Working in Mexico: Cultural Information Paper

Introduction to the Country

Mexico is a country in Central America in the south of the United States and north of Guatemala and Belize. It is one of the top international tourist destinations for Americans due to features such as the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean ( Mraz, 2009). The country has a wealth of history and diverse culture that makes it a vacation destination. However, if you are looking to live in Mexico as an American expat, there are several things you need to put into consideration regarding the culture of this nation.

Working in Mexico is a bight prospect since the country has created a more open-free market economy that allows easier business transactions. It is a member of the NAFTA trade agreement which has improved its economic growth by attracting investments. Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America just behind Brazil with numerous opportunities for anyone seeking employment ( Mraz, 2009) . The country lies between being an underdeveloped and developed economy despite being close to the United States market. However, it has a cheaper standard of living compared to the United States with cheaper labor.

This is a high altitude area with an abundance of coastline and warm weather. Close to 80 percent of the population lives in cities and metropolis. The major cities include Mexican city, Leon, Juarez, Monterrey and Puebla. Mexico City is the base for most international companies and large Mexican employers and one of the biggest cities in the world with a strong and diverse economy.

Local Customs

Mexico offers a dynamic business environment, but every expat will need to familiarize itself with the cultural nuance of the country. Business is built around personal relationships, which means networking is needed to achieve successful interactions. English is widely understood in Mexico, but a good grasp of Spanish will increase your chances of being successful as a data analyst in the country. While most executives in large cities will likely be able to speak English, learning Spanish goes a long way in helping to integrate into the work environment.

There are several traditional holidays and celebrations unique to the country including Day of the Dead and Post-Conquest Catholicism. The cost of living in Mexico is cheaper than the United States, but employees receive lower salaries when compared to other developed nations ( Mraz, 2009) . The income tax in Mexico depends on how much you earn, and it ranges between 15 percent and 30 percent. However, there are several problems such as economic inequality, corruption, and instability in the country’s politics.

What is Needed to Work in the Country?

As a foreigner working in Mexico, you will need to obtain several necessities before you can start working. You are required to first obtain a temporal or permanent visa and a work permit through the National Institute of Migration. Visas exist in two categories: a temporary visitor visa that allows permission to perform business activities. It is illegal to work in Mexico without a visa and work permit, which is issued by a company registered in Mexico ( Mraz, 2009) . You can stay in the country on a tourist visa until you collect your visa in the Mexican consulate of your home country, but tourists are not allowed to undertake any prepaid employment. A work permit is issued after you pass an interview at the consulate abroad.

For example, all employees are required to do the paperwork at the National Institute of Migration. This paperwork includes proof of registration, the official ID of the company’s legal representative and foreigner’s. Your employer will apply to the INM to get a visa which is processed at a consulate outside of Mexico. Within the first month of arrival in Mexico, you will need to exchange your passport stamp for a plastic card by visiting the local immigration office. If your target is to live in Mexico between 6 months and 4 years, you can obtain a temporary visa but will be required to get a permanent resident visa or leave the country after the period elapses ( Mraz, 2009) .

Transport Availability

The fun of living in Mexico comes with traveling around the country. A bus is an easy option for anyone who wants to get from one destination to another. Mexico has many bus companies that traverse the country with variations in price and quality of the ride. For example, first-class buses have wide reclining seats and are safer compared to the cheaper ones ( Martin & Chaney, 2008) . There are also independent bus companies but must cost as higher than the bus companies

However, if flights are also available and affordable for anyone who does not want to sit on a bus for 10 hours. For example, if you want to move from Mexico City to Cancun, a flight will take you 40 minutes for a price of half that of a bus ride taking 24 hours. The major national airlines in Mexico offer big discounts regularly to their customers. There is also a rail transit system known as the metro and Taxis plying the streets continuously. Fares start at $0.5o per mile

Everyone is allowed to travel in Mexico provided you have a full driving license from your home country. If the foreign license expires, it is easy to obtain a Mexican driving license after providing your permanent residence and a small fee ( Martin & Chaney, 2008) . Furthermore, you will need to purchase a temporary import permit at the border before driving your vehicle into Mexico. This will require you to buy car insurance that covers you in the country. Similarly, it is possible to telework from home, either as remote employees or entrepreneurs with clients in the city.

Housing Costs

Employees need to consider a permanent living arrangement when working in Mexico. Staying in Mexico is significantly cheaper than in the US based on housing costs and the overall cost of living. The country has one of the best housing opportunities for foreigners to live, which means you don’t need to be a Mexican resident to rent an apartment. Property owners do not ask for proof of income or bank statement, but you be required to come with a guarantor who is there as an insurance for the property manager in case you skip out on the rent or damages the property ( Standish & Bell, 2004) . Therefore, while searching for a place to live, you will also need to get a reliable guarantor.

One of the key factors supporting foreigners living in Mexico is the lower cost of living compared to the United States and a higher value for your money. Housing costs in the country vary, but foreigners can find nice condos in middle-class neighborhoods for as low as $250 US dollars per month. The cost of living varies by location, with a typical couple spending roughly $2500 per month to live comfortably in Mexico ( Martin & Chaney, 2008) . This will cover for rent or mortgage, entertainment, dining out and some travel. There are also options for high-income luxury homes in Mexico for expats working in the country.

The best way to find a place to stay in Mexico is by walking around the neighborhood where you will see signs with phone numbers for apartments to rent. You will then pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent before signing a contract usually for one year. Rent is paid monthly with a receipt issued in return. In most cases, you will want to share a flat if you want to live a more authentic experience that includes learning the culture.

Union Influence

More than 90 percent of production workers with more than 25 employees in Mexico are unionized. A majority of labor unions fall under the umbrella of the Confederation of Mexican workers that comprises about 11,000 labor unions. These unions represent employees in areas such as wage increase. The Mexican labor aw governs the process in which employees organize labor unions and engage in collective bargaining ( Standish & Bell, 2004) . However, beware of ghost labor unions that have been exploiting workers. There have been reforms towards making the labor unions more transparent and accountable to their constituencies.

Workweek

Working hours in Mexico are not regulated by law, which means they depend on the type of job and company that has employed you. The typical work schedule operates on a specific standard that generates flexibility within the workweek. Business hours for most office jobs such as data analysts are usually long, running from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday with a long lunch break of between 1 to 2 hours. However, a few organizations still follow traditional Mexican hours of 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a 3-hour siesta for executives ( Standish & Bell, 2004) . Lunch breaks in Mexico are longer compared to the United States and other developed nations. Normal workers are given one-hour lunch break while executives can have up to three hours known as a siesta

The day shift for a typical worker in Mexico is eight hours, which can fit flexibly within the period of 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. On the other hand, the night shift is seven hours. However, the total number of hours per sped on the job by Mexican day shift laborer is 48 hours. In recent years, the working hours of the middle class in Mexico are becoming longer past 7 pm ( Martin & Chaney, 2008) . For example, individuals working in tourism are expected to work on weekends, public holidays and late hours.

The working conditions and salaries in Mexico are different from the United States. For example, salaries may be a little bit lower than the US or other western European countries with a wider salary gap compared to industrial countries based on the qualifications for particular jobs. Employees may also be entitled to other bonuses as stipulated by their employers, ranging from health insurance to vacations. In essence, a middle-income professional can live comfortably on $2000 per month ( Martin & Chaney, 2008) .

Typical Vacation Time

While working in Mexico, you will be legally entitled to a minimum of six days’ holiday after a year of working. However, since all new employees are given a three-month probation period, you will have to wait for 15 months before you get annual leave ( Martin & Chaney, 2008) . At the same time, employees in Mexico are entitled to one day off for the eight public holidays, but you may not be given an off day in six other holidays.

Work Customs and Laws

Crime levels are higher in the bigger cities than the smaller ones and can influence where you choose to stay. Therefore, you should consult with locals and other expats on where to live before settling down to avoid the dangerous places. At the same time, the police have the authority to ask for your passport or ID anywhere and anytime in all places to deal with the crime. As a result, always carry copies of your passport or tourist card as opposed to originals.

The healthcare system in Mexico is often cheaper than the US with a strong reputation. Public hospitals in Mexico are for those covered by Mexico’s national health program known as the IMSS. Anyone can pay into IMSS after they start working by asking the employer to sign you up. However, most expats prefer private healthcare while in Mexico as it covers more expensive treatment and is reasonable compared to the United States. Some employers offer private health insurance to their employees as part of the employee benefit. It is preferable to get good health insurance while in Mexico since there is no free medical treatment.

At the same time, you need to develop a habit of carrying extra cash while in Mexico. This is because Mexico continues to have a strong cash-based economy. Many tenants in the country will prefer paying your rent in cash as opposed to using direct debit ( Standish & Bell, 2004) . Banking is also done in person, where you are expected to stand in line before being served. Particularly, Mexico has a complex bureaucracy, which means you need paperwork in multiple copies before getting services in government offices. 90 percent are reasonable, polite and willing to help, which means you do not have to worry about any worse treatment.

In essence, Mexico is a beautiful country with friendly people, warm climate and vibrant culture for anyone working from there. The culture and acceptance by the Mexican people are great and increases the overall satisfaction of working here ( Standish & Bell, 2004) . Grocery stores, bakeries, and markets are located everywhere, making it easy to keep your pantry and refrigerator stocked. Most food prices are low compared to the United States which means you can meet a $200 grocery budget. The populace has a reputation of being open, friendly and helpful. However, you need to do your homework in understanding the culture when seeking to work in Mexico.

References

Martin, J. S., & Chaney, L. H. (2008).  Passport to Success: The Essential Guide to Business Culture and Customs in America's Largest Trading Partners: The Essential Guide to Business Culture and Customs in America's Largest Trading Partners . ABC-CLIO. 

Mraz, J. (2009).  Looking for Mexico: modern visual culture and national identity . Duke University Press. 

Standish, P., & Bell, S. M. (2004).  Culture and customs of Mexico . Greenwood Publishing Group.