Total fluency is not required but don’t expect everyone to cater to you in English. Mexicans are patient, friendly, and will appreciate the effort if you at least try to speak Spanish. Social niceties are big in Mexico. When people walk into a shop, restaurant, or even a waiting room, they acknowledge one another. A simple “hola” (hello) will garner some smiles from passers-by.
If you walk into a restroom, see an “M” on the door, and waltz right in, you may find a group of very confused women. The “M” stands for “mujeres” (women), not “men.” The men’s room is labeled Caballeros (gentlemen) or H (hombres).
For eating out, you might want to know how to say “una cerveza, por favor” (one beer, please), “¿cuánto cuesta?” (how much does it cost?), “la cuenta, por favor” (the check, please), and ¿dónde está el baño?” (where is the bathroom?).
When traveling around the Yucatán Peninsula, you’ll notice that many place names have the letter “X” (like the Xcaret theme parks and hotels). Note that this “X” is pronounced like a soft “shh.”
INSIDER TIPAll around the country, you’ll see Mexicans doing a subtle wag with their index finger, almost like a mini “come here” motion—but upright. It’s their way of saying “yes,” “I agree,” or “exactly.”
