Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English is widely spoken in business circles. However, it is important to have someone in the mix able to confirm that ideas and thoughts are well and truly grasped.

“Always ensure your distributor or dealer or customer clearly understands what you are saying, when dealing with those who have limited English. Employ a translator and have agreements completed in English and Spanish,” says Bob Fenwick, Managing Director of Planhorse.

To learn the business culture, it is important to spend time in Mexico. It is not enough to come one day and leave at night. All Mexican cultural idiosyncrasies have implications in planning, decision making, communication styles, business etiquette, negotiating and contracting.

Tips for understanding the Mexican culture include:

• national pride is encouraged as a matter of public policy.
  
• respect Mexican feelings that those who live in the US do not have the monopoly on the word America - everyone from Alaska to Chile lives in the Americas. Remember also that Mexicans are North Americans.
  
• Mexicans can find it hard to say “no”.
  
• although the traditional ideal of women staying at home is still prevalent, in upper middle families feminism is making inroads and many women are now in business, politics and the professions.
  
• generally speaking, Mexicans tend to be late sometimes and they live under a mañana legacy that means leaving tasks for tomorrow or to the last-minute.

However, Steve Wilson, Managing Director of Talbot Plastics says “In our experience … with Mexico as our biggest export market, and now nearly a year trading, the Mexican culture is a very good one. Mexicans are generally – despite the ‘mañana’ stereotype – hard working, family-oriented, generally honest and very loyal”.

Get general advice on understanding cultures and how to negotiate.

Business etiquette tips include:

• politeness is key. In public Mexicans rarely raise their voices.
  
• be punctual, but don’t expect punctuality.
  
• try not to look at your watch while with a Mexican client.

General advice on cultural differences in the workplace.

A qualified interpreter costs about US$100 a day. Many business people in Mexico speak English. Nevertheless, it is important to check with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to see if an interpreter is needed.

General advice on interpreting and translating.