Moving to Mexico as a foreigner comes with a lot of learning curves, from navigating new customs to adjusting to the weather. But the fact is, sometimes we unintentionally do things that rub locals the wrong way.  While most Mexicans are warm and patient, there are some things we do that can accidentally ruffle feathers. Whether it’s out of ignorance, good intentions gone wrong, or just a classic case of “lost in translation,” these moments are a reminder of the importance of blending in respectfully. 

1. Calling themselves “American” if they come from the US

The use of the term “American” to refer specifically to people from the United States can be a sensitive topic for some individuals from other countries in North America and South America.

If you didn’t already know, there are many countries in the Americas: All the ones in Central America like Panama and Costa Rica, and all the many countries in South America like Brazil, Ecuador and Argentina, to name just three. Along with countries in North America: Canada, the US and Mexico.

When you say you’re “American” it kind of sounds like you’re disregarding all the other people that would think of themselves as American because they live on the South or North American continents. 

In Spanish, the term “americano” refers broadly to anyone from the Americas. To specify someone from the U.S., terms like “estadounidense” (United States-ian) are used.

Estadounidense has been a hard word for me to pronounce. It helps to break it down into Estado (State) Unid (United) ense (kind of like “ian” like in the word Panamanian, or “ish” like in the word Spanish)

It is common parlance in the United States to say you’re American if you come from the US. but that doesn’t make it completely accurate or non-annoying to people from other spots in the two vast continents that have the word “America” in them.

It’s true that it took me some traveling in Central and South America years ago to realize this. “Americans” from the US tend to be self centric, and I don’t know what’s happened to our educational system.

Referring to U.S. citizens exclusively as “Americans” can feel exclusionary to those who share the broader identity tied to the continents.

2. Being too direct without common courtesies

People from the U.S. can sometimes come across as too direct when speaking to Mexicans, depending on the situation. Mexican communication styles often prioritize politeness, subtlety, and avoiding confrontation to maintain harmony in social interactions.

Mexicans are generally warm, welcoming, and value politeness. Smiling and showing genuine interest in people go a long way.

I had to remind myself a couple of times at first in Mexico to not walk up to a stranger to ask directions without first saying Buenos Dias. In the United states it’s common to cut right to the chase and leave out the courtesy. Being direct is often seen as efficient, honest, and transparent.

Statements like “I don’t like this” or “This needs to change” may feel normal in U.S. culture but can come off as blunt or rude in Mexico.

I made a double mistake in Zihuatanejo recently when my host was telling me about the tradition of having Pozole every Thursday in this region of Mexico. I said “I don’t like hominy” which was not something I needed to say. It was too direct and it made clear my disdain for the main ingredient in Pozole. Don’t do like I did!

Mexicans often use indirect or polite language to express disagreement or negative feedback.

Instead of saying “No,” they might say something like “Déjame pensarlo” (Let me think about it) or “Quizás”(Maybe).

This avoids outright rejection, which could be seen as too harsh.

Family is a central part of life in Mexico. Asking about family (e.g., “¿Cómo está tu familia?”) is a good way to connect, or reconnect with someone you’ve met before.

Direct communication is often considered a way to save time and avoid misunderstandings in the United States but if you approach conversation in a gentler way in Mexico you will most likely get a better reception.

When entering a store or small shop, greet everyone. Say goodbye when leaving. If you encounter people on the street or at a square, say hello to them.

3. Expect Mexicans, and everyone else, to speak English

As English is a global business and travel language, some may assume that everyone speaks at least basic English, which is not always the case in Mexico.

While many Mexicans in tourism, business, or urban centers speak English, most Mexicans, especially in rural areas or non-tourist zones, primarily speak Spanish or Indigenous languages.

Assuming someone speaks English without asking can come across as dismissive and disrespectful of their language, not to mention entitled . 

Even a simple “Hola” or “Buenas Dias” shows effort. Locals often appreciate even small attempts to speak their language.

Spanish is the language of Mexico and it’s not the responsibility of locals to accommodate visitors; it’s part of being a good traveler to adapt.

Learning a language is not always easy, and I’ve met people who have lived in this country for years who don’t speak any Spanish. But in order to really integrate into the culture I believe that it’s very important to learn as much Spanish as possible.

4. Expect Mexico to Adapt to the Wishes of Foreigners (loud music, firecrackers)

I think the biggest complaints I’ve heard from foreigners about living in Mexico is the noise. From roosters crowing to fireworks for many occasions, Mexicans are not shy about noise. In my neighborhood I can frequently hear music, firecrackers, and animals, like chickens and dogs.

Firecrackers and fireworks are often used in Mexico for religious festivals, weddings, and holidays. These sounds are not just noise—they carry meaning, like honoring saints or celebrating communal events.

Fireworks and firecrackers can occur early in the morning, late at night, or multiple days in a row during festivals, which can feel overwhelming for unprepared newcomers.

Before moving to Mexico, foreigners should research the local culture, including customs around noise and celebrations. This helps avoid disappointment or frustration.

Moving abroad means adapting to new customs, not expecting them to conform to your preferences and complaining about cultural traditions can feel disrespectful to locals. A better approach is to express curiosity and participate when possible. Don’t expect anyone to conform to what you think is right or normal. This creates resentment and makes you appear entitled to say the least.

The main problem comes when those people with greater purchasing power, generally foreigners, begin to demand changes to the local traditions and customs, to the point of demanding preferential treatment and to be spoken to in English. Instead of adapting to the country they are in, they demand that the place adapt to them. 

5. Believe media cliches & stereotypes about Mexicans: all look the same way, dress the same way, eat the same things, behave a certain way 

Some people mistakenly believe that Mexicans are like the stereotypes portrayed in movies or TV shows. These portrayals often simplify or misrepresent Mexican culture and people, leading to inaccurate assumptions. 

Media often implies that tacos, burritos, and nachos (which are Tex-Mex, not traditional Mexican food) are must-haves for everyone in Mexico, overlooking regional culinary diversity like mole, cochinita pibil, (Cochinita pibil is a traditional Yucatec Mayan slow-roasted pork dish from the Yucatán Peninsula)  pozole, or tamales.

Stereotypes about extreme spiciness also assume that all Mexicans enjoy eating highly spiced food. Not true!

Mexicans are frequently shown in movies and TV constantly drinking tequila or beer, ignoring the country’s rich beverage menu, including aguas frescas, atole, mezcal, and pulque.

Some people think Mexicans are all poor. Media often shows dusty villages with adobe homes, ignoring that Mexico has modern urban centers like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Morelia.

“Do you have tequila every day?” or “Do you ride donkeys?”

Avoid stereotyping, Mexico is more than just beaches and deserts.  Mexico is diverse, with deserts, rainforests, mountains, bustling cities, and Indigenous communities.

“you’re white!”

Media often depicts Mexicans as having dark skin, dark hair, and a specific physical build, ignoring the country’s rich ethnic diversity.

Mexico has Indigenous, Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European), Afro-Mexican, European-descended, and Asian-descended communities, which are rarely seen in the media.

If you’re from the United States how accurate would it be for foreigners from around the world to assume you wear a cowboy hat and carry a gun?

Movie and TV clichés and stereotypes about Mexicans often reduce the complexity and diversity of Mexico’s people, culture, and traditions into oversimplified, inaccurate, or even hurtful assumptions.

6. “Mexico is so cheap!”

While some may see it as a neutral observation, others may find it disrespectful or insensitive. For many Mexicans, the money foreigners bring in often contrasts sharply with local wages.

While many foreigners find prices lower than back home, many Mexicans are watching costs rise to outrageous levels. The widening gap between the locals struggling to make ends meet on an average salary of about $520/mo and foreigners exclaiming “Mexico is so cheap!” is causing resentment. 

 The average monthly income in Mexico is significantly lower than in countries like the U.S. or Canada, so calling it “cheap” can feel dismissive and insensitive to the economic challenges many locals face.

Mexicans often take great pride in their culture, traditions, and the quality of their products and services. Though you might not intend it, Describing things as “cheap” might imply they are of low quality, which can be hurtful.

In some areas, especially tourist destinations, an influx of foreign residents or visitors seeking “cheap” living has driven up the cost of housing and other everyday needs for locals, leading to resentment.

According to the U.S. State department an estimated 1.6 million U.S. citizens live in Mexico and Mexico is the top foreign destination for U.S. travelers. Many many businesses in Mexico welcome foreigners and their money in Mexico but some Mexicans are feeling the resulting gentrification in their cities.

Although the newfound economic growth and urban development have been financially incredible for many Mexican cities, there are challenges that come with gentrification, such as the displacement of local communities and the creation of social and financial obstacles for longtime residents.

Once you get to know Mexico you know that not everything in Mexico is “cheap” and that affordability varies for locals and foreigners alike. 

Like many other people I’m trying to be a resident of Mexico without contributing to this problem.

We should try to look for rental contracts in cities that charge the correct price, rather than heavily inflated rates or Airbnbs. We can travel to non-gentrified cities and towns and support local businesses, rather than stay in the expat enclaves and if we are going to be spending a lot of time in a country and working, we can apply for residency so that we contribute and pay our share as tax paying residents.

This has become my most bossy video to date! I call myself the School Marm when I try to tell people what to do, but I hope these tips help you keep your foot out of your mouth when visiting or living in Mexico.

It’s natural for different countries to have different customs and mannerisms and Mexicans are gracious when it comes to our differences, but you want to do what you can to gracefully interact with the culture you’re coming into.