Mexico
Crime and corruption: It’s sure to be a topic of discussion, but it’s not something you should bring up in a cavalier way.
As in Spain, bullfighting is a matter of cultural pride, so stumping for animal rights may not win you many friends.
Immigration is a fact of life, but the United States' policy on illegals is a sore point-and sometimes a humiliating one.
Mexico is still a strongly Catholic country, which means religious and social questions are best approached delicately, particularly in rural areas.
In general, getting down to business before coffee, even during a quick business lunch, is considered rude.
Diversionary Topics - Always talk about marriage or family. Knowledge of Mexico’s cultural heritage and food (not Tex-Mex) will go a
long way, as will familiarity with such family rites as the quinceañera.
Hello
For formal situations, forget hola—especially at a first business meeting. This is hardly Japan when it comes to formality, but in a business context you’ll need to work against the presumption that anything goes south of the border, because it’s just not true. Instead: buenos días (“good day”), buenas tardes (“good afternoon”), or buenas noches (“good evening/night”). ¿Qué tal? (“how’s it going?”) is less formal.
Good-bye
Adios or hasta luego but—contrary to popular belief—almost never hasta la vista.
Thank You
Muchas gracias (“many thanks”) is usually preferred over the simple gracias.
Excuse Me
Disculpe works for most situations, but perdón is more politely apologetic. Lo siento means “I’m sorry” in the sense of condolence.
Help Me
¿Me puede ayudar? works best when prefaced with perdóne la molestia (“excuse the bother”).
Please
Por favor.
