Culture Smart! Mexico : The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Don't just see the sights―get to know the people.

The third-largest country in Latin America, Mexico is hugely diverse, having both rural backwaters where time seems to have stood still and manic urban centers like Mexico City, one of the most densely populated and exciting cities in the world.

This complex and fascinating country is where European and American civilizations first clashed. The repercussions of the meeting in 1519 between the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, and the subsequent devastation wrought by the Spanish conquest, is still felt today.

Culture Smart! Mexico takes you to the heart of Mexican society and introduces you to the proud, spiritual, dynamic, fatalistic, and fun-loving people who call this country home. It describes how people socialize, the dynamics of daily life, the importance of family, and the annual cycle of feasts and fiestas. There’s advice on how to negotiate a Mexican menu, as well as information on traveling safely, communicating, and provides you with the tools you need to make the most of your time in Mexico.

Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Russell Maddicks is a travel journalist who has spent the last twenty years exploring the countries of Latin America. Originally from the UK and fluent in Spanish, Russell has authored a number of acclaimed travel guides to a host of Latin American countries including Cuba, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.