4 Mexican Restaurant Rules American Tourists Break Without Realizing It

There are many things you need to be prepared for when embarking on an international vacation, especially if it includes a new destination. Loads of planning will go into a trip like this, and with all of the necessary work to do (such as booking flights and hotel stays, as well as deciding on what activities to sign up for in advance), you may neglect one of the most important types of research: brushing up on the local culture and customs. Having the right attitude while traveling internationally can be just as important as the items you pack in your suitcase, and one thing that travelers could stand to do some research on is how to behave while dining out — after all, everyone has to eat. Those taking a trip to Mexico should know about the common mistakes American tourists make while dining, which can begin as early as the initial greeting at the door (or lack thereof) and stretch all the way to tipping at the end of the meal.

Dining etiquette is going to vary from country to country. For example, in many European countries, it's considered an embarrassing blunder to not finish all of the food on your plate. The necessity for some general things (like politeness towards your host or hostess) will remain steadfast no matter where you go, but the way in which you show respect for locals may have to be tailored to your destination. You'll want to keep all of the following things in mind while dining in Mexico to ensure you don't stick out as a rude tourist. Following these guidelines is also a good way to ensure the experience is more enjoyable for everyone involved, including restaurant and stand proprietors, servers, and even other diners.

Acknowledging both the employees as well as the other diners in a restaurant while traveling in Mexico is not something you want to skip. (France also has specific rules of etiquette when it comes to greetings.) Not only that, but how you choose to communicate will matter as well. For example, while Americans tend to expect a certain amount of personal space, Mexicans favor close proximity while speaking. 

One universal rule that everyone should keep in mind is that learning some basic phrases in the local language can go a long way during any international vacation. This means that learning common Spanish words in preparation for dining out in Mexico, such as saying "hola" instead of hello and "gracias" instead of thank you, would be just the start of ensuring you can respectfully communicate with the people who live there full time. After all, greeting locals in a foreign country as a tourist is going to set the tone for how they feel about your presence in their home, and no one wants to make a bad first impression. "One phrase I'd recommend you learn and use when you come is: 'Muy amable, muchas gracias' ('you're very kind, thank you very much'), that's the way we speak here, that's something that I say to Uber drivers, cashiers, waiters, if you ask for directions...basically anyone you interact with that acts in any way nice to you," u/Due_Independent5566 shared in a Reddit conversation about Mexico City, reinforcing the idea that being polite to strangers is of the utmost importance in Mexican culture.

Much like many other customs, the way in which locals partake in drinking alcohol in other countries may be different than American standards. Everything from the amount of beverages consumed to the time of day they are enjoyed needs to be considered. For example, there are aperitivo guidelines that are among the unspoken etiquette rules tourists should know before visiting Italy. One of the first things to point out when it comes to alcohol consumption in Mexico is that drinking tequila to excess is not practiced the way it is in the U.S. Mexicans tend to favor quality over quantity when it comes to tequila, and it's sipped without the customary salt and lime that Americans may be used to.

Another thing to be mindful of when it comes to alcohol is that Mexico has laws against open containers. "I can't tell you how many foreign friends have told me that they've run into trouble with the police for drinking in the street," Jennifer Fernández Solano, who was born and raised in Mexico, wrote on Business Insider. "In Mexico, it's illegal to drink alcohol in public streets and to carry open alcohol containers in public."

Obviously this will not be an issue when drinking in restaurants, but you won't be able to remove the alcohol that was served in that establishment, and there will generally be no outdoor drinking permitted when stopping at food vendors on the street (such as at a taco stand). Similarly, those thinking of having any picnics in public places will also have to abide by these rules.

One thing that Americans tend to struggle with is taking a long time to enjoy a meal. Lengthy dining experiences are a hallmark of many other cultures – Rick Steves advises against rushing through meals in Europe, for example, and this is also true of Mexico. If you're being hosted by a local, it may take as long as 30 minutes for the meal itself to get going, so the best thing to do is practice patience and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Additionally, there are parts of the country where things will have an even slower pace when it comes to how quickly food is served and eaten. "In laidback beach towns like Mazunte and towns like Mérida, time seems to slow down, and local waiters tend to take their time serving you," Jennifer Fernández Solano wrote for Business Insider. And as it turns out, that doesn't just apply to food service. "On a similar note, the concept of being on time varies. Being 15 minutes late is still considered on time, even in Mexico City," she advises.

It's best just to accept that your food will arrive when it arrives, and once it does, you'll be expected to take your time to savor it. After all, isn't that what being on vacation is all about? While those from busy cities in the U.S. are likely accustomed to prompt service (and tips will often reflect if this standard isn't met), it would be inappropriate to apply those same expectations in Mexico.

Speaking of tipping, the U.S. and Mexico mostly share the same tipping customs. Tips will be both expected and appreciated during many customer service interactions, including at restaurants. Most people agree that 10% to 15% of the bill is sufficient, but for good service, it would be more appropriate to bump up the tip to 20%. And remember, slower service does not have the same negative connotations as it does in the U.S. and generally should not be used as a reason to reduce the percentage of tip being given.

So, what else is different when it comes to tipping in Mexico? Tourists should definitely keep in mind that you won't always be able to use a credit card to tip, and in some cases, such as at street carts, it's much more appropriate to use spare change. Cash is almost always preferred, so carrying peso bills in small denominations is a good idea.

To learn more about this exciting destination, take a look at the only map of Mexico you need for your upcoming trip.