Tips on the Know Hows of "Doing Business in Mexico" - Mexico is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, which makes it an ideal vacation destination. But Mexico also has a sophisticated culture with an amazingly advanced and complex economic system. While on the surface doing business in Mexico may seem similar to that of the U.S. and major European markets, underneath it's completely different. All decisions are usually made by the top person of the company. If he or she isn't available, the decision cannot be made.

Because titles are important in Mexico, businesspersons should address everyone formally to show respect until the individual has asked to be referred to by his or her first name. A common business title is "Licenciado". Though Mexican businesspersons are highly educated and deserve the title of Liceniado, just as many give themselves titles with nothing to back it up.

Formality extends to dress, also, especially in the larger business centers of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Men wear dark suits, and women, dressing conservatively in tailored and subdued styles, should keep relationships formal. However, in the provincial cities, especially in the hot tropics, most men wear only a cool cotton shirt and slacks and women a blouse and skirt.