Mexico
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Mexico?
We asked people in Mexico if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"Yes. I was speaking with a bi-lingual Mexican man and I told him that I was very happy because people here must think I am Mexican. He asked me why I felt that way. I said "Well..everyone freely and openly just start speaking to me in Spanish, so they must think I'm Mexican". He looked at me with a smile and said "That's because they don't know how to speak English" Oh boy, did I feel silly....we had a really good laugh at that one," said another expat in Tequisquiapan, Mexico.
"First time purchasing toilet paper, I was with a bilingual girlfriend, She couldn't believe her ears. I asked where it was, Now I know it's "Papel para baño" or "papel hygenico", but I originally asked where I could find "papel por culo" (paper for the butt (hole)) my friend freaked out. To this day I am never afraid to try Spanish, plenty of people will correct my errors, I'm OK with that, it's how we learn," wrote a member who made the move to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Mexico?
- How do I meet people in Mexico?
- What is life like in Mexico?
- Is there a lot of crime in Mexico?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Mexico accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Mexico like?
- Is the cost of living in Mexico high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Mexico?
- What are healthcare services like in Mexico?
- Is the cost of living in Mexico high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Mexico?
- What is the weather like in Mexico?
- Are there good restaurants in Mexico?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Mexico?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Mexico?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Mexico?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Mexico?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Mexico?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Mexico?
If you live in Mexico, newcomers to Mexico would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
