Bridging Cultures: North Americans Embracing the Mexican Lifestyle​

North American Expats in Mexico
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Relocating to a new country comes with a myriad of challenges, from adapting to unfamiliar traditions and customs to adjusting to different ways of life. This process can result in “culture shock”, a feeling of disorientation experienced when people move to a cultural environment that is different from their own.

North American Expats in Mexico often experience this. Although these countries share the same continent, they have distinct cultural backgrounds and lifestyles.

1. Formality and Respect

In North American culture, first-name basis and casual conversation are common in many situations. However, Mexicans tend to be more formal and respectful, especially with elders and people in authority. This could be a shock for newcomers who are used to informal interactions.

2. Mexican Time

Mexicans have a different perspective on punctuality. In Mexico, showing up late to social events is often acceptable, even expected – it’s termed as ‘Mexican Time’. For expats from the US and Canada where punctuality is held high, this could cause confusion and misinterpretation.

3. Celebrations and Festivities

Mexican culture is rich in vibrant and boisterous celebrations, such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Semana Santa (Holy Week). These festivities may seem intense and even bizarre to newcomers.

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4. Family Ties

In Mexico, family is at the heart of social structure. Mexicans maintain a close relationship with their extended family, which can be different from the more nuclear family-centered culture common in the US and Canada.

5. Noise levels

Cities and towns in Mexico can be much noisier due to constant social events, honking cars, and street vendors. This can be a shock for those from quieter neighborhoods in North America.

6. Food

While Mexican restaurants are common in North America, authentic Mexican food and the dining style in Mexico can be a shock. From maize-based dishes to exotic ingredients like insects, Mexican cuisine varies greatly from American or Canadian food.

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7. Language Barrier

Even those who have some knowledge of Spanish can struggle with the Mexican dialect and regional slang. This can make communication challenging and lead to feelings of isolation.

8. Manana Culture

The term “mañana” is synonymous with delay in Mexican culture. It doesn’t always mean ‘tomorrow’, but ‘not today’. For expats used to a fast-paced, efficient lifestyle, adapting to this relaxed approach can be frustrating.

9. Personal Space

Mexicans often stand closer and have more physical contact during interactions than what people from the US and Canada might be accustomed to.

Mexicans’ warm and welcoming nature can ease the transition for expats, but knowing these cultural aspects beforehand can help US and Canada expats prepare for their move to Mexico, reducing culture shock and making the relocation experience smoother.

The Nitty-Gritty: Daily Life Differences Encountered by North American Expats in Mexico

Beyond the general cultural differences, a handful of everyday experiences can sometimes trip up expat newcomers. Part of the magnificence of acclimating to a different culture includes navigating these unique day-to-day scenarios:

1. Coffee Culture: More Than Just a Caffeine Fix

Unfamiliar ways of consuming food and beverages are common sources of culture shock. For instance, when Americans and Canadians say “coffee,” they likely envision black coffee or perhaps an espresso-based latte or cappuccino. However, in Mexico, ‘café con leche’ – a mix of coffee and warm milk – dominates the morning brew scene. The catch is, this isn’t just a morning drink— it’s a tradition.

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2. Tea Time, Anyone?

While coffee and tea share the limelight across many regions in the US and Canada, Mexico leans heavily towards a coffee-centric culture. Consequently, tea lovers may find it unexpectedly challenging to find a good selection of teas. In my case, I must admit, I went to great lengths to find a store that sold kettles! Not that Mexicans don’t use kettles— it’s just that coffee makers significantly outnumber them.

3. Afternoon Siestas: An Extra Zzz…

While the afternoon nap or ‘siesta’ may no longer be a universal tradition across Mexico, it still forms an essential part of some regions’ cultures. This could mean shops closing for a few hours after lunch— something that can be in contrast to the continuous business hours cycle to which North Americans are accustomed.

4. The Toilet Paper Conundrum

A common source of bewilderment for North American expats in Mexico might be the prevalent practice of not flushing toilet paper down the loo in many parts of Mexico. Why? Mexico’s plumbing systems— particularly in older establishments— just can’t cope with it. Instead, used toilet paper goes into a waste bin placed conveniently next to the toilet.

5. Got a Sweet Tooth? Brace for Something Spicy!

Surprises aren’t limited to drinks. Mexican candy, quite counter-intuitively to a North American palate, is often spicy rather than predominantly sweet. Imagine the shock when a treat that seems like an ordinary gummy candy unfurls a spicy kick!

6. Greetings: More Than Just a Handshake

Social interactions, such as greeting someone, vary widely across cultures. In Mexico, women usually greet both men and women with a kiss on the right cheek, while men typically shake hands with other men. For a newcomer from North America, this close physical contact might initially feel unexpected, even intrusive.

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Building Relationships in Mexico: More Than Just 'Hola'

Having a smooth social and professional transition in a new cultural realm often hinges on understanding the nuances of building relationships— be it friendships, family ties, or business relationships.

1. Friendship – The Extended Family

Mexicans form resilient, long-standing friendships that often resemble familial bonds. Events like holidays and special occasions are typically shared experiences among friends. The ‘padrinos’ (godparents) system in Mexico exemplifies this friendship culture where godparents participate significantly in a child’s life, extending the bond to the entire family.

2. Family – The Bedrock of Society

In Mexico, the definition of family extends beyond the immediate members to a wider network of relatives. Large family gatherings including everyone from grandparents to distant cousins aren’t just restricted to significant holidays — they’re a regular affair.

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3. Business is Personal

In Mexico, forging a personal relationship often precedes professional alliances. Building trust through shared meals, events, or social connections is deemed essential before engaging in business discussions. As a result, face-to-face meetings hold a special place in Mexican business culture.

However, it’s crucial to remember that culture isn’t a monolith; what rings true in one region might not in another, and what one individual practices may not be the same for someone else.

Therefore, as an expat, keeping an open mind, demonstrating patience, and possessing a willingness to learn and adapt are crucial when embarking on your new life in Mexico. Connect and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that Mexico has to offer, and you might find yourself loving every bit of this beautiful country. Are you excited to learn more? Book a personal consultation to discuss your objectives and preferences.

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Hi, I am Emily Bron.

After living and working in 4 countries (3 continents), experiencing several immigrations, changing several professional fields and being an avid traveler, I created International Lifestyle Consulting to help you to find the best matching place and to relocate abroad for a better quality of life, work, or retirement.

As a professional Baby Boomer and Remote worker, I am relocating again!

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