Mexico Local Customs

  Asking people at the top of the Pyramid
by Kuznetsov_Sergey
 
  • Asking people at the top of the Pyramid
      Asking people at the top of the Pyramid
    by Kuznetsov_Sergey
  • Watching the film about Trotsky and Frida Kahlo
      Watching the film about Trotsky and...
    by Kuznetsov_Sergey
  •   Local Customs
    by Kuznetsov_Sergey
  • Son Jarocho music
      Son Jarocho music
    by DSwede
  • food in Merida
      food in Merida
    by cochinjew
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Mexico

151.

Tipping   Cancún

Tipping, Cancún

 12 Reviews  Re: ".. don't tip taxi drivers in Cancun. Of course you should tip them! Just like you would in any other country." This is very wrong. Whilst tipping may be expected in Cancun it is not universal... 

 See All 48 Local Customs in Cancún

152.

Tipping   Puerto Vallarta

Tipping, Puerto Vallarta

 7 Reviews  Even when "all gratuities included" at a resort (and I laugh), think twice about not tipping. If you like waiting 10-20 minutes to be noticed for a drink that's fine.. but tipping 1.00usd a round gets... 

 See All 47 Local Customs in Puerto Vallarta

153.

Native Animals   Playa del Carmen

Native Animals, Playa del Carmen

 3 Reviews  We've seen the large band of coatis on both of our trips to Riu Tequila, in 2009 they were hanging out near the pool and near some of the rooms near the pool waiting for someone to take pity on them... 

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154.

Drinking   Cabo San Lucas

Drinking, Cabo San Lucas

 2 Reviews  To have the perfect shot of tequila, you start with ice-cold tequila, kosher salt, and fresh Mexican limes; then you lick your hand and sprinkle the salt, lick the salt onto the tip of your tongue,... 

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155.

Food / Drink   Tijuana

Food / Drink, Tijuana

 7 Reviews  Traditional Mexican food varies from different regions in Mexico. Since Mexico also spans several climatic zones, the types of foodstuff available and the regional cuisines display much variety. While... 

 See All 69 Local Customs in Tijuana

156.

Cultural   Mazatlán

Cultural, Mazatlán

 8 Reviews  I enjoyed taking the time to talk to the vendors on the beach... Some may think it is a chore but I liked that aspect of my trip. I tried to get to know as many of them by name as I could.. They loved... 

 See All 14 Local Customs in Mazatlán

157.

Dia de los Muertos   Monterrey

Dia de los Muertos, Monterrey

 5 Reviews  Every november 2 the hollyday ¨Dia de Muertos¨ (Dead´s Day), is celebrated in Mexico. This is a special day where people build a ¨Altar de Muertos¨ (Dead´s Shrine ) in memorial of any special... 

 See All 32 Local Customs in Monterrey

158.

Slow Pace   Cancún

Slow Pace, Cancún

 4 Reviews  Any gringos with little patience for slow service should probably stay away from Cancun. The fact that the city owes it's sheer prominence almost entirely to foreign tourism, combined with the Yucatan... 

 See All 48 Local Customs in Cancún

159.

Local People   Puerto Vallarta

Local People, Puerto Vallarta

 14 Reviews  Puerto Vallarta, just as it is now, meets all the expectations that visitors may have; however, it isn’t resting on its laurels. Projects are being planned for the development of the area to make it... 

 See All 47 Local Customs in Puerto Vallarta

160.

People / Language   Tijuana

People / Language, Tijuana

 23 Reviews  If you stick to the tourist spots, like Revolution, you will find that language isn't an issue. Most of the shopkeepers speak English very well. It does help to know spanish, but it is definitely not... 

 See All 69 Local Customs in Tijuana

161.

Tipping/Financial   Mazatlán

Tipping/Financial, Mazatlán

 4 Reviews   Tipping... At restaurants, 10 to 15% is standard, but check to ensure a tip has not been included in your bill. Be sure to differentiate between the 15% tax and a tip. Bellmen usually receive about... 

 See All 14 Local Customs in Mazatlán

162.

Traditional Dress   Monterrey

Traditional Dress, Monterrey

 2 Reviews  A few old men still use ranch style sombrero, in some case hand made. In this photo the girl is celebrating his 15 aniversary, in Mexico these celebratios is very special because it mark the end of... 

 See All 32 Local Customs in Monterrey

163.

Learn the lingo   Cancún

Learn the lingo, Cancún

 5 Reviews  Many first names have a Spanish equivalent. For fun, find out if you have a Spanish name before you go so that you can use it to introduce yourself. Hotel workers, guides, and locals will be able to... 

 See All 48 Local Customs in Cancún

164.

Financial   Puerto Vallarta

Financial, Puerto Vallarta

 6 Reviews  bring several american one-dollar bills with you for tipping before you change your money into pesos. DO NOT change your money at the american airports; the rate is terrible, and some charge a... 

 See All 47 Local Customs in Puerto Vallarta

165.

Border Culture   Tijuana

Border Culture, Tijuana

 7 Reviews  There are numerous parking lots on the U.S. site of the border crossing point in San Ysidro. They are large and always guarded - does it mean that there are many car thefts there? The parkings are... 

 See All 69 Local Customs in Tijuana

166.

Greetings / Courtsey   Monterrey

Greetings / Courtsey, Monterrey

 7 Reviews  These are typical greetings and sultations. The translations are less literal and more "general meaning." Greetings... In person: Buenas Good Buenas (tardes, dias, noches) (afternoon, day,... 

 See All 32 Local Customs in Monterrey

167.

Shopping/Haggling   Puerto Vallarta

Shopping/Haggling, Puerto Vallarta

 6 Reviews  It seemed common that a lot of women where getting their hair put in beads. I didn't see any local women with them but amongst the local tourist it seemed to be the thing to do for the women. I don't... 

 See All 47 Local Customs in Puerto Vallarta

168.

Los Negocios   Tijuana

Los Negocios, Tijuana

 10 Reviews  I considered putting this tip in the Warning section, but since it probably won't happen while you visit Tijuana it seems better as a Local Custom Tip. Actually having your hair done in a restaurant... 

 See All 69 Local Customs in Tijuana

169.

Music & Dance   Monterrey

Music & Dance, Monterrey

 2 Reviews  Regional music is dubbed musica norteña, northern music, which is unique, very lively, kind of Mexican polka, with accordion, guitar and drum, and has lots of groups and fans. It is obviously not only... 

 See All 32 Local Customs in Monterrey

170.

Nature   Puerto Vallarta

Nature, Puerto Vallarta

 4 Reviews  The most wonderfu thing about the "Dreams Resort" in Puerto Vallarta, is that the sea turtle conservatory is located on the beach!! We were walking early one morning on a romantic strole & were called... 

 See All 47 Local Customs in Puerto Vallarta

171.

Music / Drinking   Tijuana

Music / Drinking, Tijuana

 8 Reviews  The exciting music of a Mariachi band embraces the essence of Mexico and its people. Characterised by lively rhythms and the sounds of violins, guitars, vihuelas (a five-stringed guitar) and a... 

 See All 69 Local Customs in Tijuana

172.

Alameda   Monterrey

Alameda, Monterrey

 2 Reviews  Lesson # 325 to be a good tourist in Mexico: When you come to Monterrey, come to the Alameda (central park) and go to the big fountain to get a picture of you riding one of these wood made horses. As... 

 See All 32 Local Customs in Monterrey

173.

Health/Safety   Puerto Vallarta

Health/Safety, Puerto Vallarta

 4 Reviews  Hopefully you will not need any! But, it is good to know that there are some excellent, English speaking doctors here. There is a brand new hospital here in Vallarta, San Javier and really is as nice... 

 See All 47 Local Customs in Puerto Vallarta

174.

Poverty   Tijuana

Poverty, Tijuana

 2 Reviews  Walking around Tijuana you can find a lot of signs of poverty and first of all you can find beggars but not in Avenida Revolucion (main street of Tijuana) - it's forbidden there, I suppose. But when... 

 See All 69 Local Customs in Tijuana

175.

Local Foods   Monterrey

Local Foods, Monterrey

 3 Reviews  Mostly on the weekends restaurants (and sometimes individuals) will set up grills on the side of the road and roast kid goats, chicken, sausages, etc. Not exactly haute cuisine, but at least you see... 

 See All 32 Local Customs in Monterrey

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The language

by micas_pt

The main language is Spanish. Mexico was colonized by the spanish conquerors, and the language remained in use. Previous to the spanish conquests the local inhabitants were the mayan people, with their own language and culture. The accent is different from the one you hear in Spain and some words may even have a different meaning.

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Friendly People

by shdw100

co has some of the friendliest and most helpful people you will ever meet. They will try to help you in any way possible, although be careful because sometimes in order not to feel like they don't want to help you, they will tell you something wrong rather than say they don't know, especially if you are asking for directions.

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Chicken fights

by bloorange

Either you do like it or not, it is part of the mexican culture. Mexican like to gather to bet their weekly money on these chicken fights. It will be hard to find if you don't have a mexican buddy to bring you to a fight.

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Subcomandante Marcos in Mexico city

by bloorange

Not really a local custom but a truly piece of actual history. 200000 persons (I should say mexicans) gathered in the "zocalo" of Mexico city to listen to the speach of the subcomandante Marcos, leader of the EZNL from chiapas. That happened on march 11th 2001 and it was the last step of a 2 weeks journey through the country for the movement. An incredible experience that shows how one only guy can monopolize the attention of thousands!

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Could be hazardous to your health

by RandomLion

The water is bad -- drink the alcohol, that will lead to Rosita's room -- 10 mins later Paco will tell Juan what happened, you might get hurt -- enjoying the native herbs -- OK when you're there -- but don;t go to sleep, and bring your own food! I'd stay away from trying to add to your American Spice Collection if you know what i mean

greetings.

by biljah

When meeting a new senoita it's ok to greet with a kiss on the cheek! If she kisses you this does not mean she's in love with you! It's just a friendly greeting. I'm sure most of everyone knows this! If you have been to mexico....

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This is a map of Mulege and...

by AGBAT

This is a map of Mulege when I originally posted this you could read it by enlarging the picture but in the new VT is seems to have lost a lot of definition. Oh well at least you can see the town is on either side of the "river". Most of the shops are on the north side and the south side is primarily RV parks, motels, and accomodations.

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Traveling in Mexico in general

by IceBear7

Traveling in Mexico is easy and pleasant. I felt safe at all times, not even heard others talk about robbery or attacks. After a while it is normal to feel the “machismo”, that men whistle at you, call you bonita or guapa, or blow their horns driving by. Just smile at the guys and take it as a compliment. But, as one guy told me, don’t take it too serious, many guys would also call an old witch bonita :-) Being friendly is very important, in order to leave a good impression with the locals. Don’t totally ignore the street vendors but tell them that you don’t want to buy anything right now (normally it works, however not in San Cristóbal, people seemed very persistent there!). If you’re in a shop and the shopkeeper approaches you don’t flea the shop but tell them you just wanna have a look around. And a little Spanish helps a lot. Even if it’s just a few words, even if there are many...

Which civilization?

by Joan58

The ancient people of Mexico sacrificed human victims. These gruesome rituals had a great religious importance. When the 'Conquistadores' arrived were so shocked that thought it better to wipe out them!...Nowaday the survivors descendants are fighting for to preserve their identity and their traditions (obsiously not human sacrifices!!).

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Slow but steady

by spartan

Contrary to popular belief, Puerto Vallarta was not necessarily "discovered" by Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton or film director John Houston. In reality, a man named Guadalupe Sanchez Torres and his family founded the area at the turn of the century. Mr. Sanchez Torres called it Puerto Las Peñas. Later, the state affixed its current name in honor of Governor Ignacio Luis Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta did not become an overnight tourism hot spot like Cancun. It grew slowly through word-of-mouth recommendations, some advertising and increased scheduling of domestic and international airline flights.

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Top 3 Hotels in Mexico

Four Seasons Mexico City  Mexico City

 6 Reviews and 219 Opinions  If you are there over the weekend, do forget to check-out the rate. We paid about US$165 excl tax... 

 Hotels in Mexico City

Club Med Cancun All Inclusive  Cancún

 4 Reviews and 958 Opinions  I spent a week at the Club Med from 18-25 May 2008 with my 12-yr old daughter and thoroughly enjoyed... 

 Hotels in Cancún

Marival Residences & World Spa Puerto Vallarta  Puerto Vallarta

 6 Reviews and 313 Opinions  We had a DREAM VACATION at the Marival Resort. We will be going back once or twice a year. The... 

 Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

Questions and Answers

Hermanater profile photo

Q:  Going to Puerto Vallarta for Cino de Mayo. Never been to PV before. Any tips you can provide me? 

lmkluque profile photo

A: I have not been to Puerto Vallarta but know about it as a popular tourist resort town. I do live next to the Mexican border and have experience with Mexicans and... 

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