Mexico, Services, Reciprocity - understand-culture

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.