and Merienda, some others will have Almuerzo-Comida-Cena, skipping Desayuno and Merienda. Merienda is more like a casual thing you would have once or twice every month or couple of weeks...or you had a very light Comida.
So, to summarize everything
Desayuno = very, if not extremely, light breakfast.
Almuerzo = full breakfast
Comida = the equivalent of dinner in the US.
Merienda = similar to UK's tea time, could be called "snack time".
Cena = the equivalent of lunch in the US.
Regarding Factura, Ticket, Receipt, Boleto
Factura would be like the invoice, but in Mexico Factura is meant for legal taxes. Mexican taxes requires a Factura, this will require your Taxing(as in taxes) information in order to create one. Every Facura in Mexico is electronic, means that you rarely get a physical paper with the amounts and deductions of what you bought, instead you get in your mail two documents, a PDF document with the actual invoice or Factura and an XML document with the metadata information of the Factura. In Mexico, the tax system is what in the US is called "Return Free Filling", basically the goverment already has done all calculations of your taxes and you just have to check if their calculation is correct or they have missed something, for this you require to have all your legal invoices at hand, in this case Facturas. Since all of those are sent to you to your registered mail and have all the metadata available to you, if something is missing, all you have to do is upload it to the system and the SAT (Mexican IRS) will just validate the data and update the information. In Mexico, doing your taxes in April is as simple as ordering from Uber Eats or something like that, it will only get weird when something is not in the system and you have to updload things, but once you do, it goes back to simple. Of course, this becomes quite troublesome for Restaurants, Convinience Stores, Large Stores or anyone who runs a bussiness, but that comes with the territory. If you go to a store and the ask you "Require Factura" they're asking if you want it for Mexican Taxes.
Ticket is basically the same as the print ticket you get from Oxxo, sevenelevens or stores that prints tickets when you buy something, it has no legal meaining in Mexico except some places for warranty, like when you buy a TV or computer or something like that.
Nota is like a Ticket but done manually.
Boleto is like the ticket you get in Movie theaters to get in, buses, airplanes or concerts. Legally they do nothing in Mexico except perhaps some bus tickets and airplane tickets, as some carry a small insurance in case of accident and that depends on city and state in Mexico.
Recibo is like Nota, but in some places in Mexico is the same as Factura.
To summarize
Factura = legal taxing ticket, is electronic and requires your tax information.
Ticket = The printed ticket you get when buying something, you can use this word for any ticked, nota or recibo interchangeably in the whole Mexico.
Nota = the same as ticket but done manualy by someone.
Recibo = Same as ticket and Nota, but in some areas in Mexico will be the equivalent of Factura, so use that sporadically.
Boleto = A pass used for concerts, movie theaters, busses and planes or trains, pretty straight forward.
Loved this video, guys!! It is so interesting seeing at ourselves from your standpoint !! Truly appreciate your respectful and fun tone when speaking about our Mexican oddities. Hey! It also happens the other way around. Countless times I recall being weirdly watched at in Colorado when a grad student there, as I postponed "lunch" saying "it's too early for comida" and then finding no place to eat later, jejeje.
All the best !!
Such a great compilation of insider knowledge, 🙏. BTW, it is so great to see both of you looking at ease and well. The camera picks it up and it comes across. Priceless. Warm wishes🦦
TY! SEE you in Merida! Viva Mexico!
I've been watching you guys for almost a year, i find myself smiling throughout your videos, you are really great and thanks for all the info, you cover the real world useful things which, for sure, is part of the success of your channel. Cheers from Canada
I love how humble you guys are sorry about your breakup
Very interesting and good information. Another great video. Keep up the great work!!!! We enjoy your efforts.
My wife and I love your videos. We lived in Mazatlan for 3 years, from 2007 to 2010, and we loved it. Every time we hear the birds chirping in your videos, it brings back good memories. If we had the money and weren't so old we would move back in a heartbeat. We loved Mazatlan and Guanajuato with its tunnels that ran under the city. Please keep the videos coming.
Thank you for the videos, my husband is from Veracruz, and he had never visit Orizaba, we went there 3 weeks ago and we loved it, we visit (el cerro del borrego)
You guys are great.
So very helpful. What a useful video. Only experience can teach us this or…by sharing. So, thanks for sharing.
Nice one guys. Very helpful information.
This was an absolutely amazing /informative video! 😮😮😮
Muchas Gracias 🤩
Great video! The hand gesture to say thanks is from the inside to outside, like mimicking having a hat in your hand and doing the "take my hat off" gesture ! It usually comes accompanied with a nod of the head and gesture must be gentle not fast!
Great video guys. Confirmo todo lo dicho en este video.
Excelente video, amigos!
I love your videos, and i think you are very respectful of Mexican culture. I am mexican and through your videos i rediscovered the love i have for my country, thank you.
Great information. Enjoyed it a lot. Thanks,
As the gentleman said....you are both straight up anthropologists. I've also been here in Mexico for 3 years and you guys taught me several things that I should know especially for safety's sake when I'm driving around. This content is wildly interesting particularly as Mexicans chime in and give some background color the the why and wherefore customs are the way they are. Give us more....por favor.
Thank you , I hope to travel to Mexico soon , and I really appreciate all this information.
I enjoyed seeing your video & both of you as well. I love your shirt Jordan! I hope you both have a really good week. High paws to Laska!
Almuerzo means "late breakfast" where I am. The upward hand gesture to say thanks was popularized by politicians on speaches, the "wakanda" style is common with artists and is more warm and personal. Getting a flashing light or full-on beams from a car behind means you're slow and they want to pass. On highways, not everyone obeys the speed limit so if you intend to do so, keep in the middle or right lanes and leave the left one for people who want to go faster. Always turn your blinkers on if something makes you slow down quickly, like finding traffic or a pothole. Blinkers are the main way to alert other drivers of dangers ahead in the road. On bi-directional roads, they will flash their beams from the other side to warn you about accidents, etc. Also, local traffic customs may vary from city to city, but keep in mind there's an additional set of rules shared everywhere for when traveling inter-state roads.
Hi, guys! New subscriber and I love your channel. I love your straight forward insights and honesty. We are thinking of retiring to Mexico and your journey is a huge help! Love how you go to different regions and the info you give. Keep it up!!! Lots of pats to your pup❤️
Haha love this video and your funny stories. Reminds me of when I first moved to Mexico. Some people here use "almuerzo" to mean breakfast or brunch. Also, it's good to know that typically the "comida" (lunch) isn't eaten around 12 like in the US, but rather 2 or 3 pm. And "cena" (dinner) isn't usually 6 pm, more like 8-9 pm. It's good to know when you want to avoid "rush hours" at restaurants. Also, I still find it interesting that lots of people like to have coffee at night (often with fresh bread from the panadero that drives around the neighborhood) instead of in the morning.
Good stuff. Good video. Keep up the good work!!
I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOUR VIDS !! You guys are assume
Excellent video, very informational and entertaining
About the Mexican hand gesture meaning "thank you". Think about a gentleman taking off his hat just a few inches above his head and nodding a little just to say "thank you" or "good morning" to another person. That is the intention of the hand gesture, is just that at least in the cities in this day and age most of us do not use hats anymore, except maybe for basebal caps or something like that.
great job....keep it coming..
My wife and I have had a place in Playa Del Carmen for 4.5 years your tips are definitely spot on. We've been coming to Mexico for the past 15 or so. I only recently started driving and yes. I LOVE the use of 4 way flashers in Mexico. In Canada it would be crazy that they ever get used. But in Mexico its practically a must do. The horn thing as well there is many different types of horn use in Mexico. As for the hand signals I really haven't seen that yet but I haven't drove all that much yet... One other thing I quite like I'm not sure if it's like this everywhere but south from Tulum to Chetumal it's a traditional 2 lane highway with wide'ish paved shoulders. If someone comes up from behind you sort of signal and drive into the paved shoulder keeping road speed and they then have the visibility to pass you when they feel is safe. Once they pass you remerge into traffic. I love this I wish roads in Canada were like this it makes so much sense. As for DAC yes that's a very unwelcome surprise. In Quintana Roo (I know you logged significant time in PM) but for others in the area Factura is the formal tax document but ticket is the informal register tape. As for seat yourself vs be seated. Even if the restaurant is super casual. If it's busy they still probably want to seat you in a section or something or they may have reserved a seat for regulars etc. But definitely COVID has changed everything so everything is wait to be seated right now. We're awaiting things to open back up a bit more so we can resume our Mexico tour. First stop Guadalajara home of Birria. I'm absolutely addicted to it.
Brilliant. Have experienced some of these in Europe, like the honking. So good to know. Hoping to go to Mexico soon. Love your videos.