Business etiquette in Mexico City involves being friendly and pleasant.
If you plan on doing business in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, it is best to be aware of some basic etiquette rules that will allow you to make a great impression during business meetings. Professionals in Mexico City value trustworthy business relationships, so displaying a warm yet professional attitude is always best.
Business Attire
Men and women are expected to wear formal business attire to the workplace in Mexico City. Men should wear a business suit with a tie and pocket square in a modest color. Dark gray or black are ideal colors for a man's business suit. Women also should wear suits, preferably a jacket and skirt. The skirt should not be extremely short, and the suit should be well-tailored. Dark colors, such as charcoal, black or navy blue, are preferred.
Punctuality
It is best for international professionals to show up on time for business meetings in Mexico City, even if the meeting doesn't start at the scheduled time. Business people should expect to have a few minutes of small talk before the meeting so everyone can become familiar with one another. It is appropriate to discuss topics such as Mexican culture and art; however, subjects such as poverty and illegal immigration should be avoided.
Negotiations
It is important to refrain from showing any type of aggression during business negotiations in Mexico City, as this can make a bad impression. Being pleasant and accommodating is best, and displaying patience if the negotiations run longer than expected is always ideal. It is considered rude for Mexican professionals to respond to a possible negotiation term with the word "no"--the business person may speak indirectly and give responses such as "that would be difficult" or "we will look into it," when they actually mean "no." It is also common for Mexican professionals to say "yes" to a negotiation term when "no" is implied.
Speaking Spanish
Although most professionals in Mexico City speak English, it is a favorable gesture for international professionals who are not fluent to speak at least a few words of Spanish during the meetings as a sign of respect. Saying phrases such as "muchas gracias" when handed a business card or "mucho gusto" when meeting someone will help to make a great impression. It is also a good idea to have one side of a business card translated into Spanish.
Business Meals
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day in Mexico City; it is common for professionals to schedule a business breakfast, which usually lasts about two hours. Business hours in Mexico City begin about 9 a.m. and end at 7 or 8 p.m. Employees are given a long mid-afternoon lunch that can last for two hours, and business is usually not conducted during this time. It is also common to have business dinners, but these are not as common as breakfast meetings. If a woman is hosting the dinner, male colleagues likely will offer to pay--this gesture should be acknowledged, but not accepted. It is best for international professionals who are hosting a breakfast or dinner to do so at the restaurant of the hotel where they are staying, and to have the price of the meal added to the hotel bill.
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