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Question 1:
I dentify Five I nteresting Cultural Norms of Mexico.
Answer:
Mexico is a very class-conscious society where social stratifications are well-defined. Upper
class Mexicans will not dirty their hands with tasks they find beneath them. A sense of fatalism
is quite strong among many Mexicans, who feel that their path through life is largely
preordained. Macho attitudes are inculcated in Mexican males almost from birth, and machismo
plays a pervasive role in shaping Mexican culture.
The 5 major cultural norms of Mexico are:
1) Indirect speech is the style of communication in Mexico. Mexicans rarely make
straightforward statements about a topic, speaking instead rhetorically and elaborately in
generalities. ( Yucatan Holidays, 2010)
2) Positive social and professional relationships are what matter in Mexico. Mexicans are
social people who value interpersonal fellowship more than goal-oriented exchanges.
The better your relationships are with Mexicans, the more youll receive.( Yucatan
Holidays, 2010)
3) When first meeting, two Mexican men typically shake hands. When two women or a
man and woman meet, they kiss each other once on the cheek. As men and women
become more familiar with each other, they greet with a gentle hug, a pat on the back,
and then shake hands. ( Yucatan Holidays, 2010)
4) Mexico operates as a hierarchical system where government, business, and society are
highly stratified. As an authoritarian society, a persons rank and position determine
roles of leadership and service. Inquire whos in charge of a specific issue before
addressing it, otherwise breaking the chain of command could create problems for both
you and them
. ( Yucatan Holidays, 2010)
5) Punctuality is expected of foreign businesspeople. Your Mexican counterpart may be late
or keep you waiting. Thirty minutes past the scheduled meeting time is considered
punctual by Mexicans. (ediplomat, n.d.)
Side by side they follow norms like Mexico moves at a more leisurely stride. i.e. Take the
fast pace down a few notches, in Mexico proper greetings are essential, which involve an
initial exchange of pleasantries with everyone and a general inquiry about each other.
Anything less is considered rude and impolite. Mexican People follow primarily Catholicism;
it is the nucleus of their families and society. Catholic beliefs, traditions, and ceremonies
permeate daily Mexican life, since the Catholic Church has been a powerful influence since
Spanish rule. Acknowledging these values will earn you their respect.


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Question 2:
Make a list of Major Local, Multinational and Transnational organizations operating in
Mexico
Answer:
Below given is the list of some Mexican Public Companies Ranked according to Forbes. (Forbes,
2014)


Rank Name Industry

115 AmricaMvil Telecommunications services
373 Femsa Beverages
469 GFNorte Regional Banks
529 Grupo Mexico Diversified Metals & Mining
564 GrupoModelo Beverages
744 GrupoI nbursa Regional Banks
788 Cemex Construction Materials
826 ALFA Conglomerates
877 GrupoTelevisa Broadcasting & Cable
995 GrupoCarso Conglomerates
1027 Grupo Bimbo Food Processing
1147 El Puerto de Liverpool Department Stores
1513 Arca Continental Beverages
1541 I ndustriasPeoles Diversified Metals & Mining
1647 Grupo Elektra Computer & Electronics
Retail
1928 Kimberly-Clark de Mexico Household/Personal Care

Source: www.forbes.com

Some Multinational Companies that are operating in Mexico are:

Google
SAS Institute
Net App
Microsoft
W. L. Gore & Associates
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Kimberly-Clark
Marriott
Diageo
National Instruments
Cisco
Autodesk
Monsanto
BBVA Bancomer
American Express
Hilti
Telefnica
Accoar
Quintiles
SC Johnson
FedEx Express
Atento
Mars
McDonald's
The Coca-Cola Company
Novartis









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Question 3:
Discuss the life of an expatriate (e.g. benefits and challenges) in Mexico.
Answer:
An expatriate (sometimes shortened to expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in
a country other than that of the person's upbringing. The word comes from the Latin terms ex
("out of") and patria ("country, fatherland"). In common usage, the term is often used in the
context of professionals or skilled workers sent abroad by their companies, rather than for all
'immigrants' or 'migrant workers'. (Wikipedia, 2014).
For an expatriate in Mexico life is full of some advantages and problems. Some of them are
discussed below:
Benefits of living in Mexico:
An expatriate can live in Mexican cities and towns at the same lifestyle level as in the
U.S. and Canada for less money. Cost of living is cheaper there. So lots of Americans are
seen to live and work there.
An expatriate living in Mexico will have the chance to know the culture and language of
that country.
Living in Mexico will surely enhance the CV of the expatriate as he gets the chance to
know a new country and their management system and practices.
An expatriate living in Mexico will help to increase the business performance of the host
country with his knowledge and skills.
Because of the new knowledge and skills gathered in Mexico, an expatriate is likely to be
promoted after his return to the home country or any other host country.

Challenges of living in Mexico:
Mexico has always been notorious for drug cartels and other security issues. So it is
better to get some idea about the safety and security of the country before moving there
for an expatriate.
Language is another problem in Mexico. Even though upper class and corporate
Mexicans can speak in English, for everyday life it is better for an expatriate to get some
level of knowledge about Spanish language.
Mexican food even though very tasty and spicy, is hard for most expatriates to adjust.
An expatriate may have trouble to understand the politics of Mexico which in turn may
effect some business decisions.
An expatriateneeds to cope up with a huge time difference, different climate, schedule
and guidelines. Adjusting to these takes lots of time.
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One personal issue for an expatriate in Mexico is loneliness. If an expatriate moves
without his family, he is sure to miss them. In most of the expatriate this problem is
severe and this may hamper the professional life of that person.

Question 4:
Would you be interested to take an international job offer to that country? J ustify your
answer.
Answer:
What country is best for me? Well, that of course, depends. It depends on a lot of factors,
including personal preferences, your motives for expatriation, your financial circumstances, and
whether you plan to work or start or run a business while abroad, or simply retire on a pension or
Social Security.
Working in Mexico brings with it many challenges, first among them the actual job search. In
2013, Mexico had an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and unskilled workers in particular have a
hard time finding jobs. However, there is no reason for you to give up on your dream. Certain
professions are on the rise, and skilled expat professionals are always welcome.( InterNations ,
2014)
In many ways, Mexico today is like the U.S. was 50 years ago. Before big government, big
business, and special interests whittled away the lifestyle our parents took for granted. It is full of
overlooked retirement havens where one can retire in luxury without spending a fortune. (Anon.,
2010)
In 2013 San Miguel de Allende, this central Mexican City was voted as No. 1 City to live in by
CNN.
It is a city of "pure magic;" a "heaven where souls vacation." The atmosphere, architecture, food,
and open spaces are something to remember while one visits this place.
Considering the low costs of living and wonderful Climate as factors than Mexico is probably
the best place to live for any expatriate. Mexican peoples are very flexible. If anyone wants to
lead an adventurous life than definitely Mexico is the destination.
Now we will consider few factors below to answer this question:
Economy of Mexico:
Mexico has a free market economy in the trillion dollar class. It contains a mixture of modern
and outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent
administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications,
electricity generation, natural gas distribution, and airports. Per capita income is roughly one-
third that of the U.S.; income.GDP Per Capita Income of Mexico is $15,931.7 where in
Bangladesh it is only $2174.32.(Economy Watch, 2013)
Currency and exchange:
The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN). US$1 = 13 MXN (as of January 2014).
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Climate:
Mexico's weather varies significantly by season and by region.

Mexico Health Care:
Health care in Mexico is first-class. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians
(many of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexicos own world-renowned teaching
hospitals), and medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you
would pay in the U.S. Comparing to any European countries or even US one can get world class
medical facilities in Mexico with half of the amount.
Cost of Living in Mexico:
The quality of your life improves in Mexico. Things take longer. So youll need to learn to slow
down. Goods and services cost lessso you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very
wealthy enjoy up northlike a maid, a cook, and a gardener. And in Mexico you have the good
fortune of giving up very little when you make your move. Youre heading to a near neighbor
where you can get Internet, cable TV, and all the other comforts youre used to
Heres a sample monthly budget for two people:
Housing (rental of a three-bedroom home) $600
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone, cable TV, Internet) $120
Groceries $400
Entertainment (dining out and other activities) $250
Health care (two people on IMSS insurance, plus $70 per month for incidentals) $150
Household help:
Maid: Three times a week $150
Gardener: Three times a week $100
Incidentals $100
Monthly total $1870
Everyones lifestyle requirements are different. You could live on less. Its possible to rent a
place for $300 a month (or even less). If you dont need a cable TV or Internet, you can save on
those expenses.




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Taxes in Mexico:
As an expat in Mexico, the taxes one will pay depend in part on his/her situation.
Income Tax: If one owns a property in Mexico they will have to give real estate taxes. If one rent
out that property or own a business, have a job, or have interest-bear-ing bank accounts, he will
owe income tax.

Property taxes:
If one have any residential property than he will pay residential property tax every year. One has
to pay a 2% acquisition tax when you buy the property.

I s Mexico Safe? Finally, lets take a look at the elephant in the room: Mexicos drug-related
violence. In the last three years, most of the worldwide news reports on Mexico have ranged
from bad to appalling.
For the most part, however, these casualties continue to occur where crime has always been
frequentalong the U.S./Mexico border and in a few other pockets, such as parts of Sinaloa and
Durango states, that have a strong cartel presence. Ciudad Jurez is considered the most
dangerous city in this regard.
The rest of the country remains relatively untouched by drug violence. Its unlikely that you will
see, much less be affected by, and drug crime unless youre involved in the production, sale, or
purchase of illegal drugs. The incidence of non-drug crime in Mexico is very low, and generally
consists of petty crimes of opportunity, such as pick pocketing.
In most of Mexico, including vast parts of the colonial highlands and the Yucatn Peninsula, you
are much safer than in U.S. cities of comparable size.
After knowing about the country in depth, it could be said that, living in
Mexico could be adverse in some cases but, it could also be considered as a very good place for
any expatriate to live with or without family. Moreover its climate ideal for living and very
similar to Bangladesh. The cost of living is also affordable. It is a land of opportunities as it
comprises of different industries like agricultural private and a growing number of MNCs. Again
the Unemployment rate of Mexico for the experienced personals is very low compared to the
overall population.
There are some other factors to consider like Mexico is close to the U.S. which makes it very
important in terms of inter-state trading. It has a rich history and culture and unlike Europeans
the Mexicans are friendly people. Safety is a concern in some locations due to ongoing violent
conflict between drug cartels. Mexico's tourism industry has been seriously affected by the
increase in violent crime or its reporting, though it has many contributors who travel and live in
the country without incident for years. So It can surely be said that, Mexico is a suitable place for
working and it is highly appropriate for us Bangladeshis who wants to go abroad as expatriates.

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References
InterNations , 2014. Working in Mexico. [Online]
Available at: http://www.internations.org/mexico-expats/guide/working-in-mexico-15388
[Accessed 14 October 2014].
Yucatan Holidays, 2010. Top 10 Cultural Norms to Observe in Mexico. [Online]
Available at: http://www.yucatan-holidays.com/featured-articles/top-10-cultural-norms-to-
observe-in-mexico/
[Accessed 14 October 2014].
Anon., 2010. Why Americans move to Mexico. [Online]
Available at:
http://www.cozumelmexicohomes.com/blogs/cindy_trautwein/archive/2010/04/26/why-
americans-move-to-mexico.aspx
[Accessed 14 October 2014].
Economy Watch, 2013. GDP Per Capita (PPP), US Dollars Data for All Countries. [Online]
Available at: http://www.economywatch.com/economic-statistics/economic-
indicators/GDP_Per_Capita_PPP_US_Dollars/
[Accessed 14 October 2014].
ediplomat, n.d. Mexico. [Online]
Available at: http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_mx.htm
[Accessed 2014].
Forbes, 2014. The world's biggest public companies. [Online]
Available at:
http://www.forbes.com/global2000/list/#page:1_sort:0_direction:asc_search:_filter:All%20indust
ries_filter:Mexico_filter:All%20states
[Accessed 14 October 2014].
Wikipedia, 2014. Expatriate. [Online]
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expatriate