In June 1994, the National Survey of the Values of Mexicans asked about work and time. Six of ten Mexicans over 18 believed that a company is affected if its employees arrive 20 minutes late, according to an analysis in the journal of AMAI, the Mexican association of market research agencies.
Invoices Paid Late
In 2023, the Mexican Association of Entrepreneurs (ASEM) found that 33.1 percent of companies in Mexico face late payment of invoices by their clients. The average delay was 48.1 days. Among companies that sell to other businesses, the share rose to 45.6 percent, El CEO reported.
In October 2022, a committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to shorten the payment term for invoices of micro, small and medium businesses from 120 days to 45.
Ten Little Minutes
In March 2023, the columnist Eduardo Navarrete wrote in Publimetro that punctuality, for Mexicans, is “una misteriosa carta de intención” (a mysterious letter of intent). He listed the phrases that give it away. Al ratito, “in a little while.” 10 minutitos, “ten little minutes.” Ahí mañana, “tomorrow, then.” Híjole, te la debo, “oh dear, I owe you that one.”
On Time at the Airport
In January 2019, Mexico News Daily reported the annual punctuality ranking of OAG, an air travel data company. Mexico City’s international airport had an on-time rate of 83.35 percent, among the five best of the world’s major airports.
Absurd
In October 2024, during a session of the plenary of Mexico’s Supreme Court, Justice Lenia Batres said that it would be “absurdo” (absurd) to vote again on a question the court had already resolved. Chief Justice Norma Piña asked that such adjectives not be used in the plenary. (Video in Spanish.)
Batres answered that she knew of no rule that barred the word. The only limit, she said, was not to disrespect colleagues personally. She closed: “Respetuosamente, siempre, ministra” (Respectfully, always, Justice).
The Retainer
Iguala is a fixed sum that a person pays another periodically for services, “independientemente de la carga de trabajo” (regardless of the workload), according to the Diccionario del español de México.
Article 38 of the law on the professions in Mexico City states: “Los profesionistas podrán prestar sus servicios mediante iguala que fijen libremente con las partes con quienes contraten” (Professionals may provide their services through an iguala that they set freely with the parties who hire them).
In 1999, an article on medical fees in the Gaceta Médica de México cited the same rule for doctors.
Gifts for Clients
Article 28 of Mexico’s income tax law lists expenses that may not be deducted. Fraction III names “los obsequios, atenciones y otros gastos de naturaleza análoga” (gifts, courtesies and other expenses of a similar nature). The exception covers gifts tied directly to selling products or providing services that are offered to clients in general.
The custom goes on. In November 2025, the Mexican business site Emprendedor advised that corporate gifts help to “agradecer, fidelizar y fortalecer tus relaciones” (thank, build loyalty and strengthen relationships).
Doctors Do Not Charge Doctors
In June 2026, the columnist Alberto Halabe wrote a column on medical fees for SDP Noticias. He noted that “entre médicos no se cobran honorarios” (among doctors no fees are charged) for consultations they give each other or their closest relatives. He said the custom seems to follow the Hippocratic oath, which he reads as exempting from fees even the relatives of the teachers who trained the doctor.
The Gallito
In December, the sanitation crews of Mazatlán go from door to door to ask residents for the “tradicional Gallito” (traditional little rooster), a year-end tip. In 2020, the city’s director of public services told Luz Noticias that it is not obligatory, because the workers receive a year-end bonus as employees.
In Chilpancingo, Xataka México reported in 2026, residents give the garbage crews a weekly contribution, and some now pay it by bank transfer.
Public Tenders
Article 134 of the Mexican Constitution says that public resources “se administrarán con eficiencia, eficacia, economía, transparencia y honradez” (shall be administered with efficiency, effectiveness, economy, transparency and honesty). Government purchases and contracts are to be awarded through public tenders, licitaciones públicas. Other procedures are allowed when tenders are not suitable.
According to Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity, 80 percent of federal government contracts in 2023 were direct awards. Measured by value, IMCO found that 22 percent of federal purchases in 2023 went through direct awards and restricted invitations.