Don’t Do This, Don’t Do That

Planning a visit to Mexico this coming year? Here are some “Don’ts” to keep in mind to make your trip a rip roaring success.

1. Don’t look at the police.
2. Don’t talk loudly in public.
3. Don’t put the paper in the toilet bowl.
4. Don’t eat food from non-recommended street venders - or you will get a lot of practice on the previous “don’t”.
5. Don’t fail to get off the metro with your group in Mexico City – or to get on.
6. Don’t point…don’t stare.
7. Don’t forget to bring a sweater – yes, in Mexico.
8. Don’t refuse the hospitality of your hosts.
9. Don’t leave home without a few important Spanish phrases (¿Donde está el baño?/Where is the bathroom?)
10. Don’t forget sunscreen.
11. Don't toss an object to someone.
12. Don’t forget to always greet everyone and always say goodbye to everyone – the “Mexican way”.
13. Don't lay your money on the counter at the cash register.
14. Don't show up on time to a party - it would be rude and rather uncomfortable.
15. Don't pay with a 500 peso for a 40 peso bill, they will not have change.
16. Don't hit the man standing in your blind spot blowing a whistle while you back your car out of a space, and don't forget to tip him.
17. Don't be surprised when your neighbor comes to visit after 10:00 pm.
18. Don't surprise your neighbor with a visit before 10:00 am.
19. Don't forget to tip the grocery bagger, parking attendant, gas station attendant, the person who carries your bags to the car...did I forget anyone?
20. Don't take photos of individuals without asking first.
21. Don't forget an umbrella during rainy season - or maybe even during dry season too.
22. Don’t rinse your toothbrush with tap water and don’t swallow the water in the shower.
23. Don't wear your hat into a church.
24. Don't expect others to follow the rules of the road...oh I forgot, what rules?
25. Don't stand too close to the curb, and don't think that pedestrians have the right of way.
26. Don't yell out people's names to get their attention; whistle instead.
27. Don't expect people to tell you what they really feel, but what they think you want to hear.
28. Don't ask for a quesadilla without cheese.
29. Don't think that you know or understand anything.
30. Don't be judgmental of the culture – it’s not wrong, just different.

(Thanks to contributors for this post: Juan Carlos, Debbie, Keith, Candace, Dawn)